Welcome

Stephanie Thurston, LCSW

Is your child acting out, underperforming at school, dealing with anxiety, or struggling socially? Is depression, anxiety, or a recent life change keeping you from living your best life? 

You don’t need to have a long-term mental health issue to benefit from therapy. I work with many people who have chronic mental health issues, as well as individuals who are experiencing depression, anxiety, and stress related to a recent crisis, change, or upcoming life transition. It is not uncommon to have times in life when you may find yourself feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or fearful. You may know what has caused the disruption or you may be taken by surprise. Therapy can be an opportunity to be heard, to learn, to gain perspective, heal, and grow.  

Knowing When To Ask For Help

Everyone needs help sometimes and knowing when to ask for support is a strength. Recognizing when you are struggling and knowing when you may need some support shows insight and self-awareness. And taking the steps to find that help takes strength, a belief that things can be better, and the courage to challenge yourself to face something difficult. The desire to seek greater connection, meaning, and reach your greatest potential is a strength in and of itself.

It’s hard to feel understood and validated if you haven’t had the opportunity to speak openly and honestly about your experiences. Many people struggle to overcome anxiety, depression, and other challenges on their own. Even when you know you need help, feelings of guilt, shame, or isolation can make it hard to reach out for support. Consequently, you may end up stuck in a day-to-day cycle in which negative thoughts and difficult emotions continue to result in a pattern of behaviors and choices that lead you further away from the life you want to create. 

Thankfully, there is a path to hope, healing, and a life with greater balance and meaning. Telling your story and having your experiences and feelings heard and validated in an open, honest and nonjudgmental environment by a professional therapist can be a powerful first step toward fostering greater confidence and joy in your life.

The Benefits Of Therapy

Therapy gives you a safe space where you can speak about your struggles without fear of judgment or condemnation. When you are able to view your experience in a calm, accepting environment, you can learn to recognize and challenge inaccurate and harmful beliefs that are keeping you stuck.

For example, you may operate from the belief that you are broken in some way, or that you are helpless to make a change.  Learning to step back and look at a challenging situations from a new angle can help you to recognize how certain events, feelings, or a chronic mental health issue may be affecting your thoughts and behaviors. You can speak openly and honestly about your hopes, dreams and fears, and gain a new, more hopeful perspective. And with support and a genuine therapeutic alliance, you can find a path to meaningful and lasting healing and growth.

How Stephanie Can Help