LCSW, 18 years of experience
Hi, I’m Stephany Thompson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with people across the entire lifespan—kids finding their voice, teens navigating identity and independence, adults balancing work and family, and older adults seeking meaning in later stages of life. No matter your age or stage, I believe therapy should feel like having a teammate in your corner: someone who listens deeply, challenges gently, and helps you discover tools that actually fit your world. Instead of a “one-size-fits-all” approach, I meet you right where you are. For children, that might mean using play and creativity to help them express big feelings. For teens, it’s often about providing a safe space to sort through stress, identity, and relationships. For adults, therapy might focus on managing anxiety, navigating transitions, or reconnecting with a sense of purpose. My goal is simple: to help you feel understood, supported, and equipped to handle life with greater ease and confidence.
Our first session is less about labels and more about stories—yours. I’ll invite you to share what’s bringing you here, what you hope to change, and what’s been getting in the way. I’ll also explain how I work and what you can expect from therapy with me, but I’ll keep things conversational and collaborative. My role is to create a space where you feel safe, seen, and respected, whether you’re 7 or 77.
One of the greatest strengths I bring into our sessions is my ability to support people across the lifespan. I understand that children, teens, adults, and families each have unique needs, and I adjust my approach to meet you where you are. I focus on building relational connection, working to create trust quickly so that therapy feels approachable and safe rather than overly clinical. In addition to understanding and connection, I emphasize practicality—I offer tools and strategies you can use right away in your daily life, not just insights to reflect on later. I also view myself as a lifelong learner. I stay curious and continue to grow professionally, which allows me to bring fresh, evidence-based approaches into our work together.
I work best with individuals and families who are ready to explore new ways of approaching challenges. My clients are often seeking relief from anxiety, stress, or sadness, or they may be at a crossroads—starting school, changing careers, becoming parents, or adjusting to an empty nest. Some are simply curious about how therapy might improve their overall quality of life. 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.
In my practice, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has been a transformative approach. ACT helps clients develop psychological flexibility by learning to accept their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting against them, and to commit to actions that align with their values. I use ACT techniques such as mindfulness exercises, values clarification, and committed action planning to help clients cultivate a more mindful, value-driven life. This approach is particularly effective for clients struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma, as it empowers them to live a rich, meaningful life even in the presence of difficult thoughts and emotions.
In my practice, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been a foundational and highly effective approach. CBT focuses on how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and helps clients identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to their difficulties. I use CBT techniques such as cognitive restructuring, behavioral experiments, and exposure therapy to help clients challenge unhelpful beliefs, develop coping strategies, and change problematic behaviors. This approach is particularly effective for clients with anxiety disorders, depression, and other mood disorders, as it provides practical tools to manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.
In my practice, the humanistic approach has been a fundamental guiding principle. Humanistic therapy focuses on an individual's inherent drive towards self-actualization and emphasizes empathy, authenticity, and the therapeutic relationship. I use humanistic techniques such as person-centered therapy, Gestalt therapy, and existential therapy to help clients explore their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors in a non-judgmental and supportive environment. This approach is particularly effective for clients seeking personal growth, self-discovery, and a deeper understanding of themselves and their experiences. By fostering a genuine and empathetic therapeutic relationship, I aim to empower clients to explore their inner selves, overcome obstacles, and achieve their full potential.
In my practice, I have found Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to be a valuable approach. SFBT focuses on solutions rather than problems, emphasizing clients' strengths and resources to create positive change. I use SFBT techniques such as scaling questions, miracle questions, and exception-seeking to help clients identify and build on their strengths, envision their desired future, and take steps to achieve their goals. This approach is particularly effective for clients who prefer a more goal-oriented and practical therapy style, and I have seen it lead to significant improvements in a relatively short period of time.