Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Stephanie White. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Stephanie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you recount a time when the advice you provided to a client was really spot on? (Please note this response is for education/entertainment purposes only and shouldn’t be construed as advice for the reader)

One of the most impactful pieces of advice I have ever given a patient centered around the concept of choice and narrative ownership.

The client was a young adult struggling with a pervasive sense of helplessness, often describing life as something that “happened to them.” They felt as though they had little control, and their internal dialogue was dominated by self-criticism and negative assumptions about their future. Our work together revealed that these patterns were deeply ingrained, reinforced by years of invalidation and disappointment.

In one particular session, I reflected to them that while they could not always control external circumstances or the behavior of others, they did hold one undeniable power: the ability to choose how they related to their own thoughts and the story they told themselves about their life. I explained that this was not about forced optimism or denying pain, but about cultivating awareness of their internal narrative, recognizing when their mind drifted into self-defeating patterns, and practicing the art of pivoting—redirecting toward a more compassionate and empowering perspective.

The metaphor I used was that of an author: “You cannot always choose the events that unfold in your life, but you are the narrator. You have the power to shape the meaning, the tone, and the way the story continues.” This resonated deeply with them. We practiced mindfulness techniques to identify negative thoughts as they arose and cognitive reframing to shift those thoughts toward narratives that aligned with their values and goals.

Over time, the client began to internalize this sense of conscious choice. Instead of spiraling into despair when facing setbacks, they could pause, acknowledge their emotions, and then ask: “What story am I telling myself right now, and does it serve me?” This simple but powerful question allowed them to break cycles of rumination and reorient toward action.

The result was transformative. They reported feeling a newfound sense of agency and began making small but significant decisions that aligned with a more positive, empowered self-narrative—pursuing educational opportunities, setting healthier boundaries in relationships, and even engaging in self-care routines they had previously dismissed as “pointless.” Their sense of self-efficacy grew, and with it, their hope for the future.

In essence, the advice was about consciousness, choice, and the ability to pivot. By realizing they were not at the mercy of every thought or setback, the client discovered the profound truth that they could change their life by changing their relationship with their own narrative.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My path into the field of mental health care was shaped by a longstanding passion for understanding human behavior, resilience, and the ways in which individuals make meaning of their experiences. Over time, that passion evolved into a professional calling: to help people reclaim agency over their lives, develop healthier ways of thinking and coping, and ultimately create narratives that empower them rather than limit them.

My work today focuses on providing psychotherapy through a telehealth model, which allows me to meet clients where they are—both geographically and emotionally. I work with individuals navigating a wide spectrum of challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, stress-related conditions, ADHD, and life transitions. I take pride in delivering treatment that is not only evidence-based and aligned with the DSM-5-TR diagnostic framework, but also deeply human and client-centered. My clinical approach integrates cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, narrative therapy, and trauma-informed care, with an emphasis on helping clients recognize the power of choice, personal positivity, and conscious self-awareness.

What sets my practice apart is the way I help clients reshape their internal narratives. Many people come to me feeling trapped in cycles of self-doubt, negativity, or hopelessness. I work collaboratively to help them pause, recognize these patterns, and pivot toward perspectives that support growth and resilience. Instead of feeling defined by their symptoms or circumstances, my clients learn to see themselves as authors of their own stories, capable of making intentional decisions that align with their values. This focus on both clinical rigor and the cultivation of personal agency is at the core of my practice.

I am most proud of the moments when clients realize they are not powerless—that they can change how they relate to their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Witnessing that shift in consciousness, when a client begins to make decisions rooted in strength and possibility rather than fear or limitation, is one of the most meaningful aspects of my work.

For potential clients and those learning about my practice, I want them to know this: therapy is not about being told who you are or what to do. It is about having a safe, structured, and compassionate space to explore yourself, challenge unhelpful beliefs, and learn evidence-based strategies for growth. My role is to guide, support, and equip individuals with tools they can carry forward long after therapy concludes.

Ultimately, my practice is about transformation—not just symptom reduction, but the cultivation of resilience, meaning, and the ability to live in alignment with one’s values. That is what I strive to offer every client I serve.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When I reflect on my own resilience, one chapter that stands out is the period when I first stepped away from the security of agency work to establish my own private telehealth practice. At that time, telehealth was not widely accepted, and many colleagues and supervisors expressed skepticism. I was told more than once that it wasn’t “real therapy,” and I received more rejection than encouragement when I sought professional partnerships. Those dismissals stung deeply. I had poured years of effort, training, and heart into becoming a clinician, and to have my vision doubted—sometimes outright dismissed—was discouraging.

On top of the professional rejection, there were very real financial struggles. I had invested in the infrastructure required for a secure telehealth practice—licenses, compliance systems, technology—long before I had a stable caseload to sustain it. There were months when I felt the weight of uncertainty pressing hard: the bills piling, the doubts growing louder, and the question always lingering—had I taken too great a risk?

What allowed me to endure and eventually thrive was the conscious decision to view these hardships not as evidence of failure but as part of my story. Each “no” or setback became a lesson in persistence and refinement. Each financial strain became a reminder of the importance of strategy, patience, and pacing myself. I leaned heavily on the very principles I now teach my clients: noticing the negative thoughts that threatened to spiral, and then deliberately pivoting toward narratives that reinforced agency and purpose. Instead of thinking, “I can’t do this,” I began to ask myself, “What can I do today, in this moment, to move one step closer?”

Slowly but steadily, the practice grew. Clients began to find me, often because telehealth met a need that traditional models could not. What had once been dismissed as “not real therapy” became a lifeline for people across jurisdictions. And over time, the financial uncertainty gave way to stability and sustainability.

Looking back, I am proud not just of what I built, but of how I built it—by consciously choosing to create a narrative of resilience and purpose even in the midst of doubt and struggle. That season of rejection and financial strain could have defined me in limiting ways. Instead, it became a reminder of the power we all hold: to recognize the story we are telling ourselves, and to choose a version that propels us forward.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

If I could go back, I would absolutely choose the same profession and specialty again. Working as a licensed telemental health provider has given me the opportunity to walk alongside people during some of the most difficult—and also most transformative—chapters of their lives. It is deeply meaningful work, and I feel fortunate every day to be entrusted with my clients’ stories and growth.

That said, I also recognize that my passion extends beyond the clinical space. I have always been drawn to the intersection of mental health and the law—whether it involves advocating for client rights, ensuring equitable access to care, or navigating the complex systems that so often affect the most vulnerable. Too often, I see clients face barriers that are not just psychological, but also structural and legal. That recognition has fueled my growing interest in completing law school in order to expand my ability to advocate on their behalf.

In many ways, I see these paths as complementary rather than divergent. My work as a clinician has given me a deep understanding of human behavior, suffering, and resilience, while the study and practice of law would provide additional tools for advocacy, systemic change, and protecting clients’ rights. If I could design my professional journey again, I would still choose mental health—but I would also integrate legal training earlier, so that I could bring both disciplines together in service of my clients.

Ultimately, my vision is one of integration—where psychological care and legal advocacy are not siloed, but work hand-in-hand to support people in creating lives of safety, dignity, and meaning.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://app–dr-stephanie-white-llc-mental-we-dbf0db32.base44.app/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-stephanie-white-ab8061159
• Other: https://www.drstephaniewhite.com/

Image Credits

https://www.drstephaniewhite.com/
https://app–dr-stephanie-white-llc-mental-we-dbf0db32.base44.app/