Meet Stephanie Marshall of Mind Health Counseling and Consultation, LLC

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

Hi Stephanie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born in Lafayette, Indiana to two immigrants from South India (Kerala). My father was completing his postdoc training at Purdue. From there, we relocated to Chicago and then, Bombay. I had my first memory in Bombay standing at the top of a high rise apartment looking down at a slum. That memory is so vivid and really impacted me-my natural curiosity and empathy for others began here. I was 3 when I arrived in Bombay and was speaking English fluently. I attended a preschool in Bombay in which I picked up Hindi and quickly, forgot my English. My parents spoke Malayalam. For a brief period, I spoke three languages. I am so thankful for my lived experience in India. It gave me a unique worldview and a natural resiliency to adapt to new environments quickly. We relocated back to the USA when I was around 5. I spent the majority of my childhood and youth in St. Louis. It was a fun childhood with many friends and lots of great memories. Unfortunately, we relocated my senior year to Mentor, Ohio. I was devastated and I experienced the darkest period of my life during the start of my senior year. I was very depressed and isolated. Fortunately, I had good support both at home and at school and found a few amazing friends who changed my life. I began building a life in Ohio with this support and grew excited for attending college at The Ohio State University. I studied psychology and sociology there and was actively involved in undergraduate research. My dream since high school was to be a therapist in private practice but I didn’t think I could do it. Who was I to dream so big? I met my future spouse during my junior year of college and we eventually, relocated to St. Louis for his job and graduate school for me. We relocated back to Ohio after we got married to settle down and start a family. I went onto have three kids who are now 16, 14, and 9. I worked part-time at OSU but I was not truly happy. I knew there was more out there but didn’t know how to pursue this dream that seemed so lofty and risky (I am the most risk averse person EVER!) I ran back into a previous counseling colleague who changed the trajectory of my career. With her support and guidance, I delved into private practice and grew my network through two of her colleagues. Personally, my husband pushed me to take the risk and I am so thankful. I am currently a clinician (LPCC) who works primarily with women, healthcare providers, and college students. I feel that I have found my purpose. I LOVE what I do and I get to make an impact on so many lives. I am thankful for all the struggles and hardships as they helped me reach this place.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I started off working with postpartum moms. I loved this work and from here, I expanded to women’s health across the lifespan from age 18-60. Various topics included mom burnout, infertility, pregnancy, postpartum, birth trauma, loss, career transitions, relationship stressors, and trauma. Due to my South Asian background, I work with MANY South Asians who primarily are in the healthcare fields. I work with professional students and college students. I am so proud that so many South Asians are seeking mental health counseling! The stigma is there but I believe people are truly realizing how important counseling is for overall mental health. My attention to detail is spectacular and I am truly CURIOUS about everyone’s story. I believe people can sense this during our sessions which results in clients feeling comfortable to open up.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I believe that it is important to find a mentor who is similar to you in values. I believe this helps facilitate genuine, open conversations and true understanding. If there is mutual respect, I believe it is easier to ask for advice and receive feedback. I enjoy networking but at the same time, I am introverted at heart so I network with realistic expectations for myself. Try not to compare yourself to others. Do what works for you.

Pricing:

• Sessions are $130-$150 per session.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mind-health.clientsecure.me/