Stephanie Sterling, LCSW, earned her Master’s Degree 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.

Steph specializes in helping high-achieving couples build stronger, more fulfilling relationships by enhancing communication, deepening emotional connection, and providing practical tools to navigate conflict and difficult conversations with confidence. Even the most successful, driven individuals can struggle in relationships—demanding careers, high expectations, and busy schedules often leave little room for meaningful connection. Thriving in love requires more than just chemistry—it takes intentional skills.  Most of us were never taught how to manage the emotions relationships stir up. Steph helps clients master the communication tools needed to repair, reconnect, and sustain intimacy, so they can thrive in both their personal and professional lives.

In addition to her work with couples, Steph helps individual clients apply these same skills to all areas of life—improving relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. She also integrates EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and IFS (Internal Family Systems) to support clients in processing past trauma and overcoming emotional roadblocks when necessary.

Committed to ongoing learning, Steph continues her advanced couples therapy training through The Gottman Institute, one of the most recognized and research-backed approaches in relationship science, alongside Imago Relationship Therapy.

When she’s not working with clients, you’ll likely find Steph hanging out with her wife and pets, exploring new hiking trails, horseback riding or experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.

 

Work With Steph

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