I am…

Psychotherapist

Dancer

Facilitator

Teacher

Child Advocate

Coach

Learner

Social Justice Advocate

Mediator

Musical Theatre enthusiast

Thinker

Dreamer

Meditator

World-traveler

Daughter

Partner

Friend

Creator

About Stefanie

I believe we all need to be seen, celebrated, and supported to explore a full spectrum of life choices and personal power. This belief is what lead me to become a movement-based psychotherapist. I am honored to do this work because as I get to know my clients deeply, I am continuously inspired by their resiliency and possibilities, even in the face of adversity and hard struggles.

Born and raised in New York City, I learned a lot about how to be a “do-er”, an “achiever”, and how to do it all, and do it quickly. In never slowing down, I neglected my own needs, and therefore never felt satisfied with myself, my work, or my relationships. Even when I loved what I was doing, this way of being caused pain, shame, self-aggression, anxiety, and unnecessary stress.

Through movement and performance, I learned how to create a positive relationship with myself. I earned my BA in Dance and Theatre and formally danced in musical theatre productions off-Broadway. Through informal and social movement and improvisation, both nationally and internationally, I found community and internal sense of belonging. My passion for movement remains as such because it gives me a sense of freedom, acceptance, and joy. I also discovered that performing alone wasn’t enough, I wanted to help others explore the same joy for themselves so I decided to become a Dance/Movement therapist.

I graduated from Naropa University in Boulder, CO with an MA in Somatic Counseling Psychology with a dual concentration in Body Psychotherapy and Dance/Movement Therapy. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and believe that both performance techniques and psychotherapy techniques free us from our own “stuff” and allow us to explore options and opportunities we never thought were possible.

How I work

I use a body-aware framework to create opportunities for my clients to understand, express, respect and connect with their whole self-- body, mind, and heart. I work from a strengths-based approach, and fully believe my clients to be the experts on their own lives.

I am aware that not everyone has a passion for movement in the way that I do, and that’s ok. It is not a requirement for our work together, nor is it an expectation or a goal, but rather an opportunity. My contemplative education and practice supports my desire and competence to be with you, however you show up, and support you through your journey towards self-compassion in reaching the goals you’ve set.

My own healing journey from being quiet, shy and ashamed to exist to becoming a leader, risk-taker, and at times the loudest one in the room, gives me the insiders scoop that this journey is not easy-- in fact, it can feel unraveling and painful. Pain that you can and will, survive. I am honored to support my clients as they rearrange to honor their true essence and integrate all of their inherent gifts to become the powerful and emotional beings they were always meant to be. 

It would be my greatest privilege to witness and celebrate you as you embark on your healing journey.

So what exactly is a movement-based psychotherapist? Read more here.