Biographies

Stephanie holds a Ph.D. in Counseling from Loyola College in Maryland. She holds a Masters in Science in Counseling from Loyola College and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology with a minor in Family Studies from Messiah College. She is a licensed Professional Counselor and a Nationally Certified Counselor. She trained under the direct supervision of Dr. Christine Courtois for one year in a Partial Day Hospital for Posttraumatic Stress Disorders. She completed a second year of training under Dr. Courtois and Dr. Joan Turkus specializing in the treatment of severe Dissociative disorders. Stephanie’s doctoral research looks at the impact of psychological trauma and one’s attachment to God on psychological well-being. Her extensive experience working with trauma survivors also includes working with children with attachment related disorders and women with substance use disorders. She also specializes in working with therapists dealing with vicarious traumatization and burn-out issues. Her theoretical approach to counseling incorporates a psychodynamic/object relations model with cognitive/behavioral interventions. Stephanie is also fully trained in EMDR. Dr. Van Deusen is also involved in a three year training program in Peter Levine’s Somatic Experiencing approach.  She has completely the first two years of the three year training. Stephanie also works as a professional trainer and consultant.