hi, i'm Stephanie
I’ve always been drawn to women’s issues and so it came as no surprise to me when I fell in love with supporting women through psychotherapy. My focus in a professional capacity began in 2002, when I trained to become a Domestic Violence Advocate for the State of California. My dedication to the field of mental health continued to grow and has led me to work in various nonprofit and clinic settings (see My Credentials below). I now integrate my passion for empowering women with my expertise in alleviating the symptoms of anxiety and the many challenges surrounding motherhood (particularly postpartum anxiety).
I’ve dedicated my life’s work to supporting women because I truly believe that each one of us is capable of being comfortable in our own skin and of loving ourselves. And I know that is no easy feat; I’ve been there! But imagine being your own best friend. I want this for you. You have the ability to make positive changes in your life. I believe this with my whole heart. I have been honored to witness the transformation women have made using the benefits of mindfulness, effective coping skills, and wellness practices. If you are ready to do the work, I will be right there beside you every step of the way.
Outside of the therapy room, I enjoy trying new local restaurants, exploring the outdoors with my family and curling up on the couch with a good book. Being a native San Diegan, the beach has always been a favorite pastime so I try to spend as much free time there as possible! Having had the opportunity to live and travel throughout Southeast Asia, my mindfulness practice is a part of both my personal and professional life.
For your free consultation connect with me at stephanie@freiburgtherapy.com or complete my contact form on the Contact Page
My Credentials
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – University of California at Santa Cruz
- Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy – University of San Francisco
- California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #52486) – Board of Behavioral Sciences
- Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional (PMH-C #5904) – Postpartum Support International
- Member of California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)
- Member of Postpartum Health Alliance (PHA)
Over the last 20 years of her career, Stephanie has had extensive experience working in various mental health settings some of which include:
- Supervised therapists to ensure evidenced based therapies adhered to (a.k.a. achieving client goals)
- Researched the development of gender stereotypes
- Provided therapy to domestic violence survivors, at-risk youth, & underserved communities
- Supported parents in navigating roles of parenthood and addressing children’s needs
- Assessed and provided therapeutic recommendations for school aged children
- Volunteered at women’s rehabilitation center
- Provided in-home, walk and talk, office & community based therapy with adolescents and adults
Stephanie has presented at conferences, met with school personnel, social workers, judges, police enforcement etc. discussing the importance of psychotherapy as well as taught parents tools to manage their own mental health while supporting their children. Stephanie is a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Therapist. She is trained in Mindful Self Compassion, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy, all of which are evidence based approaches with principles based in providing care in a client centered manner (working with you, not at you).
Stephanie is dedicated to being trauma informed and maintaining cultural humility. As a result she is routinely learning and open to finding new ways of helping her clients meet their needs in a way that is best suited for them. Clinical and postgraduate trainings include but are not limited to:
- Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Psychotherapy Training – Postpartum Support International + 2020 Mom
- Maternal Mental Health Certificate Course – Postpartum Support International + 2020 Mom
- Advanced Skills Fierce Mindful Self Compassion – Center for Mindful Self Compassion
- Mindful Self Compassion Core Skills – Center for Mindful Self Compassion
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia – CDP
- EFT for Licensed Professionals – Uplifting EFT
- Exposure and Response Therapy for OCD – CBI
- Foundations of the Internal Family Systems Model Online Circle – IFS Institute
- Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy Certificate Course – ICEEFT