Stacey Shane-Nusbaum

Hi, I'm Stacey.
I'm a Florida Licensed Clinical Social Worker (#SW16157).
I have 10+ years of experience as a mental/behavioral health psychotherapist working with widely varied populations and cultures in different settings, which have included online telehealth platforms, assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, clients' own homes, facilities for in-patient and out-patient addictions and mental health treatment, and private offices. I've worked with individuals ages 15 years old on up to 90 years old for one-on-one therapy, group sessions, and at times families and couples.

My experience includes helping those struggling with such issues as anxiety, stress, depression, bipolar, borderline, trauma/PTSD, some phobias, OCD, ADHD, grief, self-esteem, self-identity, self-doubt, relationships with self or others, codependency, conflict avoidance, conflict and impulse control, communication and social skills, maladaptive coping, parenting, life transitions, life balance, sense of purpose and life meaning, spirituality, goals, motivation, medical problems, pain syndromes, substance misuse and other behavioral addictions. I have specialized training in MI (motivational interviewing), CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), SFBT (solution-focused brief therapy, MBCT (mindfulness-based cognitive therapy), somatic therapy, CPT (cognitive processing for trauma), mindfulness, ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy), teaching mindfulness skills and meditation, body movement, communication skills training, and laughter therapy. I tend to use an integrative approach that combines some elements from more than one of the above modalities for side-by-side use or a more linear use of transitioning from one modality to another at appropriate points in time or therapy benchmarks. I sometimes incorporate aspects from Narrative, Gestalt, Psychodynamic, or DBT therapies.

You won't be receiving cookie-cutter help as your course of therapy will be as unique as you are. Some folks understandably don't have much interest in detailed time-consuming explanations about the modalities put together for their therapy, yet others have felt less powerless over the process by gaining understanding of the what's, how's, and why's of it. Some people feel a need to understand a rationale before making changes; this can be a factor in motivating change, reducing anxiety about risks or the unknown, and leading to a sense of empowerment as an active partner in their own therapy. However, via developing a trusting therapeutic rapport between us, it's also perfectly understandable if you have little interest in becoming a psych expert during the limited time we have in session! Whatever your expectations, desired approach, or interpersonal style, the point is forward movement toward your goals and not as much in how we get you there.

My practice frameworks includes person-centered (meet the client where they are, and you are the expert on your own life experiences), systems theory (you or your problem don’t exist in a vacuum, and your environment and relationships matter), culturally sensitive (you are the teacher/expert on your own culture and life), and trauma-informed (your trauma is unique to you, and I prioritize not to re-traumatize), strengths-based (you are equipped with your own innate resources--strengths and qualities--that can be uncovered or revitalized to help tackle some issues in the present), and humanistic (to help develop a healthy sense of self, explore feelings, find meaning).

My style is fairly laid back, and I look forward to some chuckles together (hopefully at appropriate times, of course!) I’m empathetic and caring, and am told by clients that they don't feel negatively judged by me. My aim is for you to feel a sense of safety for open and honest sharing. I’m NOT overly passive with only “uh hu”s as I try and be your guide toward revelations that matter most to you, and I’m not shy about providing feedback or asking for yours.

I am also an RN (Registered Nurse-Florida), which is useful when I teach about the mind-body connections, medications, medical ailments, brain neurochemistry. I like providing psychoeducation; for example, learning about what’s happening in your body during anxiety can help alleviate some anxiety about your anxiety; or, learning some communication tricks can help you avoid or resolve interpersonal conflict.

Most importantly, I take a collaborative approach with you. I believe success requires a partnership, development of trust, mutual respect, and a sense of safety for you to be yourself in this therapeutic process. Therapy with me is a “we” thing. Keeping me continuously informed of how you are experiencing this process with me allows me to help you through these challenges and changes, and collaboratively adjust your goals and the course we are on. I strongly recommend that my clients take an active role in their therap; evidence shows “it works if you work it”. Even the smallest of tasks or work between sessions (and sometimes some repetition) leads to more rapid, effective, and lasting improvement. At times, I may provide you with simple worksheets, assessments, or a homework assignment, but again, this is a collaborative effort and I value your input.

To gain the most from the therapy process, it’s helpful if you are honest with yourself about your level of commitments to self-examination, understanding, and our relationship. This includes any concerns you may have regarding services or me. I want to serve you well and appreciate any feedback you may have that will help me to do so. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling life and willingness to take action towards change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. I look forward to meeting you!

NOTE: Please message me if you don't see a time slot open that works for you.