Stephanie Fuertes, LMHC

Stephanie Fuertes is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) based in New York who works with adults navigating life transitions, relationship challenges, loss, and trauma. With six years of clinical experience, she supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, family and parenting concerns, and a range of intimacy and identity issues. She also addresses specific struggles such as abandonment, attachment difficulties, body image concerns, codependency, caregiver stress, chronic illness, and family-of-origin problems.

Her therapeutic style is grounded in authenticity, compassion, and a non-judgmental presence. She practices from a client-centered perspective, viewing each person as the expert on their own life and capable of meaningful change. Using cognitive behavioral techniques, she helps clients identify and shift thinking patterns that affect mood, behavior, and relationships. She also brings a trauma-informed lens to sessions, exploring how past experiences influence current responses and helping clients build understanding and resilience. Stephanie offers bilingual services in English and Spanish and aims to collaborate with each person to set clear goals and practical steps toward healthier functioning and greater well-being.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Care

Stephanie integrates client-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy to guide online work. Client-centered therapy focuses on creating an empathic, respectful space where the therapist follows the client's lead and helps them identify their own strengths and goals - this approach is useful for relationship concerns, self-esteem, and life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a skills-based method that helps people recognize and shift unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors, which can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress.

She also incorporates mindfulness techniques to help clients build awareness of thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations, supporting regulation during times of overwhelm. Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process - Stephanie collaborates with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and adjusts the plan as progress unfolds.

Online therapy with a licensed professional offers flexibility and accessibility. Video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging allow people to schedule care around work, family, and mobility needs, maintain continuity through life changes, and receive consistent support from therapists without the need to travel.