What It’s Really Like to Work with Therapist Stephanie Maza (And Why Feeling Understood Changes Everything)

What drew you to this work and what keeps you passionate about it today?
I’ve always been really interested in psychology and the medical field, but what really brought me here was my own personal experiences.

There was a time where I reached out for help and didn’t get the kind of support I was hoping for, and that was really hard. Eventually, I found a clinician who completely changed that for me. I remember how heard I felt, how understood I felt, and how much that actually helped me turn things around.

That’s what motivates me now. I want to be that person for someone else.

I know I might not be the first therapist someone sees, or even the second or fifth, but I really hope that anyone who works with me leaves feeling like their story matters and that they were truly understood. That’s something I care about a lot.

What kinds of clients or experiences do you feel especially connected to or passionate about supporting?
I feel really connected to supporting people going through infertility, pregnancy challenges, and postpartum experiences.

I’m also really passionate about working with people who are struggling with body image, confidence, or eating disorders, as well as individuals with ADHD, especially those who were diagnosed later in life or may have been misdiagnosed before.

I also love working with high school students, university students, and adults who are trying to navigate life, relationships, and everything that comes with that.

What might someone notice about you in the first few sessions together?
I’m a pretty transparent therapist.

My clients usually know what I’m thinking in session, and I try to share things in a way that feels helpful and not overwhelming. My hope is that when I’m open, it helps clients feel more comfortable being open too.

I also gently challenge when it feels appropriate, and I check in a lot about how sessions are feeling. I really value the relationship I build with my clients, and I want people to feel like I genuinely care about them and the work we’re doing together.

What’s something you wish more people knew before starting therapy?
I wish more people knew that progress can feel slow at the beginning, or even a bit stagnant, and that that’s actually really normal.

Especially early on, consistency matters a lot. The frequency of sessions can really impact how much momentum you build.

I also think it’s important to know that therapy is a time commitment, and not every session is going to fit perfectly into your schedule. If this is something you want to prioritize, it helps to start at a time where you’re able to make space for it.

If someone is unsure about reaching out, what would you want them to know?
It’s completely okay to feel unsure.

You can always start with one or two sessions and go from there. Consent is ongoing, and you’re never stuck. Aside from the cancellation policy, you can choose to stop, pause, or adjust things at any point.

I want therapy to feel like a place you actually want to come to, not something you feel obligated to do. And if it doesn’t feel like the right fit, we can talk about it, adjust things, or even help you find someone who feels like a better fit.

Outside of your role as a therapist, what are some things that ground or bring you joy?
Outside of being a therapist, I really enjoy spending time with my family, going to the gym, and connecting with my friends.

I also like getting out of the house and trying new things. Those moments help me reset and stay grounded.