Hello, I'm Dr. C. Steffanie. I was born and raised in California, where my Christian faith has shaped both my life and work. I earned my graduate degrees from a Christian university, and completed an independent Christian Counseling program, grounding my counseling practice in both academic training and Biblical truth. My therapeutic approach integrates biblical principles with psychodynamic insights, offering clients a safe and compassionate space to explore their inner world while drawing strength from faith. Weekly sessions provide the most effective rhythm for building trust and fostering meaningful progress. I am transparent about the areas outside my scope of expertise. I am not the right provider for clients experiencing symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), psychotic disorders, eating disorders, substance use or abuse, or those seeking pain management. My goal is always to ensure clients receive care that best fits their needs, and I encourage individuals in these areas to seek providers who specialize in those concerns.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, we’ll begin with introductions, review the therapy process, and address any questions you may have. From there, we’ll gently begin exploring the challenges you’re facing—always at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Your active participation in discussing ongoing concerns is essential, as it allows me to understand your needs more fully. Together, we’ll use this insight to create a personalized plan that will guide our work in follow-up sessions if we are an appropriate fit for one another.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I hold both an MA and PsyD in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University and earned my BA in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach. In addition, I completed a Christian Counseling training program through the National Association of Christian Counselors, a certification that can be renewed annually. With over 30 years of experience in the mental health field, I bring attentiveness, insight, and genuine care to my work as an individual therapist. I often use metaphors, humor, and biblical examples to help clients connect with new perspectives and find meaning in their experiences. I believe every person is valuable and worthy of connection. Mistakes are not the end of the story; they serve as road maps, pointing to challenges and opportunities for growth. I support clients in exploring their dreams for personal meaning and in processing past traumas—including abandonment, sexual abuse, violence, grief and loss, and domestic violence—so they can experience a more fulfilling present and future with family and friends.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My practice is best suited for BIPOC adult women, ages 18 to 64, who are navigating Christian (Trinity)-related concerns, depression, anxiety, PTSD, or relationship challenges. I believe therapy is a collaborative process, and clients are expected to be active participants in exploring their truths. I do not give advice or tell clients what to do; instead, I provide a supportive space for self-discovery and growth. Because I work virtually, I am not an appropriate provider for individuals who are actively suicidal or homicidal, as these clients, I believe, require in-person, higher-level care. Clients should already be stabilized on medication and connected with a primary care physician to ensure comprehensive support. Additionally, I do not complete paperwork, documentation, or letters for any purpose—including and not limited to ESA, SSI, FMLA, or time off work. For these needs, I will refer clients to their medical doctor, who can provide appropriate in-person evaluation and documentation.
Christian Counseling
I hold a Master of Arts and Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University. I am a Board Certified Christian Counselor through the National Associate of Christian Counselors. I utilize a non-directive Christian Counseling and therapeutic intervention approach. During our sessions we will examine your life through biblical principles. We will explore how God wants to move you toward personal wholeness, interpersonal competence, emotional stability, and spiritual maturity.
Psychodynamic
During our sessions you will actively participate in focusing on the psychological roots of your emotional suffering. We'll examine unresolved conflicts and symptoms that arise from past dysfunctional relationships, attachments, and traumas. Together, we’ll use our therapeutic relationship as a safe space to explore and better understand patterns that may be creating challenges in other relationships.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In our sessions, we’ll focus on practical CBT tools—like identifying and challenging unhelpful thoughts, keeping thought records, and practicing behavioral activation—to understand how your thinking patterns shape emotions and behaviors. Together, we’ll use these strategies to build healthier coping skills and create lasting change.
1 rating with written reviews
May 2, 2025
Dr. Steffanie Williams is extremely professional & a wonderful therapist. In our sessions, she always listens to everything I have to say & I can tell she truly cares about me as a client. She is the best!