Meet the Team: Interview with Stien Jasinski, MA

THE PERSON

What are your pronouns?

She/Her/Hers

Outside of your work as a therapist, what are your interests?

I spend as much time in nature as possible, even if that’s just sitting in the sun’s light for ten minutes. I also have a passion for design, specifically through the principles of minimalism, hygge, and feng shui. I also thrive in the freedom allotted by travel and have found a combined outlet for all my interests this year while renovating and weekending in my twenty-one ft. travel trailer. Her name is Either!

What does Pride mean to you?

For me personally, pride is a sequel to courage. We live in a society that promotes dichotomy and heteronormativity, and as a therapist, I know firsthand that the human experience is much more diverse than the limited expressions of the U.S. in the 1950s. It takes great courage to be “out”, and much gratitude is given to the pioneers in the LGBTQIA+ community. Pride now becomes a time when queer folks can be reminded that their love is valid, their presentation is theirs to live out, that they are seen, and that they are accepted and belong.

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THE WORK

How would you describe your approach to therapy?

My approach to therapy is always directed by the needs of who is sitting in the chair (or screen) across from me + best practice standards and the latest research. Beyond the client, I base my therapeutic approach on holistic, evidence-based, scientifically informed practices from eastern and western psychology and wellness.

How does your identity influence your work as a therapist?

My queer identity is part of many facets, that allows me to connect and understand my clients from that of a shared experience. There is momentum achieved when the therapist/client relationship/rapport is strong, and this is proven through empirical research. In a simplistic way, my queerness mirrors permission to my clients to be authentically them.

Tell us about your work as an affirmative therapist. How do you adapt your practice for the queer/LGBTQIA+ community?

Affirmative Therapy is a type of psychotherapy that affirms and validates the unique experience and needs of sexual and gender minority clients. In my approach, I make sure to consider the client’s sexual orientation & gender identity as potentially related to the reasons they have come to therapy. This could mean exploring disapproval, navigating alternative relationship structures, discussing boundaries and disclosures, and/or providing corrective cognitive tactics for internalized homophobic thoughts.

What is an overlooked + important component of queer mental health?

I think an important component of queer mental health, is an understanding of the spectrum and fluidity of queerness. Often clients are categorized into boxes with neat definitions, however, that practice is limiting and can lead to erasure issues. Instead, providers should seek out clients’ personal meanings and definitions + allow space for movement in any spectral direction.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

What sets Therapy Lab apart from other types of therapy or providers?

What thrills me about TL is our upfront, structured approach. The client can choose from differing therapy plans (e.g. 16 session U.P. for anxiety) or combine a few, offering more oversight in their own process.  

What do you wish more people knew about therapy?

I wish more people knew that they don’t have to wait until a “low low” to start therapy. Therapy can be used for optimizing work, improving relationships, and just as a sounding board or support to a hectic lifestyle. Investing in therapy is one of the biggest ways someone can pour into themselves, and the gains experienced are lifelong and will ripple out into all that they do.

What are you most passionate about within the mental health landscape?

I’m most passionate about the ever-evolving landscape of psychology; new treatment methods are being researched and found beneficial! This means a growing toolbelt to select from and offer to those I work with.

Interested in booking a session with Stien? Schedule a consultation with a Care Coordinator to get started.