Stephanie Garris, MSW, ASW

Associate Clinical Social Worker

Top four Areas of Specialty

  • Teen Issues
  • Anger Management
  • Anxiety
  • Group Counseling
  • Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW96289)
  • Master’s in Social Work, California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
  • BA in Sociology, with a minor in Communications, California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB)
  • Experience working with severely emotionally disturbed patients in a psychiatric hospital setting
  • Background working with teens experiencing emotional hardship/ crisis
  • Effective at running group counseling sessions that promote communication, exploration, and boundary setting.
  • Implements the use of Evidence-Based Practices as well as alternative modes of therapy like art and yoga to promote healing and self-exploration.

Having overcome many of my own obstacles and personal struggles, I know what it is like to face adversity.  My journey towards becoming a therapist began when I realized my greatest accomplishments could not have been achieved without the help of others along the way.  I knew I wanted to be a person someone could turn to when they needed a helping hand.  I believe that therapists should be empathic, responsible, and knowledgeable, which are the guiding principles I use in my own practice

Throughout my life I have worked for several years in hospitality which provided the opportunity to meet many different people from all over the world.  It is through this occupation that I learned about building relationships, communicating effectively, and the power that simple gestures of kindness can have over people.  I was also exposed to many different customs, cultures, and lifestyles that have aided me in my work as a counselor.

My experience as a youth counselor at the SCV Youth Project allowed me to work directly with teens both individually and in groups.  There, I dealt with issues including grief and loss, self-esteem, anger management, suicidal ideation, transgender issues, identity issues, sexual abuse, and more.  I also have experience working as a Social Work Intern at a locked behavioral health unit for individuals on a 72-hour hold.  There I worked with people facing myriad mental health struggles including depression, bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder and more.  Many of these folks were experiencing suicidal ideation and psychosis.  It was a grand opportunity to be able work with some of the most vulnerable in our population and get them to services. I was also able to meet with them individually as well as lead process groups.

As a newly graduated Associate Clinical Social Worker, I am working under the direct supervision of Donald Goodman, LCSW, who has over 20 years of experience working in human services, 13 of which are in private practice.  Under his guidance, I have the opportunity to learn from his professional experiences and be able to provide the best help to my clients.

I believe everyone has their own unique abilities and strengths that can allow them to overcome hardships and setbacks and lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.