On todays podcast I welcome Stephanie Parsons. Stephanie is a licensed clinical social worker with a Masters Degree from the University of Chicago and has experience in clinical capacities in multiple countries, including Canada, Slovakia, and Thailand. At her core, she is most passionate about treating OCD and anxiety-related disorders having spent the last few years of her career becoming an expert in exposure response prevention therapy.

Stephanie firmly believes that all humans are capable of doing hard things, and she recognizes that for many, therapy can feel overwhelming and intimidating. That’s why it’s important to her to offer a space of non-judgement, support, and humor while walking through challenges with her clients.​

Today we talk about the levels of therapy and deciding which is best for each set of circumstances and needs. Steph informs when to reach out to a therapist and not needing to know what’s wrong before you go. She clarifies that meeting with a therapist isn’t a binding contract, it is a step in a journey towards finding the right care. She walks us through some of the common subsets of OCD that she sees in her practice and how her clients face their fears and what support people can do to ensure proper healing for those they love that are suffering.

Some pieces we didn’t get to but I would love to visit about in future episodes:

Stephanie has also spent significant time treating PANS/PANDAS disorders and has a special place in her heart for these clients and their families. Additionally, she has worked with clients who need support with family therapy, attachment therapy, and play therapy.​ When not at work, Stephanie is usually in the mountains with her puppy Samson, dunking in ice baths, or traveling the world.

It is a jam-packed interview filled with wonderful advice and so much validation and empathy.

Connect with Steph:

Psychology Today Bio

Ellie Mental Health

RESOURCES:

The OCD and Anxiety Treatment Centers

The IOCDF Website

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Buy Quiet Your Worry Monster - A Children's Anxiety Workbook HERE