Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Todd, Lcsw
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Stephanie Todd. My journey as a therapist began with a deep interest in understanding the complexities of the human experience, which lead me to pursue a career where I can help others make meaningful change and experience healing and growth in their lives. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I received my bachelor’s degree in psychology from The University of Utah where I went on complete a master’s degree in social work, with a specialty in mental health and forensics.
After I started working with children in private practice, I developed a passion for promoting mental health and well-being in children which lead me to write my very first children’s mental health book, “Todd’s Mindful Adventure.” Then onto my second one, “Todd and His Inner Critter Critic Named Creed.” The goals I have for my books are to help empower children to express their feelings, build resilience, and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
“Todd’s Mindful Adventure” and “Todd and His Inner Critter Critic Named Creed” offers safe and supportive spaces for children to explore their emotions, fostering emotional intelligence and promoting mental well-being from an early age. Through relatable stories, colorful illustrations, and age-appropriate language, children can gain a deeper understanding of their emotions and acquire practical tools to navigate their inner world.
In my free time you can find me creating art, jamming out on the piano, on a walk with my cats, or reading a good book.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have overcome several challenges throughout my career, as a therapist and as a new author! I think it’s safe to say that any therapist, (whether they have been practicing for 20 years or fresh out of graduate school…) can attest that Imposter Syndrome is REAL. And after six years in this field, I am learning that it may never fully go away, I just gotta roll with it and never stop learning. Mental health is a complex field and it is truly a privilege to witness the changes people make in their lives and the healing that it brings.
As an author starting out, it was extremely hard to navigate the process. Yes, there are several articles out there that can be useful, but to actually go through it is a whole other beast! I am grateful for the support I had going through it. That is my other big takeaway… don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help. In my experience, people genuinely want to help others so it is OK to put the ego aside and learn from others who have gone through it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a licensed clinical therapist my goal is to help others cope with current difficulties and traumas, while taking time to safely explore roots and causes of issues in order to create long-lasting skills and healing. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families with anxiety and depression, trauma and PTSD, and relationship and life transition issues. I provide evidence-based treatment and implement trauma-informed care.
I love to incorporate a variety of modalities in practice, such as mindfulness, experiential therapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mind-body bridging, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), somatic experiencing, Gottman method, and Imago therapy. I hold certification in trauma focused cognitive behavior therapy (TF-CBT) and Gottman Training.
I think what sets me apart from others, is that I bring my whole self into the therapy room. I am not a blank slate therapist. I have my client’s back, I (gently and compassionately) challenge clients when necessary, and I hold 100 percent unconditional positive regard for all of my clients.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
My hope is that therapy will get more and more accessible. At the end of the day, therapy is special. Research suggests that one of the highest predictors of successful client outcomes IS the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and client. Human to human. No article on social media, AI processor, or WebMD page will change that, and I think that’s kind of beautiful!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cottonwood.care
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/endlessempowerment
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/Todds-Mindful-Adventure-Stephanie-Todd/dp/B0C9KTQP8Q/
