Stephanie is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), and is also a certified substance abuse counselor (CSAC) and certified clinical trauma specialist (CCTS-I). She has a passion for helping others and a passion for learning. Stephanie works through a lens that offers clients to have their voices heard, be understood, all while not being judged and cared for, to help clients with their specific needs and goals. Stephanie believes that her own past experiences have helped her connect with her clients and form trustworthy therapeutic relationships. She often works with individuals, teens and adolescents, and families, and she hopes to bring a sense of compassion, kindness, trust, and empathy when working with these clients. Stephanie treats therapy like a casual conversation, meaning she listens and talks with you - not at you, and uses humor and sarcasm frequently. Think of chatting with a friend at a coffee shop, only she knows a thing or two about mental health - how to support clients and guide change. Stephanie loves spending time with family and friends. When she is not counseling clients, Stephanie loves to watch interesting documentaries or fun movies; she also loves to listen to music or podcasts and paints for self-care. She also trains Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), a martial art, at her local academy in her spare time. “My superpower is helping other people find their superpower.” - Eve Torres Gracie

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

Clients should expect the first session with me to be one of getting to know one another, building rapport, and finding out the presenting concerns that you're coming to therapy to resolve. I will also go over what it means to be in therapy and informed consent, safety, and the limits to confidentiality. Think of the first session like a lighthearted conversation.

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

Stephanie’s specializes in trauma recovery/PTSD, and substance use. She also has clinical interest and knowledge of working with clients with histories of eating disorders, and domestic abuse/violence, and sexual abuse/assault. True healing takes time, care, and attention. Recovery, in whatever ways are important to the individual, it is possible

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

I find myself working with a wide range of clients. I work with individuals of sexual assault, domestic abuse survivors, substance use clients, human trafficking survivors, victims of narcissistic abuse, first responders, and military personnel. The tone and environment that is created in session with me are often focused on safety. I find myself highlighting the strengths of the client in the "room" and allowing you to become comfortable with opening up in session with me. I like to emphasize the positive and point you in the direction of allowing you to see multifaced perspectives on the issues you're presenting in session.

About Stephanie Amundson