Stephanie Coleman
*I do not work with children under age 12 or adults over the age of 29. * Hi there! I’m Stephanie! I’m passionate about creating a warm, supportive, and judgment-free space where clients feel comfortable being themselves, sharing what they’re experiencing, and working toward meaningful change.
I’m not a one size fits all therapist and will pull from a variety of different techniques and modalities to help you become a version of yourself.
I primarily work with teens and young adults who are navigating anxiety, academic stress, sports performance, peer relationships, family dynamics, self-esteem, motivation, and the many transitions that come with growing into adulthood. I believe therapy should feel collaborative and personalized; not like a one-size-fits-all approach. My goal is to meet each client where they are while helping them better understand themselves, build confidence, develop practical coping skills, and feel more capable of handling life’s challenges. I use a combination of CBT, solution-focused, person-centered, and motivational interviewing approaches based on each client’s unique needs and goals. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply ready for something to change, you don’t have to figure it all out alone. I’m here to help you take that next step.
First session
The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and begin creating a comfortable, supportive therapeutic relationship. We will talk about what brought you to therapy, what you would like to work on, and what you hope to get out of the experience. I’ll ask questions about your current concerns, emotions, relationships, school or work, family dynamics, and other areas of life that may be impacting your well-being. We’ll also discuss your strengths, coping strategies, and experiences that may help provide a better understanding of what you’re going through. We’ll review important information about therapy, including confidentiality, expectations, and how sessions will work. Most importantly, there is no expectation that you have everything figured out before your first session. We can work together to identify your goals and determine where to begin. My goal is for you to leave your first session feeling heard, understood, and hopeful about the process ahead.
Strengths
My approach is warm, collaborative, and individualized to each client’s unique experiences and needs. I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy, and person-centered strategies to help clients better understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while developing practical skills they can use in everyday life. I create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where clients can feel comfortable being themselves, openly discussing what they are experiencing, and working toward meaningful change. Rather than simply focusing on symptoms, I help clients identify their strengths, build confidence, improve emotional regulation and coping skills, navigate relationships and communication, and develop healthier ways of responding to stress. My goal is to meet clients where they are while helping them feel more capable, confident, and prepared to handle the challenges they face.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is a teen or young adult who may be feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, academic expectations, sports performance, peer relationships, family dynamics, or the challenges of growing into greater independence. They may be struggling with confidence, motivation, emotional regulation, communication, or simply feeling unsure of how to manage everything on their plate. I work especially well with clients who want to better understand themselves and develop practical tools for navigating the challenges they are facing. I provide a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients can openly explore their thoughts, emotions, relationships, and goals without feeling pressured or judged. Through CBT, solution-focused therapy, person-centered therapy, and motivational interviewing, I help clients identify unhelpful thought patterns, recognize their existing strengths, build motivation, develop healthier coping strategies, and take meaningful steps toward change. My goal is to help clients feel more confident in themselves, more capable of managing challenges, and better equipped to navigate the transitions and pressures of everyday life.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and how these patterns can influence the way they respond to everyday challenges. Together, we identify unhelpful thought patterns, such as negative self-talk, perfectionism, fear of failure, or assuming the worst, and work on developing more balanced and realistic ways of thinking. I help clients apply CBT skills to situations that are meaningful to them, whether they are feeling overwhelmed by school and academic expectations, experiencing anxiety about sports performance, navigating friendships and peer relationships, or struggling with family conflict. We may work on identifying triggers, challenging anxious thoughts, developing coping strategies, practicing problem-solving, and gradually building confidence in situations they may typically avoid. My goal is to make CBT practical and relevant to each client’s life. Rather than simply talking about what is difficult, I help clients develop tools they can use outside of therapy to manage stress, regulate emotions, communicate more effectively, and respond to challenges with greater confidence and flexibility.
Solution-Focused Brief Treatment
I use Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to help clients focus on their strengths, resources, and possibilities rather than becoming stuck in the problems they are experiencing. We explore what the client wants to be different, identify times when they have successfully handled similar challenges, and build on the skills and strengths they already possess. With clients experiencing anxiety, academic stress, sports performance concerns, peer difficulties, or family conflict, I help them identify realistic, meaningful goals and break those goals into manageable steps. We may explore questions such as, “What would you notice if things were starting to improve?” or “What is already working, even just a little?” This helps clients recognize progress and develop a greater sense of control and confidence. I also use SFBT to highlight small changes and successes that can easily be overlooked. By focusing on what is working and what the client can do differently moving forward, clients can develop practical solutions, strengthen their confidence, and feel more hopeful about their ability to navigate challenges.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I use Person-Centered Therapy to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard, understood, and accepted for who they are. I believe clients are the experts on their own experiences, so I work collaboratively with them rather than telling them what they should think, feel, or do. I use empathy, active listening, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard to help clients feel comfortable exploring difficult emotions, relationships, stressors, and life experiences. This can be especially helpful for clients navigating anxiety, academic pressure, sports performance, peer relationships, family conflict, or uncertainty about their identity and future. Rather than focusing only on problems or symptoms, I help clients better understand themselves, recognize their strengths, and build trust in their own ability to make healthy decisions. I meet clients where they are while providing encouragement and support as they work toward greater self-awareness, confidence, and personal growth.
Motivational Interviewing
I use Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help clients explore their own reasons for change while feeling respected, supported, and in control of their decisions. Rather than telling clients what they need to change, I use open-ended questions, reflective listening, and collaboration to help them identify what matters most to them and what may be getting in the way. With clients experiencing anxiety, academic stress, sports performance concerns, relationship challenges, or family conflict, I help them explore both the desire for change and any uncertainty they may have. We identify personal strengths, values, and goals and work together to turn those insights into realistic, meaningful steps forward. I use MI to strengthen motivation, build confidence, and help clients recognize that they have the ability to create change in their own lives. By meeting clients where they are and supporting their autonomy, I help them move toward positive changes at a pace that feels realistic and achievable.
Location
Virtual sessions
In-person sessions941 E 86th St, Indianapolis, IN 46240, Suite 112