Meet Stephanie Contreras | Mental Health Therapist & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephanie Contreras and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephanie, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk-taking has been a huge part of my life and career—sometimes in ways that have led to incredible growth, and other times in ways that have made me go, Welp, that was a learning experience. I’ve taken big leaps, failed, healed, and kept going. But on the flip side, risk-taking has also led to some of my greatest rewards, like launching my monthly walk group, which has grown into something truly special.

What I’ve noticed—both in my own life and in my work as a therapist—is that people who take action, even when they don’t have all the answers, build momentum. They learn, heal, and adapt. Meanwhile, those who try to mentally “solve” everything before making a move often get stuck in analysis paralysis (or a full-on freeze response).

Think about it—infants don’t learn to walk by sitting there strategizing; they try, wobble, fall, and adjust. There’s no way to figure out your entire life from the comfort of your own mind. You have to go out and live it.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I run a private therapy practice in Long Beach, where I also offer telehealth sessions. This April marks my three-year anniversary in private practice, and looking back, I can confidently say—this journey has been anything but easy. But it’s also been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.

What sets my practice apart? Authenticity. Time and time again, new clients tell me they’re looking for a therapist who feels real—not someone who just nods and asks, “And how does that make you feel?” (Don’t get me wrong, feelings are important, but therapy should feel like a human-to-human connection, not a script.) My approach is warm, down-to-earth, and honest because I truly believe people heal best when they feel safe, seen, and supported by someone who is fully there with them.

But getting to where I am today wasn’t smooth sailing. My first year in private practice was lonely and overwhelming. I had the clients, but I didn’t have the community. Enter Dr. C, my incredible therapist, who casually suggested I start some kind of recurring event to meet like-minded people—“like a walk.” So, I took the idea and ran with it (or, well, walked with it). My monthly walk group for therapists started small, but before I knew it, it had built its own momentum. That one risk created a ripple effect—referrals, friendships, opportunities—and, most importantly, a real sense of community that changed my life.

Through this journey, I’ve learned that taking risks (even small ones) can lead to huge rewards. I’ve learned that you can’t think your way into the perfect plan—you have to take action. I’ve learned that success isn’t just about filling a calendar with clients, but about building a life that actually feels good to live.

What do I want the world to know about my brand and my story? Therapy wasn’t my first career, so I know what it’s like to feel stuck in a job that drains the life out of you. And I also know the privilege of doing work that is deeply fulfilling. That’s what drives me—to help people break free from patterns, heal, and build lives that actually fit who they are. Whether I’m supporting clients, training future therapists, or creating spaces for community, my mission is the same: to make therapy a space where people feel truly seen, supported, and empowered.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I absolutely love Long Beach. I would take my best friend to Horny Corner for a day of tanning and swimming, followed by the best sushi in Long Beach at Sushi on Fire. The next day we would go plant shopping at Plantitias and crystal shopping at Recircle after Yoga on the Bluff.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Oh, there are so many people who have shaped my journey, and I could never take full credit for where I am without acknowledging them. First and foremost, my sister—she has been there for me day in and day out, through every high and low, every risk I’ve taken, and every “What the hell am I doing?” moment.

And of course, a huge shoutout to my therapist, Dr. C. Working with her has completely shifted the way I think, feel, live, and see myself. Therapy isn’t just something I offer—it’s something I deeply believe in because I’ve experienced firsthand how transformative it can be. So, if you’re on the fence about therapy, let this be your sign: Get yourself a Dr. C. You won’t regret it.

Website: https://www.stephaniecontreraslmft.com

Instagram: @steph_the_therapist

Facebook: @steph_the_therapist

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