Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Sorady
Hi Stephanie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My path to becoming a psychotherapist and business owner began early. Inspired by my family’s resilience and entrepreneurial spirit, I knew in high school that I wanted to build my own company. However, our family struggled with open communication about mental health, a challenge that sparked my desire to understand and address this stigmatized topic.
As a social sciences major at USC, I loved learning but graduated, unsure of my next steps. Thankfully, I explored various jobs and volunteer roles, experiences that clarified my strengths and values. This led me to pursue a Masters in Social Work at Columbia University. Graduating in 2020 amidst unprecedented challenges proved to be an intense crash course in social work and mental health.
I’m proud to have launched my private practice in the fall of 2023. As a trauma therapist, I feel privileged to support my clients’ healing journeys.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The path to building a career in mental health has been anything but smooth. Yet, I’ve come to embrace the challenges, recognizing that anything truly worthwhile requires dedication and resilience. As many in this field know, social workers and therapists often face a disheartening reality: we’re overworked and underpaid, a consequence of our flawed healthcare system. I’ve personally experienced burnout multiple times, characterized by irritability, fatigue, and a deep insecurity about my work.
Through these difficult periods, my community has been my lifeline. The unwavering support of my husband, friends, family, and colleagues has been invaluable. It’s a humbling experience to ask for help, but I’ve learned it’s an essential part of self-care and ultimately, sustainable success.
As you know, we’re big fans of Luz Trauma Therapy. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I named my practice Luz Trauma Therapy in honor of my mother, Ada Luz, an immigrant from Mexico. “Luz” means light in Spanish, a reminder that together, we can find our way through even the darkest times.
Many of my clients are high achievers who’ve worked tirelessly to reach their current positions. Often seen as the “strong ones” in their circles, they come to me seeking relief from anxiety and overwhelm and a desire to explore their identities and break harmful generational cycles.
As a child of an immigrant myself, I frequently work with others from the Latine community, drawing on my personal experiences to create a space where they feel seen, validated, and understood.
My therapeutic approach is rooted in mindfulness and self-compassion. I am also trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a powerful therapy that helps individuals heal from trauma and negative self-beliefs.
With every client I support, a deep understanding of the role of race, multiculturalism, identity, family dynamics, and trauma care informs my practice.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up with undiagnosed ADHD, school was a constant challenge. Staying quiet in class and managing assignments felt like insurmountable obstacles. It wasn’t until my late 20s that I received a diagnosis, shedding light on my earlier struggles.
Despite these difficulties, I fondly look back at my younger self, appreciating her boundless energy, playful spirit, and unwavering kindness. My passions for reading, writing, exploring Mexico, and bringing laughter to others have remained steadfast. Notably, I was an only child until I was twelve, when my brother was born. This made me great at entertaining myself and being independent. Then, at fifteen, my sister was born; having such a large age gap was not always easy, but my siblings taught me what unconditional love looks like. I embrace these qualities as a testament to my resilience and ability to thrive despite challenges.
Pricing:
- Therapy sessions are offered on a sliding scale from $160-$195
- EMDR therapy intensives start at $1,497
Contact Info:
- Website: https://luztraumatherapy.com/
- Instagram: @stephaniesorady
