About the Zombie Therapist

Stephanie Lay(she/they) grew up in Michigan and attended Northern Michigan University where she studied sociology and philosophy. After moving to the San Francisco Bay Area she began working with youth in a variety of settings searching for the best way to use her skills and passion to improve life outcomes for young people.

 
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After completing their Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and Expressive Arts Therapy at California Institute of Integral Studies Stephanie began working at an adolescent psychiatry inpatient unit providing group and individual therapy to kids and teenagers experiencing suicidal ideation, depression, self harm, and anxiety. Stephanie practices from a trauma informed, person centered and narrative art therapy foundations, which means she meets clients where they are at and engages with them in supportive and playful ways. In addition to their private practice Stephanie works at UCSF Children’s Hospital in Oakland performing mental health risk assessments. Stephanie has training in Sex Therapy and is a sex, queer, and kink positive therapist. She is a gender affirming and neurodivergent affirming therapist.

Stephanie enjoys playing video games, swimming, making art, visiting museums, and riding her motorcycle in their free time.

Qualifications

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BS in Sociology

Stephanie completed her Bachelor’s of Science in Sociology with a minor in Philosophy from Northern Michigan University. While attending NMU Stephanie participated in Gay Straight Alliance, Improv, and Campus Residential Advisory board.

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MA in Counseling Psychology

Stephanie earned a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Expressive Arts Therapy from California Institute of Integral Studies. While attending CIIS she took additional courses in sandtray therapy, digital art therapy, and ecotherapy.

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Post Graduate Sex Therapy Training

To expand their understanding of emerging sexuality and sexual identities Stephanie attended post graduate training in Sex Therapy at California Institute of Integral Studies.

Ketamine Assisted Therapy

Building on their skills for treating depression Stephanie attended post graduate training in Ketamine Assisted Therapy at Alchemy Community Therapy Center.

Continuing Education

Stephanie regularly engages in trainings and continuing education courses to maintain a deep understanding of therapeutic approaches and ongoing cultural awareness. She attends trainings well beyond requirements for their license. Recently Stephanie attended the 2024 Adolescent Health Initiatives 2-day conference at University of Michigan and in 2023 they attended the 3-day conference at the Mayo Clinic on The Principles and Care of Transgender and Intersex Patients.

Professional Memberships

Inclusive Therapists

Stephanie is a member of Inclusive Therapists.

Mind the Gap

Stephanie is a member of Mind the Gap

Accomplishments

Stephanie was honored by Northern Michigan University in 2022 as Outstanding Young Alumni for her achievements and work in the Bay Area.

Along with her coworkers Stephanie organized a union at Edgewood Center for Children and Families in 2015. Stephanie is committed to labor and workers’ rights.