Hi, welcome! My name is Stephanie Santos and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. I provide individual therapy to teens and young adults (14-25) and adults who struggle with feelings of distress brought upon by life transitions and life stressors, such as: relationship/family issues and academic/career stress. I enjoy helping clients learn how to identify and communicate their thoughts and feelings, along with implementing coping strategies. I also enjoy empowering my clients with skills on how to advocate for themselves in relationships and implement boundaries.
In our sessions together, you can expect to take away a deeper sense of self-awareness and emotional clarity. You will experience a compassionate and non-judgmental space where you can openly explore your thoughts and feelings. Through our work, you will be gain practical tools and insights to help manage life's challenges, fostering resilience and personal growth. You will leave our sessions feeling empowered, understood, and equipped to navigate your journey with confidence and peace.
Life transitions often trigger a wide range of emotions, such as excitement and anticipation to fear and sadness. As your therapist, I provide a warm and authentic presence, dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming space where you feel truly seen and heard. Together, we will work to help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself through self reflection, develop the tools to adapt to change, and ultimately emerge from life transitions stronger and more confident.
I have multiple years implementing cognitive behavior therapy. I have implemented it in my work with teens, young adults, and adults. Our thoughts affect how we feel and our behavior and many are unaware that their thought patterns are often contributing to anxiousness, sadness, and stress. I help clients identify negative thought patterns that are resulting in feelings of distress. Once clients are aware of the negative thought patterns, then we can work on implementing positive thought patterns resulting in feelings of happiness and peace.
I believe that the client has the wisdom within them to navigate life’s challenges. My role is to create a space where the client feels safe, accepted, and understood, so they can explore their thoughts and feelings openly. As the therapist, I focus on truly listening to the client, without judgment or a set agenda, so the client feels heard and valued. Together, we will work on building insights that honor the client's unique experiences and empower them to make changes that feel right to them.
Relationships can have a huge impact on your mental health. They can result in stress, feelings of resentment, and loneliness. Through our sessions, we’ll work to identify patterns in how the client interact with others that might be contributing to their stress or unhappiness. We’ll also look at areas like communication, setting boundaries, and finding healthy ways to express oneself. You’ll gain insights into why certain situations or interactions trigger specific feelings and learn tools to navigate them in ways that empower rather than drain the client. This approach can not only improve your day-to-day life but also create a foundation for lasting change.