Stephanie Shao, Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

Stephanie Shao

(She/Her/Hers)

Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

Accepting clients
Updated 30+ days ago
5 years in practice

Hi there! I specialize in intergenerational trauma, cultural/immigrant identities, family & relational dynamics, self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.

I am deeply passionate about supporting individuals to create a life that feel authentically theirs. I believe in the transformative power of human connection and healing that can occur when we feel seen, heard, and understood—particularly in spaces where that hasn’t always been possible. My therapeutic approach is rooted in curiosity and exploration, and integrates psychodynamic, somatic, and internal family systems approaches. It is also shaped by Buddhist values of compassion, mindful-awareness, and loving-kindness. I understand firsthand the courage it takes to enter a therapeutic space. This is especially true for those of us that experience cultural stigma and shame seeking mental and emotional support. Endeavoring into our emotional experiences can feel overwhelming and vulnerable. My intention is to create a space safe enough to explore your experiences at a pace that feels right for you, guided by your own intrinsic wisdom and values. Our therapeutic journey is one of growth and healing. It would be a privilege to walk alongside you on this path of self discovery.

Remote / In-person
Speaks English, Mandarin
Emergency number not available
Asian (East/Southeast)Cisgender WomanHeterosexualBuddhismLGBTQIA+ ally

Practice hours (PDT)

Sun
closed
Mon
10:00 am 5:00 pm
Tue
9:00 am 4:00 pm
Wed
9:00 am 4:00 pm
Thu
9:00 am 5:00 pm
Fri
9:00 am 2:30 pm
Sat
closed

Areas of focus

Areas of expertise

  • Abuse
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Grief and Loss
  • Immigration/Acculturation
  • Life Transitions
  • Perfectionism
  • Racial Identity
  • Racial/Cultural Oppression or Trauma
  • Self-Esteem
  • Sexual Assault
  • Trauma
  • Women's Issues

Age groups

  • Young adults (18-30)
  • Adults (31-64)
  • Seniors (65 or older)

Special groups

  • Immigrants
  • People of color
  • People who identify as queer

Treatment specialties

Therapeutic modalities

  • Group Therapy
  • Individual Therapy

Treatments

  • Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
  • Culturally-Sensitive Therapy
  • Internal Family Systems Therapy
  • Psychodynamic Therapy
  • Somatic Psychotherapy
  • Mindfulness Training

Location

  • Nourished Wellness Group

    Office Building

    169 Saxony RoadEncinitas, CA 92024

    Open map

    Accommodations

    Entering the practice

    • Flat path to the front door
    • Well-lit path to entrance
    • Disabled parking spot (8ft / 2.4m)
    • Service animals allowed
    • Emotional support animals allowed
    • Door can be opened easily

    Settling in

    • Storage for mobility aids (e.g. wheelchair, scooter)

Remote options

  • Video

Payment options

$150 — $175per session

Insurance

In-network coverage provided for the following insurance companies

  • Aetna – California
  • United HealthCare – California
  • In-network insurance
  • Sliding scale
  • Out-of-network insurance
  • Out-of-pocket
  • I offer a free consultation

Payment methods

  • Check
  • Credit Card
  • Debit Card
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Health Savings Account

Credentials

Licenses

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker

    BBS

    127453, California

Certificates

  • Beginner I

    Somatic Experiencing

  • Level 1

    Sensorimotor Psychotherapy

Education

  • Catholic University

    MSW (Master of Social Work), 2021

Other