Clinician Spotlight: Courtney Stellmach, LMHC, CEIS
Meet Courtney!
Courtney is practicing out of our Tyngsboro office. She works both in-person and virtually.
1.) Hi, Courtney! When did you first know you wanted to become a therapist?
I can recall a time in college, when I was reading a research article about expressive therapies being used with pediatric oncology patients. I remember being very intrigued by not only the concept of expressive therapies, but also the variety of settings therapy can be utilized. After that, I would say that I had a series of little moments and experiences that guided me to becoming a therapist.
2.) Where did you go to school and what was one of the highlights of your learning experience?
I earned my Master’s degree from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. I attended Roger Williams University in RI, where I earned a dual, undergraduate degree in psychology and dance performance. In my senior year at Roger Williams, I had the opportunity to complete two projects in both of my programs. I was selected by the psychology dept. to conduct my research study as the Principal Investigator. In my other area of study, I was working on my thesis, which included a composed performance piece of work, and this was selected to be performed at the American College of Dance Association. It was a really unique opportunity to have these two very different passion projects be recognized, and it really illustrated the importance of support and mentorship as I had some truly inspirational professors working alongside me during this time, as well as the support of my family.
3.) What is something you have discovered about being a therapist that perhaps you didn't realize when you first started this journey?
When I think back to my approach in the very beginning, I had a really narrow focus on learning and applying theories and interventions. In doing so, I was not necessarily aware of the impact of worldly or cultural influences. Some recent examples to this are the pandemic, and the role of technology in our daily lives, and now I realize the major implications events like this can have in the work with clients.
4.) What are some of your most go-to approaches, interventions or skills?
I have a very individualized and person-centered approach. I facilitate skills to build self-awareness to promote change and self-growth. This may look different for each person and include mindfulness interventions or CBT interventions. When working with younger clients, I am very play based and client centered.
5.) What is one of the more challenging things about being in this field?
I am constantly working towards prioritizing self-care. Maintaining a self-care routine comes with its own challenges, and requires a lot of honesty & self-awareness, and may look different from last year to the next. Doing this work outside of sessions helps me be present and available in sessions with my clients, as well as people in my personal life.
6.) Which themes/topics interest you when considering continuing education in the near future?
Right now, I am pursuing continued education in DBT. Looking ahead in the future, I would love to revisit the theme from my earlier education and training, and pursue more education around the body/mind connection and mindfulness.
"A General Theory of Love" by Lewis, Amini, and Lannon, illustrates how emotions and experiences are played out in our brains and body. It is a great book that helps better understand the body/mind connection, and the science behind emotions. My second favorite is "The Creative Habit" by Twla Tharp, which I love because of its creative and unorthodox presentation to themes of self-awareness, existence of patterns in our lives, and routines.
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