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Hi, I’m Jessica, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing virtual therapy in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Florida. My personal experiences have deeply shaped the way I approach therapy and the kind of space I strive to create for clients. I know firsthand that healing and growth are rarely linear, and that support looks different for everyone. Because of that, I don’t believe therapy should feel rigid or “one size fits all.”

My approach is warm, compassionate, and grounded in genuine human connection. I want therapy to feel like a space where you can exhale a little, show up authentically, and talk openly about both the heavy things and the everyday moments that still matter. Yes, I absolutely want to hear about your stressful week, your latest life spiral, and how your pets are doing too. Alongside the deeper work, I believe there is real value in feeling comfortable enough to be fully yourself in session.

I strive to create an environment where you feel heard, supported, and never judged. Together, we’ll explore the patterns, stressors, and experiences that may be keeping you stuck while building practical tools, emotional insight, and confidence that feel sustainable outside of therapy. My hope is that you leave sessions feeling more grounded, more connected to yourself, and more capable of navigating life with clarity, self-trust, and compassion.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with training in adult outpatient psychiatry and telehealth. My background includes psychiatric evaluation and medication management for adults with anxiety, depression, mood-related concerns, ADHD, trauma-related symptoms, sleep difficulties, and stress or burnout. I take a supportive, collaborative approach focused on clear communication and shared decision-making. Evening appointments are available.

My passion has always been to work with individuals to increase their overall happiness, build upon their strengths, and encourage them to never give up on their goals.

I have a relaxed and goal-oriented approach to therapy. I'll show up for you how you need to be supported. I will always be honest and challenge you to reach your goals. I am friendly and warm and hold no judgments toward my clients. We can have open communication about what works vs what does not work for you.

I specialize in helping adults with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, trauma, and complex trauma.

** My practice currently prioritizes clients in the Mid-Hudson Valley and those in direct service and helping professions, such as therapists, teachers, first responders, veterans, healthcare workers, and essential and frontline workers. **

I'm a trauma and EMDR therapist and LCSW licensed in New York and Connecticut, with eight years of experience rooted in crisis work. I've worked with families facing hardship and people in corporate and executive careers, and I have experience in disaster mental health and in critical incident stress management for first responders. I understand people under the highest levels of stress, both personally through my own experiences, and professionally.

I don't believe trauma has to be something we simply live with, or something that defines us. When we look at ourselves through a nervous system lens, we start to see a nervous system that adapted to survive, and one that can learn to do something new.

A self-regulation approach asks, "How do I calm myself down?" A capacity approach asks, "How can I build a nervous system that doesn't need to be calmed down every time life gets hard?" That second question is where I work. I start with the body and emotional experience before cognitive understanding, which helps us reach what's hard to put into words, leading to real shifts.

Welcome to Stem Wellness! My name is Stella Stempel, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Psychologist. In over 10 years of private practice, I worked with individuals, couples, and families. My approach is consistent, incremental change coupled with healthy thoughts that leads to a more satisfying life. Changing the way we act affects the way we feel and the way we view ourselves. When working with me, you are guided towards intentional living and healthy thought processes.