Stefanie Bezduch

"Therapy isn't radio. We don't need to constantly fill the air with sounds. Sometimes, when it's quiet, surprising things happen." - Mary Pipher. In other words, learn to listen and give space to process; the counseling session is not about the counselor. Rather, one must meet the client where they are at and work to reach their goals in accordance with their timeline. My philosophy of counseling can best be described as "the client is the expert of their story". I believe in collaborative approaches to counseling where the client is encouraged and challenged to problem solve and live their lives in accordance with their most genuine selves. To accomplish this, I use a variety of theoretical approaches, depending on the client's needs. I don't believe in limiting myself to one main theoretical approach that is used with each and every client. The reasoning behind this is that every client presents a unique journey and one specific approach that works for one client, may not work for another. For example, I have had the honor of working with individuals from various walks of life. Some of my clients are very literal and appreciate tangible approaches where analogies are very clear and can be used visually. Other clients appreciate more imaginative work and resonate with exercises and approaches where they are able to let their mind wander and process more internally. Some clients need a mix of both approaches. It is my hope to create a practice in which clients feel safe processing the events of their lives. I strive to encourage clients to live authentically, to learn how to communicate in ways that best serve them, and exercise boundaries to protect their inner peace. My areas of focus are general mental health, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, trauma, and eating disorders. I have experience working with adolescents, adults, military personnel, spouses, and family members, and individuals with developmental disabilities.