

Hello! I’m Shel (he/she/they), a white genderfluid therapist working in a systemic lens of indvidual therapy. I am passionate about working with LGBTQ+ and people of the global majority. I have training in CPTSD-focused mindful psychodynamic therapy, IFS and working with people who use substances. My degree is in Marriage and Family Therapy, so I bring a relational perspective to individual therapy. I use compassion, warmth, and humor to create a non-judgmental and open space for healing. I believe through healing past trauma and building a connection to one’s intuition/wise mind and community, we can withstand hardship in the path of liberation and empowerment of all people.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Central New Jersey. If you’re struggling, please know you don’t have to face it alone. With over 5years of experience, I’ve worked with adults navigating a wide
range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and other mental health challenges. My goal is to create a safe and supportive space where you feel understood, valued, and empowered to make meaningful changes in your life Whether you’re looking for relief from overwhelming emotions, navigating a major life transition, or seeking clarity and balance, I’m here to guide and support you. Together,
we’ll uncover your strengths and create a path toward healing and hope.
Clients should know that I provide a supportive, non-judgmental space while also being direct and goal-oriented. I understand that many individuals come to therapy during difficult or uncertain times, and my role is to help you gain clarity, stability, and direction.
I have extensive experience working with individuals managing complex life stressors, including legal involvement, trauma, and mental health challenges. I also have a strong background in working with clients who may need additional structure, support, or guidance in navigating systems and life transitions.
My approach is collaborative—I meet you where you are while also helping you move forward with practical tools and strategies. I value honesty, consistency, and building a therapeutic relationship that feels both safe and productive.
I’m Dr. Stephanie Smigiel, PhD, LPC, the founder of Smigiel Counseling, and I’ve worked in the behavioral health field since 2013 supporting children, adolescents, adults, and families. My practice is grounded in a neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approach, shaped by both professional training and lived experience. I specialize in working with neurodivergent individuals and trauma across the lifespan, from early childhood through adulthood, and tailor treatment to each client’s unique needs, goals, and strengths.
While I have experience in treating substance use, anxiety, and mood disorders, most of my training is in addressing and helping folks to heal from past trauma. To that end, in addition to my Master's degree, I hold the following certificates as proof of my clinical training: Certificate in Traumatic Stress Studies, Certification in Prolonged Exposure for the Treatment of PTSD, and I am an EMDR Trained Clinician. I primarily provide individual counseling for adults (ages 18+).
As a licensed psychologist with over twenty years of experience, I enjoy working with children, adolescents, and adults across the developmental spectrum. I have experience working across a variety of settings including schools, private practice, and universities.
I have been counseling since graduating from CALU in 2014. My clients have been in varied settings including groups, individual and couple. I use a trauma-informed approach and utilize evidence based practice.
When I began seeing a therapist, I realized just how much I needed an outlet to process hardships in my life and to feel genuinely heard, and this is exactly what I want to provide to clients who come to see me. As I have advanced in my own self-discovery and identity exploration, I have become interested in helping others in the LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent (specifically autism and ADHD), and disability communities on their own journeys. I believe that having lived experience related to my specialties is a fundamental component to the care I can provide.


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