Stephanie Southard

Compassionate, evidence-informed therapy for life challenges

LCSW New York

Experience: 26 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Self esteem
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages: English

About Stephanie

Stephanie Southard is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) who centers her practice on evidence-informed methods, with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as a primary influence.

Background and approach

She draws on 26 years of clinical experience to help people reevaluate unhelpful thoughts and develop practical skills for managing stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship struggles, and other life challenges. Her approach blends structured interventions with experiential exercises and role play to translate insight into everyday change.

Stephanie emphasizes a person-centered stance and works collaboratively to set goals grounded in each client’s priorities. She brings particular attention to issues such as trauma and abuse, grief, family and relationship dynamics, parenting concerns, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and behavioral health matters like sleep problems and substance use.

Based in New York, she pairs professional knowledge about psychiatric diagnoses and community resources with a warm, relatable style that aims to make therapy approachable and meaningful. Outside of practice she enjoys reading, writing, crafting, and spending time at home with family and pets.

Those interested in starting therapy can expect a respectful, nonjudgmental environment focused on developing manageable strategies for increased well-being.

Approach-Focused Online Therapy with Practical Skills

Stephanie integrates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and change thought patterns that contribute to anxiety, depression, and unhelpful behaviors; CBT emphasizes skill building and concrete strategies for everyday problems. She also draws from acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), which encourages clients to clarify values and develop psychological flexibility through acceptance and committed action for handling life transitions and chronic struggles.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process, and she works with clients to determine which combination of methods best matches their goals, needs, and preferences. Sessions emphasize a client-centered tone where goals are set together and techniques are tailored rather than applied uniformly.

Online therapy with her is available through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for varied schedules and communication styles. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, practice new skills between meetings, and fit therapy into a busy life while still working with a licensed professional from New York.

Frequently asked questions

What types of concerns can be addressed in sessions?

She works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship and family difficulties, trauma and abuse, grief, sleep problems, parenting struggles, anger, career concerns, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.

How would you describe the therapeutic approach and style?

The practice emphasizes evidence-informed techniques with a strong CBT influence, combined with client-centered warmth and exercises such as role play to translate insight into practical skills.

What is her professional background and experience?

She is an LCSW with 26 years of experience working with individuals, groups, and families, drawing on extensive knowledge of psychiatric diagnoses, medications, and community resources.

Where is the therapist licensed and practicing?

She holds an LCSW license in New York, listed as NY LCSW 072535, and is based in New York state.

Can nonlocal clients or speakers of other languages work with her?

She accepts international clients and conducts therapy in English.

What session formats are available for online work?

Sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and needs.

How are fees handled for therapy sessions?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

What are the first steps to begin working together?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Addictions Self esteem Depression Coping with life changes

Also works with

Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuse GriefSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesForgivenessGuilt and shame ImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disorders Obsessions, compulsions, and OCDParanoiaPersonality disordersPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPregnancy and childbirthProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

26+ years

Licensed

New York

Languages

English