Meet Stephanie barboza, lmhc
You're exhausted — and you've been holding it together for way too long.
Maybe you've tried to push through it. Maybe you've even tried therapy before. But something keeps pulling you back.
You’re in the right place.
I’m here to help.
I became a therapist because I've always been drawn to this question: why do the events in our lives shape us the way they do — and how do people actually change? I've spent my career trying to answer that — not just academically, but in real sessions with real people carrying real weight. And what I keep coming back to is this: change is possible. Not just managing symptoms. Not just getting by. And I've seen it happen, over and over again, with people carrying exactly what you're carrying.
My approach
I believe real change is possible — not just coping, but actually becoming a new version of yourself.
When you work with me, you're not going to get someone who just sits and nods while you talk in circles. We're going to go underneath the symptoms — because the intrusive thoughts, the compulsions, the worry spirals, that constant feeling of waiting for something to go wrong? Those are symptoms. What's underneath them is a core fear, a core belief — and that's what we actually work on together.
My approach blends ERP, ACT, and talk therapy for OCD and anxiety, and a range of trauma-informed methods including EMDR for trauma. Not rigid, not by the book — tailored to you and what you actually need.
And sometimes — you just need a space to talk through something that happened, to be heard without judgment, and to figure out what you're feeling. Not every session needs to be heavy or "productive." Sometimes we just need space and support. That's okay too. This is your space.
I'm warm. I'm direct. And yes, we will probably laugh at some point — because that's part of healing too.
My guiding principles
Warmth
You'll never feel judged here. This is a space where you can say the things you've never said out loud — and be met with compassion every time.
Trust
I believe trust is something earned, not expected. Building a safe, trusting therapeutic relationship is the foundation of everything we do together.
Safety
Before we do any hard work, we make sure you feel grounded and ready. You set the pace. Nothing happens before you're prepared.
Humor
Therapy is hard work — but it doesn't have to be heavy all the time. Laughter is welcome here, and sometimes it's exactly what healing looks like.
Training & Education
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Rhode Island & Massachusetts
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC-MHSP), Tennessee
M.Ed., Vanderbilt University
B.A. in Psychology, University of Maryland
Behavioral Specialist at Rogers Behavioral Health (RBH) — OCD & Anxiety Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Clinical internship at Vanderbilt University Counseling Center
Staff therapist at Vanderbilt University Counseling Center
Practicum Coordinator, Vanderbilt University Counseling Center
Urgent Care Counselor, Vanderbilt University Counseling Center
EMDR training through an EMDRIA-approved program
Specialized training in ERP by RBH