I’m a veteran, a mom, and a licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience helping individuals heal from trauma and navigate major life transitions. My background in the military has given me firsthand insight into the unique challenges faced by veterans and their families, including the emotional toll of service and deployment, the difficulty of transitioning to civilian life, and the impact of trauma. As a healthcare provider, I’ve also worked with clients facing a range of mental health concerns, from anxiety and depression to PTSD and complex grief. I understand how difficult it can be to reach out for help, and I want you to know that your care is important to me. My approach is collaborative and tailored to your needs. Whether you're working through past trauma, adjusting to new life circumstances, or simply trying to find a sense of balance, I’m here to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel supported and valued. I integrate evidence-based approaches like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, and Exposure and Response Prevention to help you identify unhelpful patterns, develop coping strategies, and build resilience. For those who wish to incorporate their faith into therapy, I also offer Christian counseling as a source of strength and guidance. As a mom, I understand the complexities of balancing family life with personal challenges, and I strive to meet clients where they are — with compassion and understanding. Healing isn’t linear, and progress takes time, but you don’t have to face it alone. My goal is to empower you to feel more in control of your life, strengthen your emotional well-being, and help you discover a path toward peace and fulfillment. Your story matters, and I’m honored to be part of your journey.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In your first session with me, you can expect a calm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you feel heard and valued. I know that starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially if you’ve never been in therapy before or if you’ve had a difficult experience with a previous therapist. My goal is to make you feel comfortable from the start — there’s no pressure, no expectation to “open up” right away, and no judgment about what you share. The first session is about building trust and understanding your story, not diving straight into solutions or clinical assessments. We’ll begin with some introductions and a relaxed conversation so you can get to know me a little, and I can start to get a sense of who you are and what brought you to therapy. I’ll probably start with some broad, open-ended questions about your background because understanding where you come from helps me better understand the challenges you’re facing now. I might ask: Where were you raised? Who raised you, and what was your relationship like with them? Who were the important people in your life growing up? What are some key experiences — good or bad — that shaped how you see the world today? There’s no right or wrong answer to any of these questions. If something feels too personal or difficult to share, you don’t have to answer — this is your space, and you’re in control of what you share and when you share it. My goal isn’t to dig into painful memories but to get a sense of the larger story that brought you here. From there, we’ll talk about what led you to seek therapy now. What’s been weighing on you, and why does it feel important to address it at this point in your life? I might ask questions like: What’s been feeling hard for you lately? Are there specific thoughts or feelings that keep coming up? When did you first notice these challenges? I’m not just listening for the surface-level details — I want to understand the deeper emotional impact of what you’ve been through. Whether you’re navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, or simply feeling stuck in a season of life, I want to know how it’s been affecting you emotionally, mentally, and even physically. If you’re not sure how to put it into words, that’s okay — we’ll figure it out together. One of the most important questions I’ll ask is: "If you woke up tomorrow and everything was perfect, what would have changed?" This question helps me understand your goals and your vision for healing. It gives us a starting point for

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

One of my greatest strengths as a provider is the depth of understanding and empathy I bring to my work, particularly when working with veterans, military families, and individuals navigating complex life transitions. My experience as an active-duty military social worker gave me a unique perspective on the mental and emotional toll that service can take. I’ve seen firsthand how the stress of deployment, combat exposure, and the transition to civilian life can impact not only the service member but also their families. That lived experience allows me to meet my clients where they are, without judgment or the need for them to explain every detail — because I’ve been there, and I get it. My military background taught me how to stay calm in high-stress situations and how to connect with people who might not feel comfortable opening up. In the military, mental health care is often viewed with skepticism, and many service members are hesitant to reach out for fear of stigma or career repercussions. I understand that hesitation, which is why I work hard to create a space where my clients feel safe, supported, and truly understood. I know how hard it can be to reach out for help — and I respect the courage it takes to walk through the door. Beyond my professional experience, my personal life has shaped the way I show up for my clients. As the wife of a combat veteran, I’ve experienced the challenges that come with supporting someone who has faced the realities of war. I know what it’s like to navigate the emotional ups and downs, the moments of connection and the moments of distance, and the unique strain that military service places on a marriage and a family. That experience gives me insight into the family dynamics that often come with military service, and it allows me to offer support not just to veterans but to their spouses and children as well. I’m able to see the whole picture — how the challenges of service ripple out into relationships, parenting, and everyday life — and that helps me provide more meaningful and effective care. I’m also a mom to three kids, ranging in age from 21 to 3, which gives me another layer of perspective and understanding. Parenting is hard, and it doesn’t come with a manual. I know what it’s like to feel stretched thin, to wonder if you’re doing it right, and to feel like there’s never enough time or energy to give everyone what they need. I’ve also faced the challenge of balancing my own mental health and professional life

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

My clients often share that they feel truly seen and heard for the first time in a long time when they work with me. I’m not here to “fix” you — I’m here to help you see that you’re not broken. Healing isn’t about erasing the hard parts of your story; it’s about finding strength and peace within them. I work from a place of authenticity and connection, not just clinical expertise. You won’t feel like you’re being talked at — we’ll have real conversations where you feel safe, respected, and understood. I’m best positioned to serve clients who are navigating the complexities of trauma, life transitions, and emotional healing — especially those who feel like they’ve been carrying too much for too long. If you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to move forward, you’re not alone. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or the emotional weight of a major life change, I provide a safe space where you can unpack those feelings without judgment. My goal isn’t just to help you manage symptoms — it’s to empower you to understand your story, reclaim your sense of control, and build a life that feels meaningful and whole. As a veteran, I have a deep understanding of the unique pressures that come with military service and the transition to civilian life. I know how hard it can be to carry the emotional and psychological weight of that experience — the hypervigilance, the disconnection, the feeling that no one else truly understands. You don’t have to explain every detail to me — I get it. I’ve lived it. That’s why I approach my work with veterans and their families with compassion and a shared understanding of the challenges that come with service. Together, we’ll work on finding strategies that help you regain a sense of safety and purpose in your everyday life. I also work with individuals who have experienced trauma — not just military-related trauma, but any experience that’s left you feeling unsafe, overwhelmed, or emotionally stuck. Trauma can take many forms, whether it’s rooted in childhood, relationships, or unexpected life events. Through Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), I help clients process and make sense of their experiences in a way that promotes healing and resilience. If you’re struggling with avoidance, flashbacks, or emotional numbness, we’ll work together to build healthy coping strategies and gently explore the underlying pain at your own pace. My approach with trauma is always collaborative — I’ll n

About Stephanie Hennessy