
Marlo Drago
She/HerMSW
Registered Social Worker

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.

Anxiety

Emotional Regulation

Chronic Pain

Trauma

Childhood Trauma

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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:

Somatic Approach

Mindfulness
Client communities & cultural expertise
These are the client communities and cultural backgrounds I have specialized experience supporting.
Client populations I serve

Adults

Youth And Young Adults

Millenials
Professional credentials

Registered Social Worker
- No.823084
Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
Educational background

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
FAQ
Did you know?

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.
Blog
I created the following content. Feel free to read and share it.