Stephanie Fuertes , LMHC

Stephanie Fuertes is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) based in New York who helps people manage stress, anxiety, relationship and family concerns, grief, trauma, and mood challenges. She works with adults facing life transitions, addiction struggles, intimacy and sexual concerns, and career or self-esteem issues. Stephanie uses both English and Spanish in sessions when helpful. Her approach is warm and straightforward. She listens without judgment and treats each person as the expert on their life. Sessions focus on practical steps and clearer thinking rather than jargon. Stephanie aims to create a space where people can make small changes that add up over time. Stephanie blends a client-centered stance with cognitive-behavioral tools. That means she follows the client's lead while offering ways to notice and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. She also draws on mindfulness techniques to help with stress and grounding during moments of overwhelm. She has six years of clinical experience working with issues like attachment and abandonment, codependency, caregiver stress, chronic illness and pain, and family of origin problems. Stephanie also addresses intimacy-related concerns, communication patterns, anger, and coping with major life changes. People who prefer focused, goal-oriented sessions will find she uses solution-focused strategies and motivational interviewing to build momentum. Her style is described as authentic and compassionate, and she helps clients set realistic steps toward the outcomes they want. Sessions are offered through video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Therapeutic approaches and online care that fit your life

Stephanie often combines client-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy in online sessions. Client-centered therapy means she follows the person's lead, listens deeply, and helps the person identify their own strengths and goals. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on spotting thought patterns that keep problems alive and testing new behaviors to change how someone feels and acts.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Stephanie will collaborate with each person to choose methods that match their goals, needs, and preferences. That may mean trying a few strategies and adjusting as progress is made so sessions feel useful and relevant.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, which let people fit therapy into busy lives. Video is good for face-to-face conversation and deeper skills practice. Phone sessions use less bandwidth and can be easier during a short break. Live chat or text messaging can support quick check-ins, ongoing reflection, and between-session accountability. These options make it easier to keep therapy consistent while managing work, caregiving, or other demands.