Stephanie Michalski

Embracing self-discovery means letting go of limiting stories and embracing your true self. As Lori Gottlieb says, "unknowing" yourself allows you to live life unfettered by narratives. Many begin therapy to address a specific challenge or "presenting problem" - childhood trauma, family dynamics, relationship struggles, or daily stressors. I believe in building a strong therapeutic rapport to create a safe, trusting environment for your unique healing journey.

With a background in Clinical Psychology (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) and Social Work (DePaul University), I've gained extensive clinical experience in community mental health settings, working with diverse populations: children, adolescents, adults, older persons, those with chronic mental illness, substance use disorders, and the LGBTQIA+ community.

I'm committed to meeting you where you are, providing a safe space to explore struggles, discover strengths, and guide self-discovery and personal growth. I'm passionate about delivering trauma-informed and culturally competent services, ensuring a supportive and inclusive environment. I'd be honored to walk alongside you on your healing journey and look forward to connecting with you.

In the first session, we begin with getting to know each other and identifying goals for therapy. First appointments can be nerve wracking; my goal is to create a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard.