Inner Reflection and Self Discovery with Tamrah Stepien, LICSW - Handel Behavioral Health
Mental Health Blog

Inner Reflection and Self Discovery with Tamrah Stepien, LICSW

December 10, 2024

“I think we often look outwards at how the world impacts us without taking the time to reflect inwards. My approach to counseling puts clients at the center and encourages them to identify their values, beliefs, wants, needs, and goals.”

Tamrah Stepien, Licensed Clinical Social Worker brings curiosity and compassion to her therapeutic approach in order to deepen connections, foster understanding, and promote healing throughout the process. 

Her style is person-centered, holistic, and relational. 

She believes that the client is the expert of their own lives and will safely guide clients towards a space where they can gain insight into themselves and contemplate their relationships with others. 

Tamrah has worked with adolescents, young adults, and adults in various settings such as Experiential Education, Outpatient Community Mental Health, Mobile Crisis Response, First Responder Crisis Intervention, First Responder Crisis Training and First Responder Mental Health Education. 

As a licensed clinical social worker, she seeks to understand how different groups of people approach mental health counseling and how various social and environmental factors impact an individual’s needs and wellbeing. 

Above all, Tamrah is committed to safely guiding clients towards growth, healing, and self-discovery. 

We sat down with Tamrah to learn more about her approach to working with clients online and in-person from our West Springfield office.

What inspired you to become a therapist?

I’ve always always been a very curious and reflective person. 

After graduating from college I started working with high-risk youth in experimental education, a teaching philosophy that engages students in direct experiences and focuses on inner reflection for the purpose of growth. 

I realized how impactful it was for young people to have someone who consistently shows up for them, works through challenges they’re facing, advocates for their needs, and promotes their wellbeing.

Then I was a police officer for 11 years and did a lot of community advocacy work for mental health in law enforcement. 

After earning my Master of Social Work degree from Westfield State University in 2020, I started working with adults and adolescents in both inpatient and various outpatient community mental health settings. Before joining HBH, I worked in Mobile Crisis Response, First Responder Crisis Intervention, First Responder Crisis Training and First Responder Mental Health Education.

What does your approach to counseling look like?

My approach to counseling is curious, holistic, and person-centered. 

I’ll always meet the client where they’re at and tailor the therapeutic experience to fit their individual needs. 

At the same time, I like to challenge clients with questions that encourage self-reflection and promote growth. 

I think often we look outwards at how the world impacts us without taking the time to reflect inwards. My approach to counseling puts clients at the forefront in a more expansive and meaningful way, where they can learn to identify their values, beliefs, wants, needs, and goals.

I’m trained in various therapeutic modalities including Motivational interviewing, Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques, Behavioral Activation, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CTB), Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Solution Focused Therapy.

What mental health conditions and life challenges can you help clients work through?

I offer counseling to adults who are experiencing the following mental health and life challenges:

What’s your favorite part about being a therapist?

I love connecting with people and providing a supportive and safe space for them to express the many thoughts, feelings, and experiences they may be reluctant to tell others. It’s an honor getting to know people on a deep level, learning about their lived experiences and how they can find their place in the world.

What are some of your self-care practices?

I love cooking and crafting. Taking time out of my day for creative projects keeps me centered and helps me to focus on the present moment. I also love road-biking and any kind of outdoor exercise.

Start working with Tamrah Stepien, LICSW today:

Tamrah Stepien, LICSW will create an open, safe, and relaxed environment for you to reflect inwards to bring attention to unexamined areas of your life where change and transformation can take place.

To start working with Tamrah online or in-person from our West Springfield office, contact us today at (413) 343-4357.

About The Author

Nettie Hoagland Headshot

Nettie Hoagland is a writer with experience in local news reporting, nonprofit communications, and community development. She earned her bachelor of arts degree in Media Studies, Journalism, and Digital Arts from Saint Michael’s College in Vermont. Nettie believes in the healing power of the arts to create connection and community. She is passionate about using writing as an instrument for personal and social growth in the field of mental health. She is currently based in Brooklyn, NY.

Tamrah Stepien Headshot

Tamrah is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker who strives to create an experience that is relaxed, open and safe. Tamrah believes that each therapeutic experience should be guided by and specific to each person’s needs. Tamrah has experience working with Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, Grief, Stress Management and utilizes a Trauma Informed, Person centered, Strength based, approach to treatment. More About Author →