Hello! My name is Stephany Thompson. I am a licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience in both healthcare settings and private practice. As a compassionate therapist, I specialize in helping adults enhance their mental and emotional health. I am dedicated to sparking positive change in individuals' lives by equipping them with the effective tools and techniques needed to reach their full potential and achieve lasting well-being. Whether you feel you need an outside perspective or want more satisfaction in your life, work or family, I can help you set goals and support you in achieving them. I look forward to meeting you. Let's get started so we can help you feel better!
In your first therapy session with me, you can expect a welcoming and non-judgmental environment where we will begin to get to know each other. We will discuss your reasons for seeking therapy, your current challenges, and your goals for our work together. I will ask about your personal history, including any relevant background information, to better understand your unique situation. We will also go over practical matters such as confidentiality, session structure, and my therapeutic approach. This initial session is a chance for you to ask any questions and express any concerns you might have. My aim is to make you feel comfortable and supported as we establish a foundation for our therapeutic relationship and set the stage for your journey towards improved well-being.
As a provider, I believe my greatest strengths are my compassion, empathy, and extensive experience in both healthcare settings and private practice. I have a deep understanding of the emotional and psychological challenges that individuals face and am skilled at creating a safe and supportive environment for my clients. I am adept at providing effective tools and techniques to help clients navigate their challenges and achieve their goals. My ability to connect with clients on a personal level, along with my commitment to their well-being, enables me to foster meaningful and impactful therapeutic relationships. Additionally, my dedication to continuous learning ensures that I am always equipped with the most current and effective strategies to support my clients.
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.