Marlo Drago
MSW, RSW

My Story

I’m Marlo Drago, a dedicated Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist with a passion for helping people reconnect with their inner strength, peace, and self-compassion after experiencing trauma. Experiencing my own trauma as a child, and not receiving the support I needed ignited my passion for becoming a therapist. After working with children and families in the child welfare sector, I honed my skills and now focus my practice on helping adults work through little and big traumas. My journey into trauma-focused therapy began with a curiosity about how past wounds shape our lives and relationships.  Witnessing the profound resilience of individuals facing adversity inspired me to specialize in trauma treatment, combining evidence-based methods with a compassionate, holistic approach. Over time, I've come to see that healing isn’t just possible—it can be a transformative journey toward empowerment, clarity, and true self-acceptance.

 

My Approach

In my practice, I integrate a range of therapeutic approaches to create a truly personalized healing journey. My primary modalities include Polyvagal-informed therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, breathwork, and yoga. Together, these approaches offer a comprehensive way to address both the mind and body.

I use polyvagal and trauma-informed practices to create a safe, supportive space where clients can reconnect with their nervous system, allowing for gentle, lasting healing from the effects of trauma. These practices help clients feel grounded, regulate emotions more effectively, and build resilience, empowering them to navigate life with a renewed sense of calm, self-compassion, and confidence. ACT and DBT provide tools to build emotional resilience, shift unhelpful patterns, and align actions with personal values. Incorporating mindfulness, breathwork, and yoga allows us to engage the body directly in the healing process, promoting a sense of calm, grounding, and self-connection.

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Pillars of My Practice

• Self-Love and Patience: Developing kindness and patience toward yourself is fundamental to healing.

• Mind-Body Connection: Your body holds onto deep-seated experiences; understanding this link is key to emotional healing.

• Self-Awareness: True change begins with knowing yourself—your patterns, habits, and the emotions shaped by your past.

• Real Self-Care: I emphasize research-backed strategies for lasting positivity and joy, beyond surface-level self-care.

• Human Connection: Healing is rooted in the experience of feeling seen, heard, and safe.

 

Who I Help

I work with clients who are:

• Experiencing burnout, anxiety, stress, or a sense of disconnection from life

• Using coping strategies that may no longer be beneficial in the long term

• Feeling “stuck” and unsure how to move forward in an area of life

• Struggling to set boundaries or say “no” to family, friends, or work

• Seeking improved communication and relationships with others

• Curious about how childhood experiences shaped their values and beliefs

• Committed to breaking cycles of intergenerational trauma

• Wishing to heal and reconnect with their inner child or inner teenager

• Wanting to be more present, grounded, and calm in their daily lives

 

Creating Change

I utilize groundbreaking therapeutic methods that go beyond traditional talk therapy, especially when previous methods haven’t brought the desired results. My training includes:

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): For values-based change and resilience

• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): For emotional regulation and self-awareness

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR): For trauma processing and healing

• Polyvagal-Informed Therapy: For nervous system support and safety

• Yoga and Mindfulness: For grounding, presence, and self-connection

• Breathwork: For emotional release and balance

 

Mission Statement

My mission is to create a compassionate, trauma-informed space where you can reconnect with yourself, heal from within, and reclaim a life that feels fulfilling and true to you. It’s an honor to walk alongside you on this journey as you build resilience, deepen self-compassion, and embrace new ways of being. Healing is a journey, and I’m here to support you every step of the way.