Family therapy and counseling in Stamford, CT

I'm Magdalena, and I've been doing this work for 14 years — across schools, community

mental health, and private practice. What that span of experience gave me is range: I've

worked with people in serious crisis and people who are simply stuck, and I've learned

that the gap between those two things is smaller than most people think. I trained at

UNC Wilmington and have spent my career working with adults across the full

complexity of what life throws at people — anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, parenting,

major life transitions, and identity. I offer therapy in both English and Polish, and I'm

LGBTQ+-affirming. I accept insurance and offer a sliding scale. My goal isn't to be your

therapist forever — it's to give you what you need so you can get on with your life.

I began my career working with children and quickly expanded my expertise to include adults and couples. Throughout my 26 years as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have seen the incredible power of the human spirit to overcome trauma and unexpected life struggles. Watching my clients transition from "surviving" to "thriving" remains the most inspiring part of my work.

As a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with dual certifications in Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Practice, I provide compassionate, holistic care for both mental and physical well-being. With over 18 years of experience, I offer a supportive, nonjudgmental space for you to share your story. Whether you’re facing stress, anxiety, or depression, I’m here to guide you toward a healthier, balanced life. Let’s work together toward the life you deserve.

I believe that most people already have a deep understanding of themselves and what they need, it can just be difficult to access that understanding when we’re overwhelmed, stuck, or caught in patterns that no longer serve us.

As a systems therapist, I look beyond the individual to understand the relationships, experiences, and environments that shape how we think, feel, and respond. I’m particularly interested in helping people understand interpersonal conflict and the patterns that develop between us, whether with a partner, family member, friend, or colleague.

Life can be a lot. Between juggling work, friends and family life, anxiety and sadness can sneak up on you. Therapy isn’t about lying on a couch while someone silently nods, it’s about having a real convo with someone who gets it. Together, we’ll work together out how to quiet the noise, boost your mental health, and build habits that make life feel less like survival mode and more like you actually living it. Life throws curveballs — and when we don’t fully process them, they can sneakily pile up as stress, anxiety, or that heavy feeling you just can’t shake. That’s where therapy comes in.

My mission is simple: create a space where you can express yourself, shake off the weight you’ve been carrying, and explore who you’ve been, who you are, and who you want to become. A safe zone for real talk and growth. EMDR (a way of helping your brain re-file old memories so they don’t keep hitting the panic button), systems theory, person centered theory.

Therapy with me isn’t about lying on a couch in awkward silence. It’s modern, collaborative, sometimes even a little fun — because growth doesn’t always have to feel heavy. I’m open-minded yet structured and here to make the process feel less like a chore and more like a genuine reset.

For insurances I do not accept: Out of network provider: 4 questions to ask insurance representative: Does your plan include "out-of-network" coverage for mental health? What is your annual deductible for mental health benefits? What is your co-insurance? (What percentage does the plan cover?) Is there a limit on sessions?

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.