Stephanie Gillenwater MS LPC
Founding Partner and Child and Adolescent Therapist
Stephanie began her career in mental health at a psychiatric hospital, where she gained extensive experience working with a diverse array of diagnoses, such as Major Depression Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. In her role, the focus was on helping individuals manage and reduce their symptoms, while also equipping them with effective coping strategies. Stephanie is dedicated to supporting clients in their journey towards emotional stability and personal growth. Her ultimate goal is to empower people to build a life that is not only manageable but also deeply fulfilling and worth living. She strives to create a compassionate and collaborative environment where each person feels valued and supported in their pursuit of well-being.
“Who looks outside dreams; who looks inside awakes.”
-Carl Jung
DBT with Stephanie
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a well-established, evidence-based psychotherapy initially developed to address complex personality disorders and interpersonal challenges. Under Stephanie's expert guidance, DBT offers a compassionate and structured approach to therapy, emphasizing balance and validation. It has proven effective in treating a range of issues, including mood disorders and suicidal ideation. Additionally, DBT provides invaluable support for transforming harmful behaviors such as self-harm and substance use. Stephanie’s skilled application of DBT helps clients build resilience and foster meaningful change in their lives.
EMDR with Stephanie
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a specialized psychotherapy designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. With Stephanie’s compassionate and skilled approach, EMDR provides a safe and supportive space for clients to address and process challenges that may not be easily resolved through traditional talk therapy. Stephanie’s ultimate goal is to empower individuals to overcome their difficulties and build a life worth living, fostering resilience and emotional well-being along the way.
AutPlay Therapy with Stephanie
AutPlay Therapy is an integrative family play therapy framework specifically designed to address the mental health needs of neurodivergent children, including those with autism, ADHD, learning differences, sensory differences, Tourette syndrome, giftedness, and developmental disabilities. Stephanie’s passion for working with this community has been a driving force since the beginning of her career. Through AutPlay Therapy, she provides a nurturing and supportive environment where neurodivergent children and their families can thrive, fostering growth, understanding, and connection in a personalized and empathetic manner.
