I'm Stephanie,
nice to meet you!

Well, this is my dog Trevor, but you will likely spot him in the background during sessions cuddled up on the couch in a tortilla blanket.

You don't have to have it all together to be here. You deserve space.

If you're reading this, you may be used to showing up for everyone else. Holding things together on the outside while feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or disconnected on the inside. Maybe you've been through experiences that were painful, confusing, or hard to make sense of and even now they still show up in ways you can't fully explain.

You're not broken and you don't have to do this alone.

So, Why Imperfectly Perfect Therapy?

Because I believe in the beauty of imperfection. I recognize that embracing our (perceived) flaws and vulnerabilities is an essential part of being human. I cultivate an environment where clients can freely explore their feelings without judgment. Validating our shared humanity, with all its imperfections, is at the core of my approach.

I'm a therapist specializing in trauma and EMDR therapy. I work with adults who are ready for something deeper than just coping. People who want to understand why they feel the way they do and begin to truly move forward.

My style is warm, down-to-earth, and nonjudgmental. Sprinkled with a little humor if that's your bag. I aim to create space where you don't have to filter yourself or "get it right." Cursing is always welcome. You get to show up exactly as you are.

I specialize in working with individuals who have experienced:

Abusive or unhealthy relationships
Sexual trauma
Childhood trauma
Grief and loss
Ongoing anxiety connected to past experiences

Many of the people I work with are high-functioning and insightful but still feel stuck. Whether that shows up as overthinking, emotional overwhelm, shutting down, or patterns that don't seem to change.

I use EMDR therapy, a structured and evidence-based approach, to help your brain and body process those experiences that feel stuck.

This work goes beyond just talking about what happened. It helps reduce the intensity of those experiences so they no longer show up in the same ways. Ultimately allowing you to feel more grounded, present, and in control.

We'll move at a pace that feels right for you. Building safety and stability always come first so you feel supported every step of the way.

I believe the parts of you that feel anxious, overwhelmed, or shut down developed for a reason. In our work together we'll approach those parts with curiosity and compassion, not judgment. Healing isn't about becoming someone new. It's about feeling more like yourself again.

I didn’t come to this work by accident.

I grew up in a small town in Indiana. My interest in mental health began early in my life when I learned that a family member had experienced a traumatic event that continued to impact their life. At the time, I didn’t fully understand it but I knew it mattered. When I took my first psychology class in high school, I started to learn more about trauma and mental health. I was hooked. I wanted to understand, and more importantly, I wanted to help create space for people to actually talk about these experiences.

I attended Indiana University Bloomington, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology and criminal justice. While criminal justice wasn’t part of the original plan, it ended up shaping how I understand systems, trauma, and the real-world complexities people face.

After graduation, a mentor introduced me to the field of social work. Through shadowing and an internship, I quickly realized it was the right fit. A path that combined advocacy, mental health, and meaningful, direct support.

I went on to earn my Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin.

After graduate school, I began working as a Victim Services Counselor with a law enforcement agency. I spent over a decade responding directly to crime scenes, supporting individuals and families in the immediate aftermath of traumatic events.

Over time, I became a supervisor and continued working closely with survivors of:

Domestic violence
Sexual assault
Childhood abuse
Sudden and traumatic loss

This work deeply shaped my approach as a therapist. It also gave me firsthand experience with the impact trauma has not only on survivors, but on first responders and helping professionals.

Supporting people through some of the most difficult moments of their lives is where I found my passion. This continues to guide my work today.

In addition to trauma work, I have experience supporting Autistic individuals and their families. During graduate school, I worked as a respite care provider for an autistic teen. This is an experience that remains especially meaningful to me.

Outside of work, I enjoy staying active through Pilates, dance, and yoga. I love being outdoors whether that’s a picnic, hiking, or camping. I’m also very obsessed with my dog and will never say no to a good reality TV show.

Here's a little about me if you're interested in learning more:

TLDR

Licensing & Education

North Dakota State Social Work License # 6970

LCSW: August 2025

Indiana State Social Work
License #34012157A

LCSW: August 2025

Texas State Social Work
License #57937

2010-2012

Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW)
University of Texas at Austin

2006-2010

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Indiana University - Bloomington

LMSW: June 2013

LCSW: December 2018

LCSW-S: January 2022

Clinical track. Specialized courses in crisis intervention, intimate partner violence, and grief/loss.

Double majored in Psychology & Criminal Justice. Minor in Gender Studies which focuses on how systems and identities (race, class, gender, sexuality, disability) shape lived experience.

Education