Stephanie Brands

LCSW, Co-Owner

Hi there! I’m Stephanie, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (aka expert in holding space and sipping coffee simultaneously), licensed in Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri. I offer in-person therapy to local clients and online therapy across all three states, which means you can chat with me from your couch, your car (parked, please), or even under a weighted blanket with your pet. I always enjoy meeting your furry (or not-so-furry) friends! My pets, Ellie and Mia, may make a cameo from time to time — they’re my unofficial emotional support team.

I graduated from Aurora University in 2017 with my Master’s in Social Work and have been working in the mental health field since 2015. Throughout my career, I’ve worked in a variety of mental health settings, including both inpatient and outpatient care, supporting adolescents and adults through a wide range of challenges.

In our sessions, you can expect honesty, empathy, a little humor, and probably a few “well that makes total sense” moments. I’m not into therapist-y jargon or robotic head-nods. I’ll celebrate the wins with you when things go well and be there with full support when life feels messy. Therapy with me is a space where you can be your full, unfiltered self — even if that self is still figuring things out (which, honestly, aren’t we all?).

Bottom line: you don’t have to do it all alone. If you're ready to start this journey (or even if you're just therapy-curious), I’d be honored to walk alongside you. Let’s make it meaningful, sprinkled with humor, and rooted in growth.

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Specialties & Therapeutic Approach

I have experience working with adolescents and adults who are navigating:

Anxiety
Depression
ADHD
Self-harm
Suicidal thoughts
Bipolar disorder
Schizophrenia
Anger and emotional regulation challenges
Addiction and substance use
Life Transitions and general mental health concerns

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Motivational Interviewing

My therapeutic approach blends evidence-based practices with a genuine, human connection. Modalities I commonly incorporate include:

While these tools guide the work we do, I believe therapy works best when it feels real and collaborative. Sessions with me focus on creating a supportive space where you can explore challenges, gain insight, build practical coping skills, and celebrate progress — including the small wins that matter just as much as the big ones.