From a young age, I discovered my passion for helping others. I joined Girl Scouts, which introduced me to the value of service and community support. For my Gold Award project, I dedicated over 100 hours to the Montgomery County Foster Care Program. I created a donation-based “closet” where foster parents could easily access clothing, supplies, and other essential items for the children in their care. I coordinated donation pickups, organized an open house to introduce families to the space, and used my leadership skills to bring the project to life and spread awareness about the resources available. Through this work—and through being the person friends and family often sought out for support—I truly began to recognize and refine my passion for helping others.
These experiences inspired me to pursue my undergraduate studies in Psychology at West Virginia University. As I progressed through the program, I found myself increasingly drawn to the counseling courses—many of which were reserved for graduate students. Recognizing how much this work resonated with me, I decided to continue my education in mental health counseling and went on to earn my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University.
Since completing my training, I’ve had the privilege of working in a variety of settings—outpatient clinics, crisis stabilization units, addiction treatment programs, and family-centered services. Each environment has shaped the way I show up as a clinician.These experiences allow me to meet clients exactly where they are, whether they’re navigating stress, relationship concerns, major life transitions, or deeper emotional pain.
During my free time I like to spend time with my three children and husband, exercise, puzzle, check out new restaurants to frequent (I am a bit of a foodie), or stay at home and look up a new recipe to make 🙂
I am a licensed professional counselor with a decade of experience walking alongside individuals, couples, and families as they navigate life’s challenges. I believe therapy should feel safe, supportive, and genuinely connected, and my goal is to create a space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered.
I will gently challenge when I sense ambivalence, and use humor to help break the ice and build rapport.
My primary areas of population served are those with anxiety, panic attacks, depression, OCD, ADHD, trauma, life adjustment/transitions, LGBTQ+, relationship concerns, sexual problems and family/couple conflict.
In sessions, I use somatic experiencing, sensorimotor psychotherapy and emotionally focused therapy, amongst other evidence-based approaches tailored to your unique needs and goals. Your story, strengths, and struggles guide the work we do together, and we’ll move at a pace that feels right for you.
I will empower you to achieve optimal health and wellness by focusing on all components of the self (mental, physical, emotional, spiritual, identity) and work with you to figure out the why behind the symptoms. In addition to providing tools to manage symptoms.
Through listening, validation and learning your unique needs, I will create a plan specifically catered to you. My approach is to explore and understand thoughts and behaviors that impact current functioning, as well as how past experiences can shape and impact the present moment. Most of all I’m here to walk with you—offering compassion, clarity, and a steady presence as you create meaningful change.
Stephanie Buchanan holds a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University and a Master’s in Health Promotion from Marymount University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia.
-Baltsar Gracian
I invite you to schedule a consultation call with the link below. You may send me a message through the contact form and include my name in the subject line.