Hi, I’m Dr. Stephany Thompson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a doctorate in behavioral health, who works with people across the entire lifespan—children finding their voice, teens navigating identity and independence, adults balancing work, relationships, and caregiving, and older adults seeking meaning and connection in later stages of life. I believe therapy works best when it feels like you have a thoughtful teammate in your corner—someone who listens closely, challenges gently, and helps you build tools that actually fit your real life. I don’t believe in a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Instead, I meet you where you are and tailor therapy to your age, stage, and goals. With children, that may look like using play, creativity, and developmentally appropriate strategies to help express big feelings. With teens, it often means creating a safe, nonjudgmental space to sort through stress, identity, relationships, and growing independence. With adults, therapy may focus on managing anxiety, navigating transitions, healing from past experiences, or reconnecting with a sense of purpose. My goal is simple: to help you feel understood, supported, and more confident in handling life as it unfolds.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Our first session is less about labels and more about your story. I’ll invite you to share what’s bringing you in, what you’re hoping will change, and what’s felt hardest to manage so far. I’ll also explain how I work and answer any questions you may have, but I keep the conversation relaxed and collaborative. My role is to create a space where you feel safe, respected, and genuinely heard, whether this is your very first experience with therapy or you’re returning after some time away.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
One of my greatest strengths is my ability to work effectively across the lifespan. I understand that children, teens, adults, and families each have different needs, and I adapt my approach accordingly. I prioritize building trust early so therapy feels approachable rather than intimidating or overly clinical. I also focus on practicality. Along with insight and reflection, I offer tools and strategies you can begin using right away in your daily life. Finally, I value continued learning and growth, which allows me to integrate evidence-based approaches while staying responsive to each client as an individual.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I work best with individuals and families who are open to exploring new ways of approaching challenges. Many of my clients seek support for anxiety, stress, sadness, or life transitions—such as starting school, changing careers, becoming parents, or adjusting to an empty nest. Others are simply curious about how therapy might help them feel more grounded and fulfilled. If you’re looking for a therapist who can flex with your stage of life while keeping the focus on you as a whole person, I’d be honored to work together.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients learn how to make space for difficult thoughts and emotions rather than feeling controlled by them. Together, we focus on building awareness, identifying personal values, and taking small, meaningful steps toward the life you want to live. ACT allows us to work on emotional flexibility—helping you respond to challenges with intention instead of avoidance. This approach is especially helpful when anxiety, depression, or past experiences feel overwhelming or keep you feeling stuck.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
When using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I help clients notice patterns in their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and understand how they influence one another. We work collaboratively to challenge unhelpful thinking, test new perspectives, and develop coping strategies that feel realistic and usable in everyday life. CBT is often used to address anxiety, depression, and stress by providing structure, clarity, and practical tools for managing symptoms and building confidence.
Humanistic
Humanistic therapy guides how I show up in the room. I prioritize empathy, authenticity, and respect, creating a space where you can explore your experiences without judgment or pressure. This approach allows us to focus on self-awareness, personal meaning, and emotional growth, while honoring your autonomy and strengths. Humanistic principles are woven throughout my work, helping ensure therapy feels supportive, collaborative, and centered on you as a whole person.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I use Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to help clients identify what’s already working and build momentum toward their goals. Rather than spending extensive time revisiting problems, we focus on strengths, progress, and practical next steps. Through techniques like scaling questions and future-focused conversations, SFBT supports clear goal-setting and forward movement—making it a good fit for clients who value efficiency, clarity, and action.