Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Fazio.
Hi Stephanie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
As a child, I was always caring for those around me – I still remember my parents telling me about the time when I was about 4 years old and changed my younger brother’s diaper and got him dressed to help out or the time when my brother and I decided to make our parent’s breakfast to also “help them out” one morning (and let me tell you, that was a messy disaster!). I’ve even had a lifelong passion for helping animals. From a young age, I volunteered at local animal shelters, finding fulfillment in providing care and compassion to animals in need. One particular furry friend, Bentley, captured our hearts through learning more about his trauma story, who we later ended up rescuing and helping heal from his traumas.
From a young age, I was somewhat aware of the shadows that lingered in the lives of my loved ones. I grew up with friends and family where mental health issues were not openly discussed, but I could see it impacting their everyday interactions. I witnessed the struggles of those closest to me as they battled with generational trauma, substance use, grief, depression, anxiety, and other unseen demons. Despite my young age, I felt a deep-seated desire to help alleviate their pain, to offer solace where there was none.
As I navigated through my own adolescence and early adulthood, I found myself being the “go to” person for friends and family needing support and advice, while grappling with my own mental health challenges. There were days when the weight of the world felt too heavy to bear. In those moments, I had turned to books on psychology, seeking understanding and insight into the deepness of the human mind. I was eventually able to find my own therapist and discover a passion for continuing to understand the complexities of the human mind by going to school and majoring in Clinical Psychology. I immersed myself in a myriad of theories and therapeutic approaches, eager to expand my knowledge and skill set in and out of school. Along the way, I found myself surrounded by a community of like-minded individuals—peers, and mentors whose support and guidance fueled my passion for mental health counseling.
Years later, after completing graduate school and receiving my counseling license, along with having moved to Texas and shortly after dealing with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was so much fear and uncertainty, casting doubt on the future and challenging us to adapt in unprecedented ways. I found myself at a crossroads in my career while I was working at a nonprofit and group practice—a moment that would ultimately shape the trajectory of my journey into mental health counseling.
Amidst the chaos of the pandemic, I was able to reconnect with my faith during this time, which helped provide me with a sense of grounding, offering comfort in the face of uncertainty. Simultaneously, the pandemic provided me with the opportunity to reevaluate my physical health. With more time spent at home, I delved deeper into the intricacies of nutrition and exercise, exploring the impact that physical well-being can have on mental health. I learned a lot about myself and discovered the interconnection between the mind, body, and spirit—a revelation that would profoundly shape my approach to counseling in the years to come.
As I embarked on this journey of self-discovery, I found myself drawn to the intersection of psychology, spirituality, and overall holistic wellness and sought to understand the ways in which these elements intersect, shape our experiences and influence our journey towards healing and wholeness. For me, it was a defining moment—a time to seize the opportunity and pursue my passion. With courage and conviction, I took the plunge into opening my own counseling practice. It was during this time that I came up with the name “Live Your Best Life Counseling Services,”- where I encourage others to be their most authentic self, to have individuals be who they were meant to be, to find balance, purpose, and peace through exploring the whole picture of their health. The symbol of the phoenix, with its associations of change and renewal, resonated deeply with me. Like the famous phoenix, Fawkes, from one of my favorite movies, Harry Potter, change brings opportunities for renewal, resurrection, new beginnings, healing, and regeneration. It serves as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always the potential for transformation and growth.
Opening my own practice was a leap of faith, a bold step into the unknown, but it was also a testament to my commitment to helping others find their way through that darkness. With newfound clarity and purpose, I forged ahead, channeling my passion for helping others. And as I reflect on my journey, I am filled with gratitude for the challenges and support that have shaped me—for they have molded me into the counselor that I am today. And in every interaction, whether with humans or animals, I am reminded of the transformative power of empathy, compassion, and dedication to the well-being of others.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Obstacles often appear as unexpected roadblocks that force us to navigate through uncharted territories. For me, my journey has been marked by hurdles that tested resilience, determination, and ultimately led to profound growth, success, and getting to know myself more. Growing up and over the years, I had faced my own internal battles with mental health that seemed insurmountable. Through therapy, self-care practices, learning boundaries, learning what a healthy relationship with food is, reconnecting with God, and having a drive and motivation to work through my struggles, I gradually learned to navigate through these challenges while also being able to remember these helpful tools and obstacles encountered to better help others.
Being enrolled in graduate school shortly after college, I remember navigating through countless late nights of studying, figuring out some sort of work/life balance, surviving on ramen and mac n cheese, having moments of self-doubt and questioning if this was the right field for me, and trying to remind myself that every obstacle was a stepping stone to something greater – even though it was hard to see that at the time! After finally receiving my master’s degree and later my counseling license, my husband (fiancé at the time) and I decided to move to Texas, leaving behind the familiar comforts of home in search of new and greater opportunities – having to make a new home, find community, and re-establish ourselves within our careers.
After being in the workforce for some time, I had already endured some challenging work environments that served as harsh lessons at the time but were also reminders as to what I wanted differently for my future and for the future of my family.
Then came the pandemic, a global crisis that shook the world to its core. Personally and professionally, facing unprecedented challenges, we had to adapt to a new way of life. Yet, in the face of adversity, I was able to remain committed to helping others by embracing teletherapy to ensure continuity of care for clients. Amidst the whirlwind of professional challenges, there was one more hurdle I had to face—navigating getting married during a pandemic! Planning a wedding amidst the pandemic seemed like an impossible task, with uncertainty casting a shadow over every decision we made. Yet, my husband and I refused to let fear dictate our future and instead decided to embrace the challenge head-on by finding innovative ways to celebrate our love while keeping ourselves and loved ones safe.
Shortly after getting married, I had decided to open my practice and embark on the new journey of figuring out how to own and operate my business, while also still counseling full time. Although it was daunting at first, it has truly been incredibly rewarding and I am forever grateful for all of my supports that has helped me through any challenges that have arose.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Live Your Best Life Counseling Services, our mission is to empower individuals to thrive by nurturing one’s overall well-being that encompasses mental, physical, and spiritual elements. We are committed to fostering a transformative journey towards self-discovery, resilience, and fulfillment. Through compassionate care, evidence-based practices, and a holistic approach, we aim to equip individuals with the tools and support needed to achieve balance, vitality, and inner harmony. At the heart of our mission lies a deep dedication to guiding each individual towards living authentically and embracing their full potential.
Our core values that we are proud of include: ambition, rising up, and living your best life.
Ambition – We cultivate an environment that fosters passion and drive towards health and wellness for all. Our licensed professionals are dedicated specialists, committed to providing exceptional services that leave a lasting impact. We aim to support individuals in transitioning from mere survival to thriving. Our team helps individuals who demonstrate open-mindedness, and a hunger for continuous learning. We firmly believe in the transformative power of growth and remain dedicated to guiding individuals on their path to personal development.
Rising up – We have faith in your ability to heal and grow from the challenges life throws your way. We are committed to supporting you throughout this journey, ensuring that you have our guidance every step of the way. We encourage you to trust in the process and wholeheartedly engage in this investment towards yourself. Our symbol of the phoenix represents change, renewal, resurrection, new beginnings, healing, and regeneration; it serves as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always the potential for transformation and growth.
Living your best life – We place equal importance on physical health and spirituality, recognizing their significance, alongside mental health in our holistic approach to client care. In addition to addressing mental health concerns, our approach encompasses attention to physical and spiritual well-being by integrating the Christian faith with the science of psychology, while also exploring diet, exercise, sleep habits, and underlying medical illnesses.
What sets us apart from other practices is our: specialized focus, expertise and unique approach, and access to quality care.
Our Specialized Focus – Our practice specializes in treating anxiety, helping with stress-management, OCD, and trauma/PTSD/C-PTSD. We also have a structured, unique, and individualized curriculum for premarital couples looking to attend premarital counseling. We work with motivated teens (13+) and adults, and demonstrate a commitment to supporting individuals who are actively seeking help and ready to engage in the therapeutic process.
Our Expertise and Unique Approach – Our team offers specialized expertise to help address complex mental health challenges with tailored treatment plans. Committed to ongoing professional development, we integrate the latest methodologies for optimal care. Using evidence-based modalities and a holistic approach, we ensure comprehensive treatment that considers the balance of psychological, physiological, and spiritual well-being. We recognize the interconnectedness of various aspects of health by emphasizing the integration of mental and physical health, and acknowledging the direct influence they have on each other, while also stressing the important role God plays in our lives. Our approach acknowledges the significant function mental health plays in our relationship with food, exercise, underlying health concerns, or even spiritual emptiness, disconnect, uncertainty, and doubt. Faith can help provide a sense of purpose, resilience, and support during times of emotional distress or uncertainty; it can offer solace and a sense of connection/community with something greater than oneself. We understand that without proper attention to these foundational elements, reaching one’s fullest potential can be challenging. Therefore, our commitment lies in supporting individuals to achieve holistic wellness by addressing these interconnected facets of life.
Access to Quality Care – Our telehealth services in Texas offer broad accessibility, allowing clients to receive quality counseling conveniently from their home. We also accept insurance, enhancing affordability and prioritizing accessibility to quality care.
What matters most to you?
What matters to me most is my family, making a positive impact on others’ lives, and personal freedom. I find profound fulfillment in helping individuals, giving back to my community, and remaining grounded in the purpose that initially led me to become a counselor—getting to witness people reclaiming their lives and thriving. The privilege of getting to see people embark on their journey towards their best selves and the invaluable lessons I continue to learn from them highlight the significant benefits of this career. Despite the challenges, the intrinsic satisfaction derived from helping others, giving back, and the freedom to shape my schedule to prioritize personal passions, such as travel and spending more time with loved ones, have made the journey immensely gratifying.
Contact Info:
- Website: liveyourbestlifecounseling.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lybl_counseling/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LYBLCounseling
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@lybl_counseling
Image Credits
Niccolo Fazio
Christopher Rotondo
