Marlo Drago, Registered Social Worker (ON) | Therapist | Stellocare
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Background

I’m a Registered Social Worker with over 12 years of experience supporting clients through trauma, anxiety, and life transitions. My approach is rooted in EMDR, polyvagal theory, somatic therapy, DBT, ACT, and mindfulness. I’ve completed extensive training in trauma therapy and bring a grounded, compassionate presence to each session. My background also includes yoga and movement-based practices, which support mind-body healing. I work virtually across Ontario, helping clients reconnect with safety, self-trust, and inner resilience.

Your therapeutic experience with me

My approach is trauma-informed, compassionate, and grounded in EMDR, polyvagal theory, and somatic therapy. Sessions are collaborative and paced gently to support safety and nervous system regulation. Whether we’re exploring beliefs, processing trauma, or building coping tools, I meet you where you are. Clients describe me as calm, warm, and non-judgmental — someone who helps them feel truly seen. Therapy with me often feels like finally exhaling after holding your breath for too long.

Areas of expertise

These represent my core areas of expertise, backed by specialized training and extensive clinical experience.

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Anxiety

Expertise area 2

Emotional Regulation

Expertise area 3

Chronic Pain

Expertise area 4

Trauma

Expertise area 5

Childhood Trauma

Expertise area 6

Burnout

I also provide skilled support in these additional areas and welcome clients seeking help with these concerns.

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Parenting

Therapeutic approaches

These are my primary therapeutic approaches, backed by specialized training and extensive clinical experience.

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Polyvagal EMDR

Polyvagal EMDR combines the power of trauma processing with gentle nervous system regulation. This approach helps you feel safer and more grounded while working through painful memories. By understanding how your body responds to stress (fight, flight, freeze), we can tailor the therapy to move at your pace—supporting healing without feeling overwhelmed. Many clients find that this method helps them release old patterns, reconnect with themselves, and feel more in control of their emotions. It’s a compassionate, body-aware way to process trauma and reclaim your sense of safety and self.

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Trauma-informed Therapy

Trauma-informed therapy is about creating a space where you feel safe, seen, and supported. It helps reduce overwhelming symptoms, makes it easier to manage emotions, and builds trust between you and your therapist. This approach gently supports you in understanding your past without judgment, and empowers you to develop healthier ways of coping. Over time, it can help you feel more grounded and less dependent on crisis supports, while making steady progress in your healing journey.

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Dialectical Behaviour Therapy

DBT is a skills-based therapy that helps you manage intense emotions, build stronger relationships, and reduce self-destructive patterns. It blends mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and communication skills to support you in feeling more balanced and in control. In sessions, we focus on both acceptance and change—helping you honor where you are while also making meaningful shifts. Many clients find DBT empowering because it gives them real tools they can use right away, in everyday life. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, shut down, or stuck in cycles that don’t serve you, DBT offers practical support to help you feel more grounded, present, and confident.

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Acceptance And Commitment Therapy

ACT helps you make space for difficult thoughts and feelings, without letting them control your life. Instead of trying to push pain away, we work on accepting what’s outside of your control—and committing to actions that move you toward the life you want. You’ll learn how to unhook from unhelpful thoughts, connect with your values, and take meaningful steps forward. Many clients find ACT helpful when they feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from themselves. It’s a gentle but powerful way to build resilience, clarity, and a deeper sense of purpose.

I also incorporate these evidence-based approaches when clinically appropriate:

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Somatic Approach

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Mindfulness

Client communities & cultural expertise

These are the client communities and cultural backgrounds I have specialized experience supporting.

Client populations I serve

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Adults

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Youth And Young Adults

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Millenials

Professional credentials

Ontario regulatory jurisdiction flag

Registered Social Worker
- No.823084

Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers

Educational background

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Masters of Social Work

University of Toronto, Canada

Specialized training

EMDR Basic Training

Trauma Training Institute

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

PESI

Polyvagal Theory

PESI

Trauma Training Certificate

SickKids CCMH

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Russ Harris

Practice locations & services

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FAQ

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personal insight about this therapist

I know how powerful therapy can be (I have been myself)— it’s why I do this work. I bring empathy and lived experience to every session.