Exploring Life & Business with Stephanie Leon of Aster Counseling and Wellness

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Leon.

Hi Stephanie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hi there, thanks for inviting me to share a bit about myself. I’ve always had a passion for helping people. Over the years, I came to realize that this passion stemmed from being a highly sensitive person (HSP). Of course, growing up I had no idea what that meant or why I felt different. It wasn’t until I had a therapist suggest this to me that it became clear. I tend to experience emotions and sensations very intensely, and this includes the emotions of those around me. Turns out this ability is a great trait to have as a therapist!

Growing up, I witnessed the struggle of those around me combined with their difficulty in asking for help. It was hard to see the people I love in pain, unable to seek support. I knew from a young age that I wanted to be involved in helping people. My own experiences with mental health struggles as an adolescent solidified this interest.

Although I saw therapists from time to time growing up, the culture around it was very taboo. As I got older, I gained a deeper understanding of the stigma involved with therapy and knew I wanted to be part of the change. I have personally experienced the benefit that one caring person can have on your life through my own experience in therapy. Today, I feel so grateful that I get to contribute back to my community as a therapist.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Although I have always known I wanted to help people, I wasn’t always sure which route to take. I started my career in the non-profit/child welfare realm and enjoyed many years there until I began to seek the comfort of a traditional 9-5 job.

A brief stint in HR taught me that I’d much rather be working in a role that offers direct one-on-one support to people. I also learned that I much prefer deep in-depth conversations with people (I’ve never been great at small talk). So, I went back to the drawing board to figure out what changes needed to be made to make mental health a sustainable career for me. Several months later, I was back in school for counseling. Years later, during my internship, I met many great people who ignited my interest in starting my practice. I had never considered this prior, but I decided to leap!

All that being said, my journey has been a winding road, with my own struggles along the way. I’m fortunate to have known many supportive people along the way—friends, colleagues, and yes, therapists – who have helped me get to where I am today. I feel so very grateful to be in a career that I truly enjoy. I love being able to sit one-on-one with people, extending an opportunity to discuss issues that weigh heavily on them.

I have always wanted to be a grounded support for others because I know how hard it is to not have that. I am so grateful that I get to do this today. Being a witness to the personal transformation of the clients I work with is a true gift that brings me immense satisfaction.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My practice is called Aster Counseling and Wellness and my office is located in Denver, CO but I offer both in-person and virtual sessions. I am a trauma-informed clinician, and my key offerings include working with complex trauma, people pleasers, and infertility.

One skill that I am proud to say will soon be offered to my clients is EMDR therapy which is an evidence-based form of trauma treatment. Since I’ve been in the field, I’ve had many clients approach me about this modality of therapy and have heard great things from colleagues who practice as well. Now I am currently working towards completing training that will enable me to offer EMDR. As a clinician, it’s important to me to continuously learn and hone my skills to best serve my clients.

The areas I specialize in are also areas where I have personal experience. Although no two experiences are alike, I very much value being able to relate to my clients on a deeper level. I understand the childhood memories that haunt you, the difficulty in saying no to others, and the ups and downs of starting a family because I have been there too.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Right now, my favorite podcast is Dear Therapists with Lori Gottlieb and Guy Winch. This is the ultimate fly-on-the-wall experience for listeners.

Each week, two therapists invite a guest to come on the show and hold a live session regarding a personal problem in their life. Listeners get to hear about the problem each guest faces, and guests leave with insight and actionable advice. Lori and Guy then check in with their guest to see how they were able to apply their insight and guidance. It’s a great podcast to relate to others out there who are struggling, and you might even pick up some useful insight about yourself.

Another podcast I love for all the infertility warriors out there is the Infertility Feelings Podcast. Creators Jesse and Doug struggled with infertility for years without success. While many resources in the infertility world focus on reversing your outcomes or changing your path, this podcast takes a different stance and addresses the emotional toll of infertility.

A few books I’ve enjoyed myself and commonly recommend to clients: The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D. – It’s a hefty and sometimes difficult read, but great for clients who want to dive deep into understanding trauma better.

Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab – Perfect and straightforward guide for people who have trouble setting boundaries in their lives. And to step away from the clinical side of things…

The Argonauts by Maggie Nelson – A beautiful memoir that touches on the author’s relationship with her fluidly gendered partner and their journey through family building, pregnancy, sexuality, gender, and everything in between.

The Carrying: Poems by Ada Limón – For those who enjoy poetry, this collection is relatable to those experiencing any form of grief. National Public Radio described it best as “…a much-needed shot of if not hope, then perseverance amidst much uncertainty.”

Contact Info:

• Website: Astercounselingandwellness.com