Stephan Mambazo
LICSW, 30 years of experience
New to Grow
About me
I am a licensed clinical social worker, a professionally certified specialist in The Grief Recovery Method®, a certified clinical trauma professional, a certified transgender care specialist, certified in The Gottman Method, and certified in EMDR. I have been in the helping profession for over forty years, and I strive to embody authenticity both professionally and personally. I am an LGBTQ+ affirming sex and gender therapist, and I provide WPATH letters to those identifying as being of the transgender experience. My professional experience, as a former first responder, medical and clinical social worker, advocate, activist, educator, and private practice owner, has provided me with a wealth of knowledge and expertise spanning various levels of public service, including federal, state, and local roles. My counseling style is warm, interactive, and person-centered. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. I provide all services via a HIPAA-compliant and secure web-based platform.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Our first session begins before we meet in my virtual office. It starts with your completion of treatment consent, practice policy, financial responsibility, demographic information, billing details, medical and mental health history (if any), and assessment measures. The assessment measures help us, you, and me develop a clearer picture of how your potential treatment issues are impacting your life and the severity. At the time of your appointment confirmation, and just before your appointment, you will receive an appointment email/text confirmation link that will gain you entry to my medically secure virtual office. When we meet, you will have the opportunity to ask me relevant questions about my qualifications and ability to treat your areas of personal concern that brought you to treatment. We will discuss the assessment measures and what they mean. You will have the opportunity to share YOUR TRUTH with me, without judgment, as to what happened, what it is like currently, and what your treatment goals are. If you are seeking intimate partner(s) counseling, the same applies to all involved who will be in therapy/counseling with you. If appropriate, you may be asked/allowed to invite a close friend, family member, or other support person.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My greatest strengths include years of diverse experience, high emotional intelligence and compassion, and a broad knowledge of treatment paradigms.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
You have made a vital step in confronting the issues that may have you feeling sad, anxious, fearful, abandoned and rejected, angry, or alone. My primary practice approach is eclectic, helping those who have experienced trauma after homicide, suicide, disaster/public emergency, racism, police/institutional violence/discrimination. You also may be experiencing adjustment issues post-incarceration, domestic violence, and racial/sexual/gender hate. But what is most relevant is that you have chosen to take positive action toward growth, healing, and recovery from challenges that may have recently emerged, or experienced years or even decades ago.
Specialties
Top specialties
Other specialties
I identify as
Serves ages
My treatment methods
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I have been using DBT as a primary methodology for nearly ten years, after having completed training and certification. I bill and document such as CBT due to my not having a second therapist for full-focused DBT.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
The use of CBT is a basic methodology that I often use in conjunction with DBT. This is especially appropriate with many EAP referrals, SFBT, and limited session restrictions.
Gottman method
I have provided couples counseling for much of my career. Obtaining Level 1-3 training with the Gottman Institute has elevated my clinical interventions with couples and triads to a level of effectiveness that yields increased positive outcomes for my patients.
EMDR
I began my EMDR training and supervision early in 2021, during the height of the pandemic. Learning, practicing, and being supervised virtually due to the pandemic has become a tool that I have found beneficial for the majority of my clients. I subscribe to the belief that much of today's emotional/behavioral suffering has some connection to trauma; thus, EMDR is an invaluable tool in my practice. I utilize remotEMDR to provide my patients with the best EMDR experience.
Grief Therapy
I took the advanced professional training more than fifteen years ago. I have found it most beneficial with a diverse range of clients, during various grief experiences and losses.