Steph Sterling, LCSW is a seasoned relationship therapist, dedicated to helping high‑achieving couples and individuals build stronger, lasting connections.  She is currently pursuing a specialty in Psychedelic Harm Reduction & Integration (PHRI). 

Steph earned her Master’s in Social Work from New York University (NYU) in 2006 and is a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist. She co‑owns Alternatives Counseling with her wife, Dr. Darcy Sterling, where she:

• Guides clients from pain to connection by refining communication and deepening emotional bonds
• Provides practical tools to navigate conflict and challenging conversations with confidence

Even the most ambitious individuals can find it challenging to balance thriving careers with healthy, fulfilling relationships. Thriving in love—and in life—requires more than chemistry; it demands intentional skills most of us never learned. Steph equips you with evidence‑based strategies—grounded in Imago Dialogue—to repair, reconnect, and sustain intimacy so you can flourish both personally and professionally.

In addition to her work with couples, Steph supports individuals in applying these same skills to family, friendships, and workplace dynamics. She integrates EMDR and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help clients process past trauma and overcome emotional roadblocks.  Through her PHRI training, Steph is  learning how to apply innovative approaches to help clients integrate psychedelic experiences into sustainable, life‑affirming change. She’s eager to begin bringing PHRI principles into her practice and supporting clients on their transformative journeys.

When she’s not collaborating with clients, you’ll find Steph hiking new trails, horseback riding, experimenting with recipes in the kitchen, or enjoying quality time with her wife and their pets.