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LCSW

Stephanie Southard, LCSW

  • Experience26 years
  • LocationNew York
  • Focus areasADHD, Stress and Anxiety, and Addictions
  • Therapy approachesAcceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Attachment-Based Therapy
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About Stephanie

Stephanie Southard is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 26 years of practice who draws on evidence-based therapies to support people facing stress, anxiety, addictions, mood challenges, relationship difficulties, and ADHD.

Background and approach

She centers therapy on each person's goals, meeting clients where they are and shaping plans around what they want to accomplish. Her style is warm and accepting, focused on practical skills alongside reflective work to reduce distress and improve daily functioning.

Using cognitive and behavioral strategies as a cornerstone, Stephanie also integrates acceptance-based and attachment-informed perspectives when helpful. She offers exercises, role play, and skills training to strengthen coping, communication, and emotion regulation.

Based in New York, she brings extensive experience with trauma, grief, family dynamics, parenting concerns, and co-occurring issues like substance use and chronic health challenges. Stephanie welcomes international clients and provides sessions in English via multiple online formats to fit a variety of schedules and needs.

Evidence-Based Approaches and Online Care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) invites clients to clarify what matters most and to take committed action despite uncomfortable thoughts or feelings; it is useful for stress, anxiety, and value-focused life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to reduce symptoms and build practical coping strategies for issues like depression, anxiety, and addictive patterns. Attachment-Based Therapy explores relational patterns and early bonds to help improve current relationships and emotional regulation, particularly when family dynamics, abandonment, or trauma are present.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work together with each client to assess needs, try techniques, and adjust methods so the plan aligns with personal goals and preferences rather than imposing a single method from the outset.

Online therapy offers flexible access to these approaches through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These formats make it easier to fit sessions into busy lives, maintain continuity during transitions, and use tools like role play or skill-building exercises in ways that suit the client's schedule and comfort.

Frequently asked questions

What problems does she commonly address?
She works with a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship and family issues, trauma and abuse, grief, sleep problems, bipolar disorder, and ADHD-related challenges.
What therapeutic style can I expect in sessions?
Sessions emphasize evidence-based methods with a warm, client-centered stance; cognitive behavioral tools are often combined with acceptance and attachment-informed techniques to build skills and insight.
How much clinical experience does the therapist have?
She brings 26 years of professional experience working with individuals, groups, families, and couples in a variety of clinical settings.
Where is she licensed and based?
She holds an LCSW credential and is licensed in New York under NY LCSW 072535.
Can people outside the United States work with her?
Yes, she accepts international clients and conducts sessions in English for those who are eligible to receive services across borders.
What session formats are available?
Appointments can be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are delivered through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin therapy?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a brief matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes

Also works with

Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDParanoiaPersonality disordersPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPregnancy and childbirthProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

26+ years

Licensed

New York

Languages

English

What Stephanie can help with

Stephanie Southard works with clients on stress and anxiety, addictions, self esteem, depression, and coping with life changes.

How Stephanie approaches therapy

Stephanie's clinical approaches include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Mindfulness Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.

Experience and training

Stephanie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in New York.

Therapy style

Stephanie aims to guide and support you on your journey through this process.