a little about me
- Tana Steffens, LCSW (she/her)
I specialize in helping people reclaim their lives after traumatic experiences, navigate life transitions, and explore parts of their identities in an affirming space.
My approach is best described as gentle, yet direct. Clients have told me I don’t have a great poker face, but I do have a good sense of humor. I tend to be a good fit for people who like a more interactive and relational approach.
I started my career in community mental health for the first few years before transitioning into private practice. I have training and experience utilizing evidence-based modalities several modalities, but most commonly integrate EMDR, ITCT, CPT, and ERP.
I’ve worked with folks at a variety of ages and life stages, though I now primarily focus on working with individuals 16+. I work with individuals regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, and wholeheartedly believe a LGBTQ+ affirming approach is integral to the work of therapy.
I earned my MSW (Master of Social Work) from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis. Prior to that I earned my Bachelor of Arts from Truman State University in Business Administration while also studying Spanish & Public Administration.
the foundation of my practiceI strive to create an inclusive environment for individuals of all identities regardless of race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender identity, ability, immigration status, and/or religion. I aim to be affirming to all clients, and I also recognize that individuals may need to work with someone who reflects their own lived experience. I have experience working with a variety of identity intersections, and I welcome questions from clients regarding my values and/or life experiences.
style & training My style incorporates several research-backed approaches in a person-centered way.
The primary modalities I incorporate in my work are a mix of cognitive (brain-based) and somatic (body-based) approaches. I also pull in some skills work to ensure clients have the right resources to explore challenging material.
I find that many of the clients I work with benefit from a combination or blend of therapeutic approaches.
modalities offered EMDR
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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a body-based, somatic intervention that’s used with clients across a variety of ages and life stages. It uses bilateral movement during processing which traditionally involves tapping or eye movements. EMDR can be helpful for working through memories when we don’t have a lot of words, and is considered a “bottom-up” approach.
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EMDR is used for a variety of symptoms, but was initially developed for treating PTSD and has since expanded to use with other mental health conditions.
CPT
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Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a cognitive modality for treating trauma with adults and utilizes a systemic approach to identify underlying negative beliefs and challenge unhelpful thought patterns.
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CPT utilizes a dialogue-based approach that works to identify beliefs that have formed about ourselves and/or the world after a traumatic event. It uses a talk-based approach and focuses on recognizing beliefs that were formed to try and keep us safe after something traumatic may not continue to serve us.
ITCT-A
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Integrative treatment for Complex Trauma in Adolescents is a relational modality for complex trauma with teens and young adults. It focuses on targeting some specific considerations for trust building and integrated care.
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I’ve worked with the Children’s Advocacy Center to receive ongoing training and have found it’s a powerful approach for cases of complex developmental trauma.
ERP
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Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) therapy is a gold-standard treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder OCD). It utilizes exposure therapy strategies to challenge distress.
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ERP is generally used for treating OCD, but can also be effective when challenging some forms of anxiety, including specific phobias.