Stephanie Sammons
Hi, I’m Stephanie! It’s possible for you rise above life’s challenges and for you to live a fulfilling life! Past and present experiences can hinder us from moving forward. Life is always changing and as a result, it becomes too hard to find our way and manage life's challenges on our own. My areas of expertise are in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Strengths-Based, Interpersonal Therapy and much more. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), a Master’s-Level Certified Addiction Professional (MCAP), and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) with over 20 years of experience in individual, relationship, family, and group counseling. I hold a Master’s Degree in Counseling with an emphasis on Clinical Mental Health from Messiah College in Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Liberty University in Virginia. My professional affiliations include the American Counseling Association, the Florida Certification Board, the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium, and the Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society. I am also certified by Psychology Today.
My promise to anyone I counsel is that I will treat you like a person, not just a client I have over 20 years of counseling experience working with children, adolescents and adults.
I am not just a professional counselor…I’m a human being! And I believe that each person is unique and important. My promise to anyone I counsel is that I will treat you like a person, not just a client
First session
Starting therapy can feel vulnerable, especially if you’ve never been before. You may be wondering what you’re supposed to say, whether you’ll be judged, or even where to begin. You don’t need to have it all figured out before you walk through the door. Your first session is a chance to slow down, feel heard, and begin making sense of what brought you to therapy. We’ll talk about what has been happening in your life, what feels difficult right now, and what you hope will be different as a result of therapy. I’ll listen not only to what you’re experiencing, but also to the patterns, relationships, experiences, and beliefs that may be underneath it. You’ll also have an opportunity to get a feel for what it’s like to work with me. Building a trusting therapeutic relationship matters, and you should feel comfortable asking questions, sharing concerns, and letting me know what you need.
Strengths
One of the greatest strengths I bring to therapy is the ability to create a space where you can feel both safe and genuinely challenged. I believe you deserve a therapist who will listen deeply without judgment, while also helping you notice the patterns that may be keeping you stuck. With years of experience, I’ve learned that there is rarely a single explanation for what someone is experiencing. I look beyond the immediate concern to understand the bigger picture—the experiences that shaped you, the relationships you’ve had, the beliefs you’ve developed, and the ways you’ve learned to protect yourself. My approach is warm, compassionate, and collaborative. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. I meet you where you are and tailor our work to your needs, personality, goals, and readiness for change. I also bring curiosity and perspective. Sometimes we are so close to our own experiences that it can be difficult to see the patterns clearly. I can help you step back, make connections, and understand yourself with greater clarity and compassion. Most importantly, I believe therapy should be a place where you can be honest. You don't have to perform, have the right answers, or present the “best” version of yourself. You can bring the messy, complicated, uncertain parts of your life into the room. My role is to walk alongside you with warmth and honesty—to help you understand where you’ve been, make sense of where you are, and develop the insight and confidence to move toward where you want to go. After years of doing this work, I know that meaningful change takes both compassion and courage. My hope is that our work together gives you a place to cultivate both.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is a thoughtful, self-aware person who has spent a lot of time taking care of everyone and everything around them—and is finally ready to turn some of that care inward. As a seasoned therapist, I offer a space that is compassionate, grounded, honest, and nonjudgmental. I help clients slow down enough to understand what is really happening beneath their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors—and then develop the insight, skills, and self-trust to create something different.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the approaches I use to help clients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Many of us develop patterns of thinking that happen so automatically that we don't even recognize them. Thoughts such as “I'm not doing enough,” “I should be able to handle this,” “What if something goes wrong?” or “It's my responsibility to keep everyone happy” can influence how we feel and how we respond to the people and situations around us. In our work together, I help you slow those patterns down and become more aware of what is happening beneath the surface. We look at whether certain thoughts are accurate, helpful, or connected to older beliefs and experiences—and then explore more balanced and compassionate ways of thinking.
Interpersonal
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) focuses on the connection between our emotional well-being and the relationships in our lives. Because our relationships can have such a powerful impact on how we feel, think, and respond to the world around us, understanding those relationships can be an important part of healing. In my practice, I use interpersonal therapy to help clients explore relationship patterns, communication difficulties, changes in their roles, and the experiences that may be contributing to emotional distress.
Strength-Based
A strengths-based approach means that I don't begin therapy by focusing only on what's wrong or what needs to be fixed. I also want to understand what is already strong, resilient, and meaningful within you. Many people come to therapy feeling overwhelmed by their struggles. They may be focused on what they are doing wrong, where they feel stuck, or why they haven't been able to change. My role is to help you see the fuller picture—including the strengths, abilities, values, relationships, and experiences that have helped you navigate difficult seasons of life.
Trauma-Focused CBT
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is an approach that helps clients understand and heal from the emotional and psychological impact of difficult or traumatic experiences. In my practice, I use trauma-focused CBT in a way that is compassionate, collaborative, and paced according to each client's needs. I recognize that trauma can affect far more than our memories. It can influence the way we see ourselves, relate to others, manage emotions, respond to stress, and make sense of the world around us. Our work begins with creating a sense of safety and developing practical coping skills. Before asking you to explore painful experiences in greater depth, we focus on helping you feel more grounded and confident in your ability to manage difficult emotions.
Location
Virtual sessions
In-person sessions6666 US-1, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952