Casandra (Cassie) Starback, LMSW

Casandra (Cassie) Starback is a Licensed Master Social Worker with more than 22 years of experience in gerontology. She practices in Michigan and focuses on the strain that comes with aging, caregiving, and long-term health changes. Cassie draws on years of work in clinics, residential care communities, and community organizations to guide her conversations. Her style is steady and practical. She helps people talk through stress, anxiety, grief, depression, and the everyday strain of caregiving. Cassie emphasizes compassion for oneself and learning small steps to move toward what matters most. Cassie uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, known as ACT, to help clients notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them. She also brings self-compassion into sessions so people can treat themselves with more kindness while making changes. Many clients she has worked with face aging and geriatric issues, hospice and end-of-life concerns, or isolation and life-purpose questions. She helps caregivers cope with compassion fatigue and the unique demands that come with supporting someone else. Cassie believes people are the experts on their own lives. She works collaboratively to build inner resources and practical strategies, and to connect with supportive networks. If you are managing loss, change, or the stress of caregiving, she offers a calm, experienced presence to help you take mindful steps forward.

How evidence-based methods translate to online care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice thoughts and feelings without letting them control behavior. It focuses on clarifying personal values and taking small, meaningful actions toward those values, which can help with grief, anxiety, and life changes.

Self-compassion work teaches people to treat themselves with kindness when they face hard emotions. Practicing self-compassion can reduce harsh self-criticism and support coping during caregiving or end-of-life transitions.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Cassie listens to your concerns and priorities, then suggests which techniques might fit best. Together you can try methods and adjust them based on what feels most helpful and realistic for your life.

If you are considering online sessions, confirm the current session options before booking so you know which formats are available. Many people find online work helps fit therapy into busy schedules, allows shorter check-ins when needed, and makes it easier to include family or support networks in planning. Online sessions can also reduce travel time and help maintain continuity during periods of caregiving or frequent appointments.