Birch & Fern Mental Health Counseling

About me

Hi! My name is Steph Cawley (she/her). I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with Diagnostic Privilege and a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist. I have been providing mental health therapy in a variety of settings for over eight years.

Outside of my work as a therapist, I enjoy time spent with my family & pets, connecting with friends, being in nature, practicing yoga, reading, listening to podcasts, and re-watching favorite TV shows.

I look forward to my morning cup of coffee & summer trips to the ADKS. I have a deep appreciation for the first signs of spring & fall, the smell of campfire, independent bookstores, random acts of kindness, and spaces filled with plants.

When I find life to be too heavy, I lean on human connection, nature, others’ words/stories, music, and any trace of Light.

M.S. Mental Health Counseling, St. John Fisher College

B.A. Psychology, St. John Fisher College

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (New York), License #011786

Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (through IAEDP)

Trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDRIA Approved)

Trained in BTC™ Generational Trauma Therapy

Education & Certifications

Beliefs that inform my practice

I believe…

  • we all carry stories and we don’t have to hold them alone

  • we are all capable of healing & growing when given the safety, support, and resources to do so

  • our feelings are messengers; we can practice listening

  • our bodies are wise; we can re-learn to trust

  • each of us is impacted by the systems and cultures we exist within; to truly prioritize individual mental health, we need ongoing work towards collective liberation

“Whoever you are, and whatever helps, I hope today is a day you are finding the softest way through.”

— Andrea Gibson

My approach

I bring my authentic self to session and hope you will too. I believe that a strong and collaborative therapeutic relationship is a key component of the healing process.

The foundation of my work is rooted in compassion and curiosity. I model this for clients with the hope that over time it becomes their own orientation toward self. I often invite a posture of mindfulness in sessions, turning attention to present emotions and body sensations. If/when the moment allows, I engage with a sense of humor, believing laughter brings levity and deepens connection.

I pull from a variety of modalities and enjoy the art of blending them based on each client’s needs and goals.

I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and BTC™ Generational Trauma Therapy. I often pull from Internal Family Systems (IFS) informed approaches (also known as “parts work”). I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I provide psychoeducation and I offer practical tools, strategies, and resources to engage with between sessions.

While the modalities and approaches I use vary, the priority of my practice as a therapist is consistent - that clients experience connection, compassion, grounding, and growth through the therapeutic relationship.

Let's Connect

“To pay attention, this is our endless and proper work.”

— Mary Oliver