Dr. Iektje Stephens
Therapy Statement
My therapy work includes individual therapy for adults and teens, (play) therapy with children, parent consultation, and family therapy. As a therapist I feel privileged and moved watching my clients’ inner strength, resilience, and resourcefulness come to fruition.
“the human being has an inbuilt propensity toward self-realization. [The therapist’s] task is to remove obstacles blocking [the client’s] path.” – Irvin D. Yalom, M.D. (a renowned therapist and teacher), 2002.
Adults and Teens
When you are facing obstacles, feel stuck in your life, or are experiencing suffering, you can use this as a tremendous opportunity for growth and transformation. I believe you have everything you need to work with the challenges you are facing and successfully achieve your goals. As a therapist, I see my role as your partner, your ally, in identifying the obstacles that keep you from achieving your goals, and working together on removing these obstacles.
I have had success working with clients using several research-informed approaches to therapy, including interpersonal therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and strength-based, solution-oriented therapy. In using all these therapeutic techniques, I take a collaborative, client-centered approach. We will work together to determine how to best meet your own unique needs.
Children
If you are concerned about your child and are considering therapy, I can help. As your child’s parent, you know your child better than anyone else. Therefore I see you as the expert when it comes to your own child. I will work closely with you to determine how to best meet the needs of your child and your family.
My approach to working with children is holistic, and I view the challenges a child faces in the context of his or her environment. We may decide that individual therapy or play therapy is the best way to help your child. We may also decide that the best way to help your child is to work with the entire family in family therapy, or through sessions with you and your child together.
In addition to individual or family therapy with children, I have found that parent consultation is really helpful in bringing about changes in the child’s environment that support his or her healing and growth. In fact, research suggests that working with parents is essential for helping children with a variety of challenges, such as ADHD or oppositional behavior. For some children it may be beneficial if I, with your permission, work with your child’s teachers and school. If your child has a disability I can help as an advocate to ensure your child receives the appropriate accommodations at school.
I am looking forward to working together to help you achieve your goals.
About Dr. Stephens
Born and raised in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, I made Austin my home a little more than a decade ago. I have loved working with children, adolescents, and families for over 15 years. I earned my Master’s degree in Education at the University of Amsterdam, and was a special education teacher and behavior specialist before beginning my training as a psychologist. At the University of Texas I have received extensive training in psychological assessment, cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, interpersonal therapy, and consultation. I have worked with families, children and adolescents with a wide variety of challenges (including anxiety, depression, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and anger management difficulties), in school, child guidance clinic, and juvenile justice settings. I am very excited to complete my doctoral training as a Psychology Intern at the ApaCenter.
Degrees
M.A. – 2005, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands (Cum Laude)
Ph.D. – 2011 (Candidate), University of Texas, Austin
Areas of Specialization
* Individual therapy
* Play therapy
* Family therapy
* Parent consultation
* School consultation
* Special education consultation and advocacy
* Anxiety
* Depression
* Challenging behavior
* Developmental disabilities
To learn more about Iektje Stephens, please visit her website at www.Austin-Counseling.org.