Risa Stutz

If you're feeling stretched thin—anxious, exhausted, or stuck in patterns you can't quite name—you don't have to keep pushing through it alone. I'm Risa, an LCSW with over 10 years of experience helping adults move from overwhelmed to grounded.

I work with people navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma and PTSD, grief, anger, relationship strain, identity questions, and difficult life transitions. Many of my clients look high-functioning on the outside while struggling underneath—racing thoughts, disrupted sleep, burnout, or a quiet sense that something needs to change.

Over my career I've supported clients in community mental health, geriatric care, veterans' health, and corrections—settings that taught me to meet people across very different circumstances without judgment. I earned my Master's in 2012 and have practiced ever since, with particular experience supporting women and the LGBTQIA+ and transgender community around identity, relationships, and self-worth.

Whatever brought you here, my aim is for you to feel understood from our very first conversation.

My approach is collaborative, warm, and practical—I tailor each session to the person in front of me rather than forcing anyone into a single method. Depending on your goals, I draw on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Trauma-Focused CBT to address unhelpful thought patterns, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) to build room for hard emotions, and Motivational Interviewing and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) when you want momentum and concrete change.

For deeper, longer-standing patterns, I integrate Psychodynamic, Attachment-Based, and Narrative work, alongside Strength-Based and Positive Psychology approaches that build on what's already working in your life. Early on, we'll get clear on what matters most and set goals we can actually measure. Sessions are a real dialogue—I ask questions, offer honest reflections, and give you tools to use between visits. I believe people change not by being "fixed," but by being understood and then supported in taking the next doable step

In our first conversation, expect an open, low-pressure dialogue—a chance to share what's on your mind and decide together whether we're the right fit. From there, you can expect me to show up consistently, listen closely, and stay honest with you, even when that means gently naming the hard stuff.

Over time, the clients I work with often notice real shifts: anxiety that feels manageable instead of all-consuming, steadier moods, better sleep, and more confidence setting boundaries. Many describe communicating more clearly in their relationships, responding instead of reacting, and feeling more like themselves again.

You don't need to have it all figured out before reaching out. If you're ready to feel more grounded and in control, I'd be glad to take that next step with you.