Stephanie Southard , LCSW

Stephanie Southard is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with more than 26 years of experience. She focuses on practical, skills-based therapy that helps people manage stress, anxiety, addiction, depression, and relationship struggles. She takes a calm, nonjudgmental approach and meets people where they are to set realistic goals together.

Her work emphasizes clear steps and hands-on practice. She often uses cognitive behavioral techniques to help people change patterns of thinking that keep them stuck. She also draws on acceptance and commitment ideas to help people live by their values when life feels chaotic.

Stephanie has long experience helping people navigate family and parenting challenges. She supports those facing trauma, grief, sleep problems, anger, and life transitions. She also works with concerns such as ADHD, bipolar disorder, body image, blended family issues, caregiver stress, chronic illness, and substance use problems.

Her background includes a Master of Arts in Social Work from Adelphi University and many years working in New York settings that involved community resources, courts, and child welfare systems. She combines real-world knowledge with practical exercises, like role playing and behavioral practice, so clients can try new skills between sessions.

Clients can expect a warm, relatable counselor who values clear goals and steady progress. She describes therapy as a collaborative process and aims to help people find more meaning, better coping, and less daily conflict.

Therapeutic approaches for online care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, often called ACT, focuses on helping people accept difficult thoughts and feelings while taking steps that match their values. It can help with anxiety, depression, and coping with life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, concentrates on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors to reduce symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, and low mood. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, DBT, teaches emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills useful for anger, relationships, and intense emotions.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will listen to your goals, try out techniques, and adjust the plan as you learn what helps. Together you decide which methods fit your needs and daily life, and you can switch emphasis if something feels less useful.

Online sessions use video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to make therapy more flexible. Video is good for deeper conversation and interactive exercises. Phone calls can be easier when bandwidth is limited or when you prefer not to be on camera. Live chat and text are useful for brief check-ins, homework support, or when writing helps you process thoughts. These options let people fit counseling into work, caregiving, or busy schedules while still working with licensed professionals.