Stephanie Garris

Meet the Therapist

Stephanie Garris, MSW, ASW

Associate Clinical Social Worker

I believe everyone has their own unique abilities and strengths that can allow them to overcome hardships and setbacks and lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.

Top Four Areas of Specialty:

Anxiety

Teen Issues

Anger Management

Family and Relationship Issues

My Experience

Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW96289)

Master’s in Social Work, California State University, Northridge (CSUN)

BA in Sociology, with a minor in Communications, California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB)

Experience working with severely emotionally disturbed patients in a psychiatric hospital setting

Background working with teens experiencing emotional hardship/crisis

Effective at running group counseling sessions that promote communication, exploration, and boundary setting

Implements the use of Evidence-Based Practices as well as alternative modes of therapy like art and yoga to promote healing and self-exploration

Years of Experience in Mental Health

Years of Experience Using Alternative Therapy Methods

Years of Experience Working with Adolescents and Young Adults

Years of Experience With Family and Couples Counseling

Working With Me

Having overcome many of my own obstacles and personal struggles, I know what it is like to face adversity. My journey towards becoming a therapist began when I realized my greatest accomplishments could not have been achieved without the help of others along the way. I knew I wanted to be a person someone could turn to when they needed a helping hand. I believe that therapists should be empathic, responsible, and knowledgeable, which are the guiding principles I use in my own practice

Throughout my life I have worked for several years in hospitality which provided the opportunity to meet many different people from all over the world. It is through this occupation that I learned about building relationships, communicating effectively, and the power that simple gestures of kindness can have over people. I was also exposed to many different customs, cultures, and lifestyles that have aided me in my work as a counselor.

My experience as a youth counselor at the SCV Youth Project allowed me to work directly with teens both individually and in groups. There, I dealt with issues including grief and loss, self-esteem, anger management, suicidal ideation, transgender issues, identity issues, sexual abuse, and more. I also have experience working as a Social Work Intern at a locked behavioral health unit for individuals on a 72-hour hold. There I worked with people facing a myriad mental health struggles including depression, bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder and more. Many of these folks were experiencing suicidal ideation and psychosis. It was a grand opportunity to be able work with some of the most vulnerable in our population and get them to services. I was also able to meet with them individually as well as lead process groups.

Currently I work with people of all ages and backgrounds and use methods from Psychodynamic Psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Art Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy.

As an Associate Clinical Social Worker, I am working under the direct supervision of Donald Goodman, LCSW, who has over 20 years of experience working in human services. Under his guidance, I have the opportunity to learn from his professional experiences and be able to provide the best help to my clients.
I believe everyone has their own unique abilities and strengths that can allow them to overcome hardships and setbacks and lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.