Stephanie Lerma, LMFT

Stephanie Lerma is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in California with five years of clinical experience supporting adolescents, adults, and families. As an LMFT she holds a professional license to provide therapy to individuals, couples, and family systems; her work draws on training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and psychodynamic principles to address emotional and relational concerns.

She helps people navigating anxiety, depression, stress, family conflict, life transitions, self-esteem struggles, and relationship challenges, tailoring interventions to each person and situation. Her integrative approach combines practical skills from DBT and CBT with insight-oriented perspectives from psychodynamic work, allowing clients to build coping tools while exploring underlying patterns that influence behavior and relationships.

Stephanie aims to create a therapeutic space grounded in empathy, authenticity, and respect so clients feel seen and supported. She approaches therapy as a collaborative process, adapting the work to match each client s needs and goals. Taking the step to seek help is approached as a courageous decision, and she offers steady support as clients pursue growth and healing.

Evidence-Informed Approaches for Remote Care

Stephanie integrates Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy into her clinical work. Dialectical Behavior Therapy focuses on teaching practical skills for managing intense emotions, reducing impulsive reactions, and improving interpersonal effectiveness - it can be especially helpful for clients dealing with strong emotional responses, relationship stress, or difficulties with regulation. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, offering structured strategies for anxiety, depression, stress, and self-esteem challenges.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic journey, and Stephanie works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. Together they will adapt techniques and pace so therapy fits the client s life and priorities.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate schedules and comfort levels. For many people, working with licensed professionals this way makes it easier to stay consistent with sessions, access timely support during life transitions, and maintain continuity of care from a location that works for them.