Tess Stem, LMHCA

Hi, I’m Tess, and I believe that therapy is a space where you don’t have to carry things alone. My approach is warm, collaborative, and rooted in creating a relationship where you can feel safe to be yourself. Healing begins at the roots, with curiosity, connection, and compassion. My approach to counseling is collaborative and promotes working with your goals and values in mind. You can expect therapy with me would be to give you space to honor your story, invite you to find meaning and purpose through reflection, and encourage you to reach your potential without forcing you to bloom before you are ready.

I know that reaching out for help takes courage and often means facing parts of your story that may feel heavy or vulnerable. My hope is that our work together will help you feel more grounded, more hopeful, and more confident in who you are. Therapy to me is not about “fixing” you, but to uncover who you already are underneath all the yuck, hurt, and pressures. I am here to help you grow through what you go through.

I work with individuals and offer support to those exploring their relationships, identity development, self-esteem, and overall mental health. I primarily work with teens, young adults, adults, and older adults. I especially enjoy helping those who are navigating life transitions, stress, or cycles that feel hard to break. I’ve had the privilege of walking with clients through depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship struggles, and the process of rediscovering self-worth. My counseling style integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Attachment Theory, Existential Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy, which means I pay attention to both your thought patterns and the deeper relational roots underneath them. These practices are not for everyone, in every circumstance, but I want to share the understanding between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, explore the “why” behind your struggles, and look into how some of those early relational patterns may be affecting your everyday life.

Having completed my graduate education from a Christian university, I can bring a spiritually integrated perspective into my work, but only for those who are interested in incorporating faith. I look to understand your beliefs and values, however that may look for you, and am committed to making therapy a space where your beliefs can be seen and respected.

Outside of my work as a therapist, I love spending time with my husband, family, and close friends. I enjoy reading, playing board games, being outdoors, and finding new ways to stay curious and present in life.

Both are important. If something pressing needs attention, I’ll meet you there and offer tools and support to help you through it. I can recognize that many “immediate” struggles have deeper roots, whether in old wounds, attachment patterns, or life-long schemas. I want to get to these roots with you because that’s often where real and lasting change begins.

I see therapy as a collaborative process. Some days may need me to be the lead, where I provide structure and insight. Other times, I will follow your story and let you set the pace. Therapy isn’t a one-sided relationship.

My greatest strengths include empathy, patience, and the ability to see both the broader picture and the finer details.

I would love to teleport! It would be nice not to have to drive anywhere and get to any place without having to worry about transportation.

I love everyday kind of humor with family and friends. I like witty banter and humor that just lightens the mood. Life doesn’t have to be so serious all the time.