Educational/Academic background:

Stephany received her Masters in Science in Clinical Psychology from San Francisco State University (2007). She obtained her Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Psychology from Duquesne University (2003). She holds professional licensure in Pennsylvania (since 2024) and professional licensure in California (since 2010). 

Clinical experience:

Stephany has been working in the mental health field for over 15 years, beginning in 2007 as a therapist in a high school setting providing crisis counseling. Since then she has served various roles, including: community-based therapist, providing wraparound and case management support to families with children and adolescents in crisis, many involved with the foster-care system (2008-2010); care coordination therapist providing support for families and ensuring comprehensive discharge plans for patients after inpatient hospitalization (2011-2015); individual and group psychotherapist at Kaiser Permanente in Northern California (2015-2021); psychotherapist with a small group practice based in Northern California (2021-2025).

Stephany has additional training and experience in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, EMDR, Internal Family Systems, and Somatic Experiencing. 

Clinical Philosophy:

No one will ever know you as well as you know yourself. The wisdom of your mind/body provides a deep instinctual knowing of what is the right path for you. Your body also comes equipped with a natural intelligence, geared toward healing.

For many of us, times of stress and overwhelm can shake up the snow globe of our mind/body, obscuring our clear seeing and connection to the knowing inside. I see my role as a therapist as a holder of space to co-create the supportive conditions for healing; as a curious and compassionate witness to your experiences; encouraging you to be present with and listen to your own inner voice; and as a fellow traveler willing and interested in exploring together the joys and challenges of being human.   

I help clients to identify habitual patterns of behavior that may have been protective and effective in the past but are now getting in the way of creating the types of relationships they desire - with themselves and with others. I work collaboratively with my clients to create a safe space where we can keep company with all of the parts that make up who they are - even, and especially - those difficult parts that seem to be getting in the way. All of our parts are there for good reason. When we invite them to let us know what they need, we can better understand and care for them.

I am a student of mindfulness practice and this informs the way I hold space for curious, creative and non-judgmental exploration. I offer practical coping skills like emotion regulation and grounding when needed to support deeper tending to what we value and where we find meaning in life and relationships. I incorporate attention to the felt sense of the body that is there to provide us with guiding information about the needs of our system. I am guided by an awareness of my clients' current and early childhood relational experiences and needs. We will work at your pace, trusting in your readiness.

Contact: inquiries@alleghenytherapyPGH.com