Stephanie Wideman, MSW, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker,
Therapist & Certified Life Coach
Licenses:
State of Missouri, Licensed Clinical Social Worker # 2004003924
State of California, Licensed Clinical Social Worker #LCSW116881
Certification:
Life Coach, Alison CPD Certification Services
Education:
St. Louis University, Masters of Social Work
Missouri Baptist University, Bachelors of Behavioral Sciences
NPI # 1689320764
Find me Online at:
Headway:
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Psychology Today:
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Betterhelp & Faithful Counselor:
Hello & Welcome
I am so glad you are here.
Take a moment. Yes, right now, take a deep breath. I’ll be here.
Be proud of yourself. Today, you showed up. You are here and you are willing to consider taking the next step. Well done! Life is full of emotion. It makes us laugh and cry… sometimes both in the same moment. It can be hard as we journey through it to see the forest for the trees… to see beauty instead of pain. Wherever you are along your journey you do not have to travel alone.
My name is Stephanie Wideman. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Missouri, licensed in both Missouri & California as well as a Certified Life Coach.
I have 20 years of experience coming alongside others, from young to older adults, on their journey as a guide. You will always lead, because we are going where you want to go. Together we can forge a path of perspective and self awareness; replacing lies with truth and taking in all of the beauty of the journey along the way.
Each person's destination and goals are unique. My guidebook (clinical approach techniques) is diverse. Be prepared to roll up your sleeves, because I believe you get out of this what you put into it.
Being a Christian first, a therapist & coach second, my faith directs my path. But, this does not mean you have to have the same faith as I do for us to work together. I draw a majority of my clinical approaches heavily from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (known as CBT), Mindfulness, and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), aligning them with Biblical principles.
At all times, as your guide, it is important to me that you feel safe, respected,
heard, encouraged, empowered, and if necessary, challenged. Yes, you can
do hard things. Now, you did not come this far to only come this far. Grab
your favorite mug and find a place of solace.
Let’s journey through this life together.
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Blessings,
Stephanie
Frequently Asked Questions
You say you are Faith Based and use Christian values, but I am not a Christian, will this be an issue?
Not for me. My Christian values (e.g. grace, kindness, forgiveness, mercy, love, service) do permeate through my life and work. However, these values are not based on proselytizing. I am not here to "convert" you or to force my views or values on you. I do not speak about my personal Christian views unless a client is seeking faith-based therapy or coaching and we have an understanding of what they are looking for.
For many people, finding a therapist or life coach who incorporates faith into their work can be difficult. Which is why it is a focal point of my services. However, if this is not you, that is ok too. The therapeutic/coaching relationship is not about me. It is about you.
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Can you prescribe medication?
No. I am not a doctor. If you believe medications may be right for you, please discuss your options with your health care professional.
Can we meet in person?
All therapy sessions are held online through a private zoom call. It is your choice to turn your screen on or off. This virtual session allows clients more flexibility to schedule appointments and choose a private location that is convenient for them.
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I live outside of California or Missouri.
Can I schedule a therapy session?
If you are looking for Life Coaching, then yes! Let's talk.
For therapy, I am only licensed in Missouri & California as a therapist. That means, I have gone through the educational and legal process to provide therapy/social work services to people who live only in those two states.
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Can you take my insurance?
I work with several insurance companies through a platform called Headway. Below is the list of companies I am currently credentialed through. Please check back often, more are added regularly!
Missouri: Aetna, Cigna
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California: Aetna, Blue Shield of California (Magellan coming soon), Cigna, Kaiser Permanente of Northern CA Medicare Advantage, Kaiser Permanente of Northern CA
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For more info on Insurance visit:
How many sessions will I need?
Great question? Unfortunately, there is no one size fits all answer. People are unique and our challenges can be just as unique.
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Some clients like to jump in, roll up their sleeves, and get to work on a specific challenge. Others find they need to take things slower. Or, perhaps you just find the act of verbally processing with someone who you can be completely real with; helpful as you navigate life.
We go at your pace. I may nudge and challenge, but you are always in control of the speed. Give yourself grace when you are dealing with things that have effected you for a long time.
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Is a Social Worker the same as a Therapist?
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Sometimes. A degree in Social Work can be very broad. I have a Bachelors degree in Behavioral Sciences and a Masters degree in Social Work.
After my graduate studies in 2002, I obtained a license to practice clinical social work - which is using psychotherapy techniques to help others in clinical settings. Not all social workers have this level of qualifications. This licensure is what allows me to practice in a clinical setting as a therapist, with clients, on areas that are within my scope of practice.
Scope of practice means is that I have more experience and education in some areas over others. Therefore, I decline services to anyone who has specific needs or struggles that fall outside of my expertise.
What's the difference between a
Therapist & a Life Coach?
A therapist works with clients using psychotherapeutic methods, counseling tools, and research based principles in assessing and treating those with emotional or mental struggles.
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A life coach works with clients using research based methods to set goals, change habits, and encourage them on their journey in becoming the best version of themselves.
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While there are some overlap in tools and methods, the therapeutic relationship is past and present healing work while the life coach relationship is taking your present and moving it into the future you most desire.
Have More Questions?
I would love to hear from you.
Please be as specific as you feel comfortable in asking your questions.
Please give me a couple of days to personally respond.
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If you are in crisis or you have an urgent need, please go to your nearest emergency room, call 911, or call 988 (suicide & crisis hotline) immediately.
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These messages are not monitored & are not intended for urgent requests or emergencies.