Meet Stephanie Straub

Today we’re excited to be connecting with Stephanie Straub again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.

Stephanie, always such a pleasure connecting with you and thank you for sharing your stories, insights and inspiring messages with our community. We’re looking forward to getting the download and what you have been up to since our last interview, but first can you briefly introduce yourself to folks who might have missed the prior conversation.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Group Private Practice Owner in Syracuse, New York. She specializes in reproductive and maternal mental health, supporting women and families throughout their perinatal journey.

I got into this work when I was starting my journey toward opening my own private practice. I knew I needed and wanted to niche in a way that set me apart from other more generalized therapists. I thought about the clients that were on my caseload at the time and who I was most passionate about working with and it was the moms. There was such a need for good therapeutic support for these women who were struggling. I did my research, got a lot of training, read books, listened to hours of podcasts on the subject and began my journey as an expert in this field.

Great, so let’s jump into an update on what you have been up to since we last spoke. What can you share with us?
Since I started my journey I’ve gone from a solo practitioner to a group practice owner. I have three therapists working for my practice and am in the process of hiring another! I see it as a way to expand my reach. I can only see so many clients a day but I can hire and supervise therapists who align with the mission of our practice and that feels really good.

We just recently moved into a new office space that I was able to design myself and that has been incredible. I could really make it something that fit our needs perfectly and helps to make clients feel at home.

Since our last conversation I have been through a lot of personal transition as well, I’ve navigated a divorce and shifting into a role of single parent to two daughters. It’s been very challenging as well as rewarding to be a role model for my daughters about what women can do- developing the strength and resilience that comes with running a home and a business all on my own. And they have recently started working for the “family business”, my oldest creating images for the practice’s social media and both assisting in cleaning the office space. I want to teach them the importance of working hard and being proud of what they’ve accomplished, and of course I want them to be proud of me and what I’ve built too!

Alright, so let’s do something a bit more fast-paced and lighthearted. We call this our lightning round and we’ll ask you a few quick questions.

Favorite Movie: Gone With the Wind

Favorite Book: The Catcher in the Rye

Favorite TV Show: Honestly, anything on Bravo, but if I want to sound intelligent I say the West Wing (which is also amazing)

Favorite Band or Artist: Taylor Swift…shes an amazing songwriter and I can connect with my girls through her music

Sweet or Savory: Sweet, always

Mountains or Beach: Both

Favorite Sport (to play): Tennis

Did you play sports growing up (if so which ones): No, I was a music and theater kid

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up: a STAR 😉

French Fries or Onion Rings: Both

Favorite Breakfast Food: Breakfast Burrito!

What do you want people to remember about you and your brand? What are some of things that you feel are most important, unique, special, etc?
A word that I try and live by both personally and professionally is authenticity. For the most part I’ve always known who I am and have been comfortable in my own skin, and I’m ok if other people aren’t ok with that. I’m not going to be a fit for everyone either as a friend or a therapist, but what I want people to take away from any interaction with me is that I’m real- what you see is what you get with me. I’m equally flawed as the next person and I’m not afraid to acknowledge that. I think my own journey of self discovery and self acceptance makes me better at what I do, I know what it’s like to sit in client’s chair vulnerable and scared about what’s next, but unapologetically me.

Website: https://www.cnytherapysolutions.com

Instagram: @stephanie_straub_lcsw

Facebook: CNY Therapy Solutions

Other: @mamatherapy on Tik Tok