About/FAQs
Stephanie Morales, MA, CTRC
The entire foundation of our work together is built on a recognized need to support women as they transition to motherhood. Behind our work together stands my 15 years experience and the anecdotal accounts of hundreds of mothers. After my own experience with Postpartum Depression, and having two children, back to back, I struggled to find my footing as a mom. I worked hard to explore and pinpoint the hang-ups that were getting in my way and fine-tuned strategies to assist you in identifying and containing obstacles to being your best self.
I am a trained Abandonment Recovery Coach and Certified Trauma Recovery Coach. After years of treating mental health in new moms, I found that, often, the presenting problem stemmed from something other than mental illness and after working closely with hundreds of women, I decided to dedicate my career to assisting women in a more collaborative and focused manner. This evolution is deeply guided by my own experience and founded on proven strategies to help women make lasting change.
It is my hope that my experience, coupled with exhaustive training and your own self-awareness, can create a bridge for you that allows you to be the best you that you can be. I tend to practice in a style that is very nurturing but direct. I value your time, and mine, and like to use our time wisely. My work is a combo of structure and free-flowing, in order to provide you with both a cathartic experience and steps to carry you forward. If I am ever deemed to not be the right fit, I will always, and happily, provide referrals. Your growth and repair are of the utmost importance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between coaching and psychotherapy?
Let me first start by saying that the difference between coaching that therapy is not always clear-cut and is a discussion that seems to be evolving in both the coaching arena and within the field of psychotherapy. For now, I will assert that the differences are:
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Coaches do not treat, nor diagnose mental health illnesses. It is not uncommon for clients to be involved in both coaching and psychotherapy if warranted. Consultation is very possible and encouraged.
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Coaching tends to be more collaborative, working with clients as peers. Often goal setting is client directed.
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Coaches do not operate from a traditional medical model.
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Coaches may assign homework or have contact outside of the scheduled appointment.
2. Do we meet in person or via video-chat?
All of my available individual appointments are done via video-chat. I use Zoom, it is a very user friendly web-based software/app. I send a link to you, for our appointment, and you can do your appointment on a computer or on your phone. An added benefit is that we can record our appointment and you will always have access to that material. If you require an in-person appointment, please let me know and we will explore options.
3. Do you offer group coaching programs?
Yes, and group coaching, or workshops, can be so powerful. Given that my work is so specific, most seeking my care have some similarities and it is lovely to learn from others and engage. I find it helpful to further the growth and achieve goals.
4. What is the cost of coaching? Will my recovery break the bank?
Individual sessions are $150 per appt, there are also options for a discounted rate if you purchase appointment packages. That said, please don't let the cost be a barrier to care. There is always wiggle room with regard to the fee.
5. How long does coaching last?
In general, I have devised a pretty clear program for trauma/wound recovery and how to manage it in your current life. Each client has a unique story and situation, so it is tough to nail down exactly how long we will work together. That said, our work together is collaborative and you participate in the goal planning aspect. During the early stages of our work together, I will happily explore your coaching path specifically.
6. Do you only work with moms?
For now, yes. After 15 years of sitting with new moms, as a therapist, my understanding and area of focus seems to be finely tuned around working with moms specifically. We likely had our wounds under wrap for a long time and after baby comes, all of our old wounds tend to get flared up, and/or our coping strategies no longer work. If you know of a new dad in need, please feel free to reach out and I will explore options for support on a case by case basis.
Have any other questions? Please reach out to me here.