Hillary Burr, MA, LCSW

Think you know what therapy looks like? Think again. Bringing together groundbreaking treatments and mindfulness, therapist Hillary Burr will empower you to reach your full potential in a space of authenticity. 

Burr offers individuals struggling with life challenges innovative approaches to integrate the mind and body. These include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a treatment proven to engage neural pathways to heal trauma, and Acudetox, an acupuncture therapy that improves addictions, anxiety, and insomnia. 

Burr has extensive experience working with at-risk youth and their families, adolescents, college students, and adults of all ages. Read on to get to know her more—and click here to schedule an appointment. 

What do you want for your clients?

I hope that my clients feel seen and heard. I hope they feel empowered, motivated, and as if balance has been restored in their lives.

What’s a session like with you? 

I use humor. I tend to be gentle and validating—but also have that edge of confrontation and accountability. I allow my authentic self to be part of the relationship. 

What led you to this work?

I went to college as a criminal justice major — I wanted to be Olivia Benson from Law & Order SVU — but fell in love with Sociology 101. After undergrad I got a job as a case manager, which I enjoyed, but felt like I was putting a band-aid on my clients’ problems. I wanted to do more. I got my MSW and interned at an outpatient center. Very quickly, I knew this was my work. 

Why did you choose to practice at CFC? 

I was really drawn to the team culture here and also loved the balance of being able to work with children, adolescents, and adults. 

What exactly is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)? 

EMDR was developed for treating veterans with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and has been adapted for anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. The theory is that you recreate what your brain does naturally in REM sleep to reprocess traumatic memories. It’s been shown to reduce symptoms very quickly. I’ve seen adolescents who were having panic attacks two or three times per week stop having them completely after four sessions of EMDR. 

And tell us about Acudetox. 

It’s a type of ear acupuncture focused on relaxation and detoxification. It was started in a methadone clinic in New York and there’s a lot of research around how it reduces relapses and helps sustain sobriety. It works for all types of addictions. The philosophy of the organization that trains practitioners is that this treatment should be affordable for everyone. Acupuncture tends to be really expensive. 

How has the pandemic changed your work? 

I’ve noticed increases in clients’ anxiety. I worked at a small, Buddhist-inspired college for the past year and it was wild, because there’s already a lot of existential questioning in that type of environment. I’ve seen more of that in general. People are making big life decisions.

What do you do in your free time?

I like to ski, hike, take road trips, and explore new places. And I love to macramé and listen to audiobooks and podcasts.

Favorite audiobook? 

Anything by Brené Brown. 

Favorite podcast? 

Anything murder-mystery. Historical documentaries. I also have two favorite mental health podcasts: Modern Therapist Survival Guide and Therapist Uncensored. 

Favorite quote

“Nothing will work unless you do.” – Maya Angelou