ABOUT STEPHANIE

Most people who enter the helping professions do so because they have needed the help of another at some point in their own journey. My story is no different. I have walked the often frightening and painful path of healing and found myself drawn to be a guide to others who were embarking on their own healing journey.

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My hope is that clients who chose to see me will find a comfort and acceptance that they long for. I work to make the therapy room a safe and warm place where healing and sharing doesn't feel scary or dangerous.

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Often we find ourselves wondering why we do the things we do, why our relationships don't turn out the way we hope or how to change the way we feel. Healing from pain and hurt in our past can pave the way to a whole and full life. Besel Van Der Kolk says, “Neuroscience research shows that the only way we can change the way we feel is by becoming aware of our inner experience and learning to befriend what is going on inside ourselves.”

I have also dedicated myself to understanding inter-generational trauma and racial trauma. I continue to make the work of understanding the impact of systemic racism, colonization and racial trauma a priority personally and professionally. Cultural and familial  norms often keep us from pursuing healing. It is my hope you'll feel safe parsing those things out with me.

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I moved to Arizona from Washington State after graduating high school, to pursue a degree in Biblical Studies from Southwestern College in Phoenix. I was in education for almost two decades, mostly teaching high school History and English.

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I felt a strong pull toward therapy for some time and after my third son was born, figured there was no time like the present to pursue that calling. My Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy is from Fuller Theological Seminary in Phoenix, AZ. 

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I completed my internship in private practice where I developed a reputation for handling difficult marital situations and high conflict with ease. I really enjoy working with a variety of different clients. For me, it's not the kind of client per say. It's more how willing the client is to do their own work. A therapist can only work as hard as his/her client. So, when clients come in ready to do the work, I get really excited!

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I maintain a Biblical worldview. I believe spirituality is a key element to our whole healing. However, I recognize each client's autonomy and self determination. If this is not something a client wishes to include in their process, it is not necessary to ensure effective therapy.

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I have been married for 15 years to my husband and we share three elementary aged boys and their younger sister, who all bring adventure and sometimes exhaustion to our daily lives. We enjoy the outdoors - hiking, biking, kayaking, boating, camping, gardening, fishing, etc... as a family. On my own time, I am an avid reader and creator. I love to write and craft.

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I teach counseling courses as an adjunct professor at Grace School of Theology in Houston, TX. I have also trained and consulted with church lay leaders to provide lay counseling for trauma victims. I was a guest lecturer at Phoenix Seminary from 2010 to 2017 in Hermeneutics, Discourse Analysis and Women in Ministry courses/topics. I like to keep one foot in the teaching world to feed that part of me.

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