I’m so glad you’re here

it’s so nice to virtually meet you!

MY FOCUS

A therapist, a lifelong learner, a fellow traveller

 I work with neurodivergent and sensitive adults who struggle with feeling easily overwhelmed by life’s stresses and their emotions. When many of my clients come to me, they’ve become stuck in a cycle of anxiety, shame, and distrust of their own inner knowing or intuition.

In therapy, I don’t tell you what to do or how to feel. You bring your expertise on your life to sessions, and I’ll add a psychological perspective with a holistic, affirming lens. I don’t see mental health as an “above the neck” issue, but as part of mind, body + soul. (And psst… I’ll never think you’re “too woo.”)

my values

  • There’s power in allowing our authentic selves to see the light of day. Therapy can be a safe place to practice what this feels like. I value being real with you as a therapist + human, because you didn’t come to therapy for a blank slate therapist who makes you feel like you’re just talking to yourself.

  • Therapy is part of medical care, and as such can have a power imbalance. I don’t believe in making sweeping generalizations about your life or pretending I know best what you need. My job is to offer some ideas or suggestions, see how they land for you and trust that you know what’s best for yourself.

  • When we start therapy, we’re often running from a part of ourselves or our past that we’d rather not acknowledge. It’s my honor to compassionately hold space for all parts of you that show up in therapy.

Hi, I’m Stephanie

As a midlife-diagnosed neurodivergent (Autistic-ADHD) woman, I’ve experienced what it’s like to be misunderstood and burnt out from trying to keep everyone happy at the expense of my own needs and health.

In my own journey inward, I’ve discovered that it’s possible to wake up in the morning without dread and be surrounded by people who appreciate me for, well, me.

It inspires me to see my clients gaining a deeper understanding of themselves and finding self-compassion for the pain they’ve experienced.

When I’m between sessions with clients, you can often find me making yet another pot of Earl Grey and trying to keep my pandemic-era houseplants alive.

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

  • MSW, Clinical Social Work, Michigan State University

  • B.A., Psychology, Michigan State University

  • Certificate in Psychoanalytic Theory, Michigan Council for Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy (MCPP)

  • Certificate in BodyTalk Access, BodyTalk

  • Licensed Master Social Worker in Michigan (License: 6801095574)

  • Certified Autism Clinical Specialist (ASDCS)

  • Extensively trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

  • Trained in Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), completed level 1 and 2 through the Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology (ACEP) and currently working towards certification

MY SPECIALTIES

  • Anxiety management can include practical tools plus getting curious about the root of anxiety. Anxiety is usually an emotion that alerts us we are in conflict with ourselves in some way.

  • There’s nothing wrong with how your brain innately is wired. Together, we can map a sensory profile to identify your needs and rewrite your story through a compassionate, affirmative lens.

  • For deep thinkers, focusing on coping skills only doesn’t make for a satisfying therapy experience. Together, we explore internalized messages that can be like a mental operating system we are unaware of until we start tracing symptoms back to where they originated.

  • Many sensitive and neurodivergent folks have experienced trauma related to navigating a world that wasn’t built for them. When exploring complex trauma, we go slowly and focus on building safety and self-regulation skills first.

  • Being the “fixer” in relationships, perfectionism and imposter syndrome, people-pleasing and boundaries are all issues we can explore together so that you can feel more at ease in your relationships.

  • Find healing from childhood sexual abuse or sexual assault as an adult. Learn how to identify and manage flashbacks and begin to have a safe relationship with your sexuality on your terms.

I work exclusively through video sessions with clients across Michigan. Find a comfortable spot in your home that’s relatively private with a good WiFi connection. I’ll join you over video from my home office, mug of tea in hand. Please feel free to bring any comfort items, fidgets, or pets that would help you be at ease.

WiFi spotty? Not to worry. Phone sessions are possible as an alternative.