Stephanie Krznarich

WELCOME! I am Stephanie Krznarich (KRIZ-NAR-Rich). Everyone asks, "How do you pronounce that last name?"

My educational background is a Bachelor's and Master's in Social Work from The Ohio State University (OSU). While studying at OSU, I concentrated on chemical dependency and mental health as well as concerns within the older adult population. Also, I attended Bethany Theological Seminary for two years where my focus was on pastoral care, counseling as well as chaplaincy at two major hospitals in the Dayton area. Most of my professional experience has been working with adolescents, adults and seniors.

I utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities that incorporate a "strengths-based" perspective I.E. what is going right in an individual's, couple's or family's situation that can be built upon in sessions. Jointly, we will discover what has been successful in the past and what we can add to counseling creating a firm foundation towards positive outcome. We will often investigate triggers, stressors or cues that are less than helpful and explore positive ways to cope when they present themselves. A primary goal is to gain insight as well as skills to address the condition(s) and resolve symptoms associated with what often brings someone into therapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one long standing approach to care that aides in understanding how our thoughts contribute to feelings; which result in behaviors that are either reactionary or thought-out responses to uncomfortable situations. Our work together is often Solution-Focused.

Please note that not one therapeutic approach works for all individuals and that there are many methods we will utilize to achieve identified goals that are both client-focused while being trauma-sensitive. Just as each individual that comes to therapy is one of a kind, your experience in counseling will be unique to your goals, preferences and objectives. We shall incorporate your family history, knowledge, experiences and gifts. Together working towards an outcome that is well-balanced, with meaning and purpose. Should you wish to discuss Spiritual or Faith-based matters, that can be explored or not. Counseling is your time to focus on yourself and those topics that you wish to address.

You can expect to find the therapeutic environment personable, professional and warm. I attempt to incorporate humor as often as possible to help lead each of us to a place where we can embrace gratitude and usually find a space to laugh at ourselves or the ironies of life. You may have said to yourself or a friend, "You can't make this stuff up." It is my goal for you to leave sessions with a new insight, perspective to consider and/or tool(s) to address what is presenting a challenge. Together we will decide what it is that you want to focus on or practice in between sessions to increase your skills.