Stephanie H. Horak

I believe people have very good reasons for the ways they feel and things they do -- even when they are hard to understand. When given a chance to tell their stories, people make sense.

I love to help people make sense of their lives -- to sort out issues and make decisions for themselves. I believe people have, or at least can find, their own answers. I just love to help them do that.

Many people who find their way to my office are dealing with some type of relationship issue -- marital, parent-child, dating, divorce, break-ups, loneliness etc. People also come in seeking relief from anxiety, depression, difficulty sleeping, trouble making decisions and emotional instability. In addition, I have worked with people dealing with infertility, parenting stress, post-partum depression, grief, college stress, life transitions, identity crises, career decisions, step family issues, etc. I provide a safe, welcoming place for people to find help they need with whatever it is they are facing.

I have been a psychologist since 2001 after graduating with a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College, near Chicago, Illinois. Prior to joining HFPS, I provided outpatient therapy at the Therapy Center at BRAINS (Behavior Resources and Institute for Neurological Services) and at the Holland and Northwest Pine Rest Clinics. In these outpatient settings I worked with a wide range of individuals, couples, families and groups. I also provided inpatient and outpatient services at Wedgewood in Grand Rapids and at Lydia Home in Chicago where I worked with children and adolescents struggling to recover from major losses, neglect, abuse and dependence on drugs and alcohol.

I have training in the following areas: Emotionally Focused Therapy (the most empirically-validated therapy approach for couples), Attachment Disorders, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, substance use disorders, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention for treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT combines Cognitive-Behavioral Techniques for emotion regulation with concepts of mindful awareness, distress tolerance and acceptance, derived from Buddhist principles).

I welcome questions related to my experience, training, etc. As you search, it is essential you find someone with whom you feel comfortable and confident. I do my best to work with people to understand their needs and goals and to figure out how best I can help.

For more information or to schedule an appointment contact Stephanie Horak, M.A.