Stephanie Tarnowsky

Hello, my name is Stephanie Tarnowsky

I believe therapy is a collaborative process where you should feel safe being fully yourself. My goal is to create a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can explore what you’re experiencing, better understand yourself, and develop tools to navigate life with greater confidence.

I work with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, self-harm, identity challenges, relationship difficulties, emotional regulation, and life transitions. I have a particular interest in working with children and incorporating play therapy, which can give younger clients a natural and meaningful way to express themselves and work through difficult emotions.

I also enjoy working with the LGBTQ+ community and strive to provide affirming, culturally responsive care where clients feel respected and accepted for who they are. I am conversational in Spanish and value the opportunity to connect with clients from diverse backgrounds.

My clinical training has included experience with play therapy, sand tray therapy, Theraplay, and Adlerian-based approaches. I am also gaining exposure to EMDR and other evidence-based therapeutic approaches as part of my clinical training. I believe there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy, so I work to meet each client where they are and tailor our work to their individual needs and goals.

Before pursuing a career in counseling, I spent more than 12 years in culinary leadership and earned a master’s degree in Conflict Analysis and Resolution. These experiences have strengthened my skills in communication, conflict resolution, crisis management, and connecting with people from a variety of backgrounds. My professional background has also given me a unique perspective on food and our relationship with it, contributing to my special interest in eating disorder treatment.

I am currently pursuing my Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Valdosta State University. I am committed to continuing to learn and grow as a counselor so that I can provide thoughtful, compassionate, and individualized care.

Whether you’re navigating a difficult transition, working through past experiences, trying to understand yourself more deeply, or simply feeling stuck, I would be honored to walk alongside you.