I value authenticity, empathy, and self-awareness, both for myself and my clients, and as a critical part of the therapeutic process (I also take advantage of the healing power of laughter whenever possible!). I aim to normalize and validate my clients’ experiences without judgment, and above all, provide the most basic of human needs: to feel seen and heard. Hi! My name is Stephanie (Stephanie or Stevie is fine) and I have been providing therapy in NJ exclusively via telehealth for about the last 4 years (prior to that, in person). I have a deep passion and respect for the power of therapy to change lives, which I have been privileged to witness in my work with clients, as well as in my personal life, both through the consistent use of therapy as part of my own self-care, as well as having spent the last 20 years raising two children with special needs. If you have been struggling with symptoms of depression or anxiety, particularly if they are related to a traumatic experience, I would love the opportunity to work with you to reduce your symptoms and help you experience a present that is not overshadowed by situations and events from your past. I love working with women ages 20 to 30-something who are still in academia or just starting out in their careers, but also love working with women of any age. I frequently work with survivors of child sexual abuse, as well as those struggling with issues related to self-worth, but work with other conditions as well.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In our first session, we will review the intake paperwork, I will share some information with you, and then will ask you to tell me about what brought you to therapy at this time. The first few sessions are really about building rapport, since there is very little that can be accomplished without a strong therapeutic relationship as a foundation. On the whole, clients can expect to get as much out of therapy as they are willing to put into it. And to laugh. A lot. And possibly cry, since I do have a track record of clients becoming emotional during our sessions (that's what tissues are for!) Different clients have different needs or goals for therapy, and in turn, I feel like I am somewhat of a different therapist to different clients. Some are very focused on learning coping strategies, while others are looking for someone to talk to who is objective, non-judgmental, and has a fresh perspective. Some are living with chronic physical, mental or other conditions and are looking for a holding environment in which they can grieve the loss of their independence, or their former life. But for me, the most important thing I want my clients to take away from our sessions is the feeling of being truly seen and heard, without judgment or reservation.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

While experience and education are an absolute necessity to do this work, I believe that my lived experience has had a profound impact on both my ability to build strong therapeutic relationships and to be a more effective therapist. My background has provided me with experiences that can be drawn upon when building relationships with clients. I have had the privilege of having known, grown up with, and cared deeply about people from a variety of backgrounds, races, nationalities, gender identities, sexual orientations, etc. I have had exposure, either through personal experience or supporting a loved one, to the complexities of mental illness, suicide, sexual abuse, special needs, chronic illness/pain, estrangement, dissociation, mood disorders, autism spectrum disorder, AD/HD, divorce, parenting, emotional and financial abuse, and coercive control. In terms of strengths, I am unfailingly authentic, resilient, intelligent, curious, non-judgmental, and (at least in my personal life) hilarious ;) And by the way, all of those strengths? They were not so much developed as they were uncovered…through therapy. :) ***My practice is focused primarily on treating adults who identify as female as well as being a welcoming space for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. I do not currently treat cisgender heterosexual males, children or adolescents. Please visit my website for blog and feedback from clients: www.of2mindstherapy.com

About Stephanie (Stevie) Willoughby LCSW

Appointments