Stephanie Smith, LPCC

She/Her/Hers

Modality: Individual, Couples, & Family Therapy

Location: Virtual

Expertise: ADD / ADHD, Addiction & Recovery, Anxiety, Depression, Eating Disorders, Grief, Loss, & Bereavement, Self-Esteem, Sexuality, Women’s Issues 

Treatment Approach: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Person - Centered Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Strength Based, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Somatic Psychology 

Biography

Stephanie specializes in adult Mental Healthcare, offering a blend of Behavioral Therapy, Neuroscience, Somatic techniques, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. These interventions combined with emotional exploration/processing result in individualized care and measurable improvements in your well-being. Stephanie is an expert in CBT-E for eating disorder treatment Stephanie offers a complimentary 15-minute consultation to individuals in need of support. Skilled in rapport building and motivational interviewing, Stephanie assists clients in recognizing and breaking free from repetitive and suppressed narratives, enabling them to move forward in life. As an LGBTQ community member and ally, Stephanie's cultural competence is intertwined with social justice and peace frameworks.

Stephanie firmly believes that individuals evolve their true selves throughout their entire lifespan. Unlearning as well as learning is often fundamental to self-discovery and understanding one's identity. Stephanie fosters a secure environment for clients to openly express themselves in sessions. Vulnerability is required to heal yourself. By identifying and acknowledging defense mechanisms, Stephanie helps clients release resistance and align with their goals.

Stephanie's educational background combines two Bachelor's degrees in Women's/Gender Studies with a Master of Science Degree in Mental Health Counseling. Guided by praxis, Stephanie engaged in field research for the "Working Poor Mothers with Minor Children Project" at the University of Arizona's Southwest Institute for Research on Women. This project delved into the behavioral, social, and environmental factors influencing the lives of many impoverished mothers in the Southwest. Stephanie also taught Sexual Health and Relationship Education at a women's residential treatment center, offered in-person court advocacy for mothers, and was trained in administering the SAMSHA long assessment by the Southwest Institute for Research on Women. Motivated by her own experiences and work Stephanie pursued an advanced Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling and state licensure New Mexico and Virginia and is a National Certified Counselor.

Stephanie is passionate about female sexual empowerment and believes that women can have more pleasure and more power by getting to know their wants, needs, and desires. Stephanie has a passion for supporting fellow healthcare workers including therapists.

Stephanie is an avid connoisseur of music across genres, loves continuing to learn Spanish language, reviewing restaurants and traveling outside of the US.