Meet Your Bay Area Therapist,

Stephanie Crouch

 

Stephanie Crouch, MSW, LCSW

Helping to find grief recovery, be a place of support for caregivers and to help manage chronic illnesses

Ever since I was young, I knew I wanted to get in a career that would make a difference in people’s lives in a truly meaningful way. As a child and through my teenage years I was often taking on the role of caregiver (however I could) for various family members and spent a lot of time in hospitals and rehab centers watching my family members work through chronic, life changing conditions and towards finding their new normal.

Those personal experiences coupled with my education and work history has put me in a unique position to specialize in providing psychotherapy to those facing life changing diagnoses. 

I have over 8 years of experience in the Social Work field spanning from working with children, the aging community, mental health and medical fields. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I am combining my professional and personal experiences to deliver a personalized experience for the clients and families that I work with. 

I am very excited to open a private practice here in the Bay Area. I am a Bay Area native, growing up in the San Jose area before moving to the Central Valley for college and graduate school. I am happy to be back on “this side” of the hill, residing with my family in the East Bay.

When I have time, I am an avid crafter but embroidery and sewing have my heart. However, of my time is taken up by my son, husband and our two rescue dogs, Bash & Lexi.

Check out my fun Q&A below!

 
 

Bash

Lexi

 

My Approach To Therapy

My approach to therapy focuses on starting where you are at in your life. There isn’t a one size fits all model of therapy that will universally work for everyone, so we have to get to know each other, figure out what is bothering you the most and come up with goals to work towards.

I will use a number of techniques to help you through challenging times, but don’t worry I won’t bore you with the clinical jibberish right now. Just know that I will be using the very best clinical tools to help you get to where you want to be!

While we will be putting in the work during our sessions, we will also laugh and have some light heartedness.

I like to use humor and build a solid relationship with my clients. We will also talk about the diagnosis and the emotions, challenges and changes that have come with it, including day to day activities, managing appointments and changing relationships and roles. We will learn ways to cope with and reduce anxiety, depression and trauma surrounding the diagnosis and your choices for treatment, even if that means no treatment. Together, we will figure out what sparks joy in your life and how to bring more enjoyment. 

Most importantly, your therapy sessions are yours. We won't always be talking about the diagnosis, we will approach therapy and build our relationship in whatever way you are most comfortable. 

Q&A With Stephanie

  • How are your gardening skills?

    • I did not inherit the green thumb from my family. But, my yard takes advantage of the hot California sun and I grew a successful tomato garden this past summer! 

  • Favorite beverage?

    • Honestly, I am more of a water person. But anytime I get on 580/680, I help myself to a chai tea latte from Starbucks!

  • Favorite type of movie?

    • Comedy, for sure. Anything that can get me to laugh is a win. I really love visiting our local theater in Downtown Livermore! 

  • Did you always want to be a therapist?

    • Nope! Being a therapist was last on my list but I actually really love it and I can't see myself doing anything else now. ​I went to college at CSU Stanislaus and had such an amazing experience in the Master of Social Work program that I fell in love with counseling, the theories and how the brain works. I wanted to be a "regular" social worker but psychotherapy was calling my name! 

  • Favorite thing to do in the Bay Area?​

    • Well, we are really lucky to live in this area with so many things to do and enjoy. I like taking my kiddo to the Oakland Zoo, going to The Children's Discovery Museum in San Jose, so many things at the Alameda County Fairgrounds, or taking in a Giants game.  

  • Any hobbies?

    • I love sewing, embroidery and crafts all together. I'm not great at finding as much time for it as I used to but creating something with my hands is fulfilling and a stress reducer for me. 

Let's Connect

My Qualifications

  • January 2021

    In 2021, Stephanie took the national exam to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of California. She had over 3,100 hours of supervised work and passed other exams before she was eligible to sit for the exam.

    Her license number is LCSW99567. You can verify Stephanie's license number and check on other therapists licenses by visiting the Board of Behavioral Health here.

  • 2015

    Stephanie graduated from California State University, Stanislaus in 2015 after completion of the graduate program and two years of supervised internships. One internship was with the Department of Aging in San Joaquin County. The other internship was with the Brief Crisis Intervention Program through Behavioral Health and Recovery Services in Stanislaus County.

  • 2013

    Stephanie graduated from California State University Stanislaus with a bachelors degree in social sciences (communication, psychology and sociology) and a minor in cognitive science. She completed a one year internship with the International Rescue Committee in Turlock, California in Stanislaus County.