Stephanie Lee, LCPC.

Stephanie is a Board Certified fully Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC in IL), fully Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC in TX and NJ), certified substance abuse counselor (CSAC), and a certified clinical trauma specialist (CCTS-I). She has a passion for helping others and a passion for learning. She received her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adler University in Chicago, and has specialized training treating trauma from the Arizona Trauma Institute. Stephanie has over 10 years of specialized training as a Certified Narcissistic Abuse Therapist (NATC). She is also trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).

Stephanie’s specializes in trauma recovery/PTSD, substance use, and works with individuals and couples. She also has clinical interest and knowledge of working with clients with histories of domestic abuse/violence, and sexual abuse/assault as well as those who have been through human trafficking those and who are first responders. Stephanie also has an interest and specialized training/experience in working with those who have undergone narcissistic abuse. True healing takes time, care, and attention. Recovery, in whatever ways are important to the individual, it is possible!

Stephanie works through a lens that allows clients to have their voices heard, be understood, all while not being judged and cared for, to help clients with their specific needs and goals. Stephanie believes that her own past experiences have helped her connect with her clients and form trustworthy therapeutic relationships. She often works with individuals, and she hopes to bring a sense of compassion, kindness, trust, and empathy when working with these clients. Stephanie treats therapy like a casual conversation, meaning she listens and talks with you - not at you, and uses humor and sarcasm frequently. Think of chatting with a friend at a coffee shop, only she knows a thing or two about mental health - how to support clients and guide change.

Stephanie loves spending time with family and friends. When she is not counseling clients, Stephanie loves to watch interesting documentaries or fun movies; she also loves to listen to music or podcasts for self-care. She also trains Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), a martial art, at her local academy in her spare time.

“My superpower is helping other people find their superpower.” - Eve Torres Gracie

Greetings! Mental health is truly a passion of mine and I believe every person deserves the chance to live their best life.  That is not always easy, and many of us need help reaching our goals.  When I work with clients, I take a person-centered approach to better understand their struggles and goals.  I collaborate with my clients to help them identify and refine their already existing skills as well as add some new skills to their tool kit.

My undergraduate background is in math and engineering, but that was not my calling.  So, I assessed my life and went back to school to earn my master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling.  I specialize in trauma-focused interventions including TF-CBT (trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing.  I also have a background in community mental health and have worked with a diverse range of clients including young children, adults, couples, and families with diagnoses including major depressive disorder, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, borderline personality disorder, and substance use disorder.  It is my honor to serve the LGBTQIA+ community, clients who participate in ENM, and all people of color.

Hello! I hold licenses as a clinical social worker and a clinical addiction counselor. My educational background includes a BA in Psychology from Purdue University, obtained in 2003, and a Master's in Social Work from Indiana University, completed in 2006. Since 2006, my professional journey has encompassed 4 years in private practice, 12 years addressing the needs of DCS/probation/court-ordered clients, 7 years in a jail setting (including 6 years as a clinical supervisor), and a role as a clinical director at an addiction recovery center. 

My experience spans working with groups, couples, and individuals grappling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, suicidal thoughts, crisis situations, gender issues, adjustment disorder, parenting challenges, stress, self-esteem, codependency, relationship difficulties, and more. My particular area of passion lies in aiding those struggling with addiction, a field in which I have nearly two decades of experience. 

 As a therapist with over 20 years of dedicated experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families, I have learned that every individual’s journey is unique and deserves compassionate, personalized care. My approach is rooted in empathy and active listening; I strive to create a warm and welcoming space where you can feel safe to explore your thoughts, feelings, and dreams.

Over the years, I have witnessed how a supportive therapeutic environment can empower people to navigate life’s challenges and uncover their inner strengths. Whether you’re grappling with the complexities of adolescence, facing the evolving dynamics of family relationships, or seeking deeper insights into your personal identity as an adult, I work diligently to tailor my therapeutic approach to your unique circumstances. I believe that understanding and growth are intertwined processes—one that involves not only working through current difficulties but also celebrating the progress and the potential that lie within you.

My practice is informed by both established evidence-based techniques and innovative, integrative methods. I incorporate strategies from cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and narrative therapy, among others, to support you in deconstructing harmful patterns and building resilience. In our work together, you’ll be encouraged to explore your emotions, challenge limiting beliefs, and cultivate a more compassionate relationship with yourself.

I view therapy as a collaborative journey. As you navigate the ebbs and flows of life, my goal is to accompany you through moments of uncertainty, helping to illuminate the path toward self-discovery, healing, and transformation. I am committed to not only providing relief from immediate distress but also equipping you with the tools necessary for long-term emotional well-being and personal growth.

If you are ready to embark on a journey toward discovering your best self, I invite you to take the first step toward transformation. Together, we can work to unlock the strengths within you and create a future where you thrive, learn, and evolve into the person you aspire to be.

 As a licensed clinical social worker, I bring four decades of experience and a wealth of knowledge and compassion to my practice. I firmly believe in providing social emotional support in a nurturing, non-judgmental environment. The transformative power of conversation and genuine listening is at the heart of the care I offer. My approach to therapy is deeply rooted in building strong, therapeutic relationships. I have found that through fostering trust, safety and understanding, discussions can delve deeper leading to clearer insights and positive life changes. 

I draw on evidence-based strategies to target my client’s thinking, feelings and behaviors. In therapy it is always necessary to understand what drives behavior, what need behavior serves and work towards removing obstacles to growth. I favor a solution-focused treatment milieu. I offer ideas about mindfulness and how it helps the struggle with anxiety and depression. Where unpacking issues of childhood can be helpful we can explore that. Let’s embark on this transformative journey together. You are the expert on yourself. I will bring my experience to your situation to empower you to make the changes you seek.