Stephanie M. Sullivan, MS, LMFT

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Get to know me:

Stephanie M. Sullivan is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with her own private practice, Attunement LLC. She is based in Valparaiso, IN, but sees clients all over the states of Indiana and Michigan via teletherapy. As a therapist, Stephanie specializes in anxiety, self-care, trauma, sexuality, polyamorous relationships, and other forms of consensual non-monogamy. Stephanie also provides clinical supervision for limited licensed and associate-level clinicians who are interested in providing affirmative care through a systemic lens. She also offers speaking engagements, education, and consultation. 

What does affirmative psychotherapy mean to me?

Affirmative psychotherapy is a way of working with clients to focus on increasing their personal comfort levels and empower them to be their authentic selves. It is not only accepting, but celebrating a client’s personal identity, especially in terms of their gender, sexual orientation, and relationship style.

What populations do I work with? What is my level of expertise (friendly, knowledgeable, expert) for each of those populations?

I primarily work with individuals experiencing anxiety, life transitions, and relationship difficulties. Many of my clients also have a history of trauma. In addition, they may be discussing or exploring their gender, sexuality, polyamorous relationships, and other forms of ethical non-monogamy. I would consider my expertise in working with consensual non-monogamy and polyamory as “expert.” I have presented on polyamorous relationships in multiple venues and conferences, and I completed my master’s thesis on marriage and family therapists’ attitudes and perceptions of polyamorous relationships. I have started to develop therapeutic models and theories to better apply them to polyamorous clients, and I have continued to study and learn about polyamorous relationships throughout my career. The majority of my clients are part of the LGBTQIA+ communities; therefore, I would consider myself knowledgeable with helping LGBTQIA+ clients explore and affirm their intersecting identities.

I also consider myself knowledgeable in relationship to kink and BDSM. I have decent knowledge and experience working with clients who are engaged in the kink community, as well as helping clients navigate healthy vs. unhealthy dynamics in kink relationships. I continue to explore new and affirmative texts related to all of these topics and communities in order to serve my clients as best I can. 

What is my approach to healing?

I offer a focus on holistic healing and somatic work, communication tools, stress management techniques, and an exploration of those internal voices that seem to pull you one way and then the other. I also attempt to help empower my clients in their life’s pursuits and assist my clients to find their own strengths. Therefore, my treatment strategy utilizes collaborative, solution-focused theories with clients, as well as psychoeducation, internal family systems, cognitive behavioral therapy, attachment theory, and feminist family therapy. It is important to me to create a safe, open, and non-judgmental atmosphere with my clients, as I believe all people are important and have their own unique life experiences and ideas.

What issues am I most skilled at addressing as a mental health professional?

I specialize in helping clients who are experiencing anxiety, C-PTSD, and insecure attachments or attachment wounds. I am also skilled at working with clients who are exploring their identity, navigating life transitions, and getting in tune with their emotions. I help my clients understand what their body is telling them, how to navigate difficult emotions, and how to develop self-compassion. I also specialize in helping folx navigate ethical non-monogamy, opening up their relationship, and other relational challenges. 

EDUCATION & LICENSE

Education: Master of Science in Child Development and Family Studies, Specialization: Marriage and Family Therapy
Years in Practice: 7
School: Purdue University Northwest
Year Graduated: 2017
License # and State: 4151000437 – Michigan; 35002289A – Indiana
Additional Credentials: American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) member, AAMFT Minority Fellowship Program Fellow 2016-2017

OFFICE INFORMATION

Fully Online/Telehealth

FINANCES

Fee Range: $160-$250 (Sliding Scale Available)
Accepted Payment Methods: Cash, Credit, Debit, Check
Accepted Insurance Plans: Aetna, Anthem BCBS

 

Check Out Stephanie Sullivan’s Continuing Education Courses