Meet Emily Browning, LCSW

What will we talk about?

Here’s an interesting thing about therapy: much of how you are “helped” by the time we spend together has to do with whether you and I are a good fit. Your own reasons and motivation for coming to therapy are also important. In order to cope with the here and now, it’s often useful to understand more about how you got here. If you are ready to talk not only about what’s happening in your life now but to explore the patterns that underpin your current actions and reactions, we might be a good fit.

Everyone has a story to tell, and I want to hear it. However, successful therapy doesn’t stop with the story. You’re navigating challenging times, and you want strategies to help you cope more effectively. This means working toward better solutions both in sessions and between sessions. There is often a pretty fine line between counseling and coaching, and I’m likely to use elements of both in our work together. If you’re motivated to grow and want to be supported and challenged while you make positive changes, we might be a good fit.

When faced with crises such as serious illness, loss, or burnout in a previously beloved career, we often need to reconnect with those things that bring us meaning. This may be achieved through reflection, meditation or other forms of mindfulness, physical activity, written words, art, prayer, social action, or a myriad of actions based on what’s most important to you. If you want to explore what brings you meaning and to reconnect with your strengths, we might be a good fit.

My Education and Experience

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Pennsylvania, and I provide telehealth only services in Florida. I specialize in hospice and palliative care, having worked in a variety of settings where symptom-directed care is delivered. If you are coping with a serious illness or loss, I will not be afraid to sit with you in your grief.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the experience of interacting with the healthcare system, I am willing to strategize with you about how to get the most out of your conversations with medical professionals. We can even speak with your physician or your family together if that suits your needs. I have many years of experience in helping individuals and families to make difficult decisions by clarifying their goals and values.

Having worked in healthcare systems for many years, I also understand what it’s like to be a healthcare worker. It’s a rewarding but challenging path at the best of times, and these are especially challenging times. Years of providing support for healthcare workers has taught me some of the individual and systemic issues that are likely to trip us up in our work. I’m ready to talk about ethical dilemmas and moral distress, frustrating systems, shared trauma, grief, the concept of “calling” as a source of meaning and a source of burnout, and anything else you bring to the table.

I’ve also coped with my own anxiety and perfectionism and understand the unique challenges of managing these traits in the high-pressure world of healthcare. I will bring you evidence-based strategies for dealing with stress, anxiety, and perfectionism as well as the experience of navigating my own journey. I have additional training in trauma-informed and crisis management therapies as well as in palliative care.

I have a Masters of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University and also a Masters of Divinity from a Virginia seminary. I have deep respect for all faith perspectives and believe in the importance of connecting with what’s meaningful to you, whether that meaning comes from religion, spirituality, secular community, or some other source. When you say you feel called to your role, I know what that means. If you’ve been hurt by your interactions with religious institutions in the past, we can talk about that, too. I am a competent, supportive, and compassionate advocate for LGBTQ+ folx and have extensive personal experience working with queer communities. You will find a safe and affirming space here.