Stephanie L. Nelson, Psy.D

I believe that you are the expert of your own existence, and, as a therapist, my job is to guide you in collaborative exploration of that reality. Through deep reflection of your mind-body experiences, we can more thoroughly identify your areas of strength, while also evaluating patterns that are keeping you “stuck.” Together, we will use this knowledge of the way you understand the world to make intentional adjustments in the way you respond to it. My ultimate goal is to help manifest a value-driven life that is unique to you.

My therapeutic approach integrates treatments such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with other mindfulness-based and relational techniques. I have helped clients adapt to issues related to anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, substance use, life transitions, identity struggles, relationship concerns, polyamory/ethical non-monogamy, loss and bereavement, end-of-life, and caregiver support. I work with populations of all ages, but have extensive training and experience working with geriatric and medically compromised individuals, as well as members of the LGBTQ+ community. As a queer Filipino American woman, I empathize with the experience of finding myself while also navigating a world full of contradictory messages. As such, I work to actively recognize the influence of culture and intersecting identities on my client’s experiences. This fuller appreciation of individual histories helps me connect to people of all backgrounds and adapt treatment approaches to each person’s distinct needs.

More about me: While I moved around during my early life, I was largely raised in rural Pennsylvania. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a bio-evolutionary focus from the Pennsylvania State University (WE ARE!). Shortly after graduation, I moved to New York City to pursue my doctorate degree at the Yeshiva University Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology. I completed my pre-doctoral internship at James J. Peters Bronx VAMC, and my post-doctoral fellowship in geropsychology, clinical health psychology, and interprofessional training in geriatric primary care at the VA NY Harbor Healthcare System’s Manhattan Campus.