Getting to know our team.
Stephanie Sarmiento, LMFT, ERYT
What inspired you to become a therapist? Was there a “lightbulb” moment? I was drawn to therapy by a growing curiosity about how storytelling shapes the way we understand ourselves and our experiences. Having been held in that kind of space during my own grief showed me that creating it for others isn’t just a calling, but where I feel most alive and aligned.
Can you briefly describe your therapeutic approach or philosophy? My approach is trauma-informed and relational at its core. I believe healing happens when you feel truly seen and safe enough to explore your inner world. I combine techniques that help you process difficult experiences, understand different parts of yourself, and balance your nervous system so you can engage fully with your most authentic self.
What are your areas of specialization or particular passions in your work? I specialize in EMDR therapy and complex trauma, supporting clients in rediscovering themselves and healing in ways that honor their personal journey. I’m also passionate about mentoring aspiring therapists, helping them grow so they can bring their own unique gifts to the clients they serve.
What populations do you most enjoy working with, and why? I love working with anyone navigating identity, relationships, and life transitions. There’s something powerful about supporting clients in those in-between moments where old patterns no longer fit but the new path hasn’t fully revealed itself yet.
What’s the most rewarding part of your work? The most rewarding part of my work is co-creating a space that clients can shape as their own. When they tune into their body’s messages, open up to moments of vulnerability and surrender, and realize they don’t have to carry everything alone, the work becomes a deeply meaningful path to transformation.
Is there a particular book, podcast, or piece of media that has influenced your understanding of mental health or well-being? I’ve been deeply influenced by Arielle Schwartz, Gabor Maté, and Brené Brown, whose work blends psyche, spirituality and social awareness, and remind me that healing is both science and soul. Stephanie Foo’s What My Bones Know is also a must-read. It captures the body’s role in trauma and healing beautifully.
What’s one self-care practice you prioritize to maintain your own well-being? I make sure to do at least one thing each week that nourishes my mind, body and soul, from cooking my favorite meal, taking long walks, or enjoying my time with my dog, to indulging in spa or wellness practices with friends. These rituals help me stay centered, inspired and heart full.
If you weren’t a therapist, what do you think you’d be doing? If I weren’t a therapist, I’d likely be an interior designer or naturopathic doctor. Both paths, like therapy, embody what matters most to me: helping people feel at home in themselves and live from a place of abundance and creative self-expression
