Grief counselors and therapists in Lawrence, MA

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with many years experience working folx experiencing trauma, anxiety depression, life transitions and loss. I have experience working with people throughout the lifespan with a particular interest in older adolescents and young adults.

Many people come to therapy feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, or life experiences that have left them feeling disconnected from themselves or uncertain about how to move forward. I believe that healing begins with feeling truly seen, heard, and accepted. I am passionate about helping clients recognize their strengths, reconnect with their authentic selves, and build lives that feel more grounded, meaningful, and aligned with who they are.

I earned my Master's degree from Springfield College in 2007 and bring nearly two decades of clinical experience across a wide range of settings, including outpatient clinics, in-home therapy, residential treatment, juvenile justice programs, school-based services, and as a school adjustment counselor. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of how trauma, relationships, and life experiences shape emotional well-being across the lifespan. While my background includes extensive work with children, adolescents, and families, my practice is primarily focused on supporting teens and adults who are navigating life's challenges. I am committed to providing culturally responsive, affirming care that honors each person's unique identity and lived experience.

Hey there! I am a therapist that has a passion for helping individuals cope with ongoing life stressors. I want to assist people with building the best version of themselves. I specialize in working with those who struggle to manage their stress and/or anxiety. I love working with individuals who are struggling to navigate the complex world of relationships & parenting. I also enjoy helping those who struggle with financial stress and anxiety build a healthier relationship with money.

I believe that meaningful change begins with feeling heard, supported, and empowered. I work collaboratively with clients to identify practical solutions, build on their strengths, and develop the tools needed to navigate life's challenges with greater confidence.

I enjoy working with clients who are ready to challenge themselves, explore new perspectives, and actively engage in the therapeutic process. Whether you're navigating anxiety, trauma, life transitions, or other personal struggles, I strive to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where lasting growth and healing can take place.

Stephanie Barkley graduated from Saint Louis University with a doctorate in medical family therapy. She has been practicing for 15+ years. She uses modalities that deconstruct patterns preventing you from reaching your full potential. Her counseling sessions will help you reconnect with yourself and the present moment and make yourself and your relationships priorities again.

I've been doing this work for 25 years — which means I've sat with a lot of people in a lot of different kinds of pain, and I've watched most of them find their way through it. I work with adolescents, adults, and families dealing with trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+ identity, cultural identity, and the messy overlaps between all of those things. I'm warm, direct, and probably a little funnier than you'd expect from a therapist. That's intentional. Some of the hardest healing I've witnessed happened in moments that also had some lightness in them. I'm LGBTQ+ affirming, work with couples and families in addition to individuals, and I accept Aetna, Carelon Behavioral Health, and Cigna through Headway — plus several additional insurers on Psychology Today.

Is your experience with pregnancy, postpartum, or parenthood not going as you thought it might? Or are you finding the transition to motherhood stressful and life changing? Though it can be joyful, it can also be a vulnerable time filled with overwhelming stress, worry, sadness, or even grief. If this sounds at all like you, please know I am here to help.