My name is Laura Stephens and I have built a career as a Licensed Independent/Clinical Social Worker utilizing my skills as a psychotherapist working with children, adults and families for the past 10 years. One of the aspects of my work in therapy that I enjoy the most is helping parents understand their children and their children's behaviors better, as well as their own ideas/habits/and priorities of parenting that are working or not working for them. Because this truly is a passion of mine I developed Courageous Aim to offer a more direct approach to serving clients in their homes and over phone/skype without utilizing traditional therapy approaches and instead proactive, encouraging, action oriented strategies to help families in a more private and personal setting.
I earned my Bachelors Degree in Social Work from the University of Iowa in 2001 and then my Masters of Social Work degree from Tulane University in 2005. I have professional experience in a variety of settings including, community based in-home services, school based services, adolescent in-patient mental health services within a psychiatric hospital , and currently in the private practice setting.
I have been a step-parent for the past 8 years to two pretty amazing young people, now ages 15 and 10, and four years ago was blessed with a daughter. I have experience with my own non-traditional family dynamics but also have gained a great deal of experience working with families of all types of constellations through the years and am well aware of blended family issues. Family is one of the most important parts of my life which is why my interest in helping others build stronger more positive relationships with their families is so rewarding to me. Families like mine are messy, imperfect, beautiful, thrilling, joyful and by all means the most valuable gift I've ever received. These are my people. I choose to guide them with purpose and intent as I take Courageous Aim in their lives. Join me so we can discuss where you're at and where you want to "aim".