- Stress and anxiety
- Family conflict
- Life purpose
About Laurel
Laurel Stephens is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW-R, licensed in New York with 20 years of professional experience. She works with adults who are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, parenting challenges, and family conflict. Laurel also lists life purpose among her focus areas and helps people who feel stuck after changes in work, relationships, or health.
She approaches work as a collaboration. Clients bring their knowledge of their own lives. Laurel adds her clinical experience and training to help set goals and practical steps. Sessions are presented as clear conversations about what is happening now and what someone wants to change.
In practice she listens for patterns that keep repeating and for issues that heighten anxiety or low mood. She helps people name painful feelings like guilt and shame and find ways to manage them. Laurel also supports those facing divorce, blended family transitions, pregnancy and childbirth challenges, and problems common to young adults.
Her work addresses post-traumatic stress and social anxiety in straightforward ways. She focuses on strategies that can reduce distress and improve daily functioning. People often come to her wanting help with isolation, forgiveness, or rebuilding life after loss or separation.
Laurel frames therapy around practical goals and clear steps toward them. She and the client review progress and adjust plans as needed. To begin, clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session to set goals and expectations.
Therapeutic approaches and how they work online
Laurel uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on practical change and symptom reduction. One common approach she uses is structured problem-solving, which breaks down overwhelming issues into specific steps and experiments to try between sessions. This can help with stress, anxiety, and managing everyday responsibilities.Another frequently used idea is exposure and response strategies for social anxiety and post-traumatic stress. These methods involve gradual, supported practice of situations that cause fear, helping reduce avoidance and build confidence over time.
Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Laurel collaborates with each client to decide which techniques fit their goals, needs, and preferences. She will check in and adapt methods as progress is reviewed so the plan stays practical and relevant.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, allow shorter check-ins when a quick adjustment is needed, or remove travel time so people can manage appointments around work or childcare. These practical benefits help people keep therapy consistent while they work toward clearer direction and better daily functioning.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
20+ years
Listed in
New York
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she commonly address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, parenting challenges, and family conflict. Additional topics include blended family issues, divorce and separation, and life purpose.
How does she approach someone feeling stuck?
She describes therapy as a collaborative process where the client identifies goals and she brings clinical experience to shape practical steps. Sessions focus on clear conversation and actionable strategies.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 20 years of professional experience in clinical work supporting people with mood, trauma, and family-related concerns.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW-R, licensed in New York and practices from that location.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with clients outside the United States?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions scheduled and paid for?
Costs vary with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Exact pricing is provided during the sign-up process.
What should I do to start therapy?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session to set goals and expectations.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.