Somatic & Trauma-Informed Therapy in Charleston
Trauma-informed Therapy for PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Relationship Issues, and Stuck Patterns
I'm Really Glad You Found Your Way Here!
I'm Stephanie Dasher, LPC-A under the Supervision of Dr. Maia Gill, PhD (SC# 1202), Navi Institute LLC. As a Certified Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy Practitioner, I offer somatically informed counseling for adults in Charleston and throughout the Lowcountry and South Carolina via secure online sessions and, when appropriate, walk-and-talk therapy. If you keep getting pulled into the same anxiety, shutdown, or relationship loops, together we'll work to understand what sets them off, what your body and mind do next, and how to build resilience. Then, we'll practice tools you can use in everyday life. Together, we'll create a personalized treatment plan that integrates elements of Sensorimotor-informed approaches, Somatic Experiencing–informed approaches, cognitive and behavioral interventions, mindfulness, breathwork, and gentle movement, always grounded in consent, collaboration, and pacing that fits you. Click here to learn more about somatic therapy.
I’m based in the Charleston area and work with clients across Charleston County (including Charleston, Mount Pleasant, West Ashley, James Island, Johns Island, Daniel Island, and North Charleston). I also see clients via telehealth anywhere in South Carolina.
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A Few Things
I love To Help Clients Learn
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Reducing shame by understanding symptoms as survival adaptations, not personal failures
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How to strengethen boundaries at home, work, and in your communities
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Making sense of your patterns and what triggers them day to day
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Building regulation skills using a blend of somatic tools, including mindfulness, breathwork, and practical cognitive & behavioral strategies
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Increasing capacity for rest, connection, and meaning in everyday life
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Building self-attunement: noticing what you feel, what you need, and what’s true for you...without overriding it
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Finding your true pace. Noticing where you rush, override, or abandon yourself to keep the peace, and practicing staying with yourself instead.
How Sessions Feel
Warm, relational, direct, and definitely not like you're performing. In our sessions, you don't need the perfect words, and you don't have to know what you're doing. Together, we'll pay attention to the patterns that emerge in your thoughts, your body, and your relationships. I'll teach you attunement to yourself and others, so you learn how to embody new ways of being. Over time, you'll learn how to use tools in the moments you typically find yourself getting pulled off course.
What Happens in the First 1–2 Sessions?
In the first session, we'll complete an intake assessment to understand your history and what your system is dealing with right now, including stress patterns, triggers, and what helps. We'll also set goals and build a treatment plan tailored to your specific situation and concerns.
Together, we can explore thoughts, emotions, and patterns that may lead to
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Feelings of anxiety, stress, frustration, overwhelm, and constant alertness
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Habits like people-pleasing, numbing, or shutting down
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Self-criticism, shame, or feeling like you're 'not enough.'
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Identity Issues
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Difficulty with Communication
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Lacking meaning and purpose
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Not feeling like yourself
How We Will Work
Together
I work with individuals (18+) and couples:
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Feel anxious, overwhelmed, “on edge,” or have trouble winding down
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Are high-capacity caregivers, helpers, leaders, or professionals carrying a lot for others
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Notice patterns like people-pleasing, perfectionism, over-responsibility, numbing, or shutting down
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Are navigating life transitions, identity shifts, grief, or relationship strain
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Have had difficult or overwhelming experiences and want trauma-informed, nervous-system-aware support
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Are curious about somatic therapy, and also value clear, practical tools from cognitive and behavioral approaches
What You'll Invest For Services
Couples Therapy Sessions
Counseling | Virtual or in Person
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length: 50 minutes
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location: Virtual or in person as walk & talk
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Professional fee: $175 per session
Individual Therapy Sessions
Counseling | Virtual or in Person
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length: 50 minutes
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location: In person as walk & talk or virtual
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Professional fee: $135 per session
Sliding scale available and based on income, $100-150 per session. Application available at the consultation.
I am a private-pay provider and do not bill insurance directly, but many clients can use out-of-network (OON) benefits to lower their out-of-pocket costs. For details on out-of-network options, you can utilize Thrizer or contact me directly. If you have out-of-network benefits, you may be able to submit a superbill for partial reimbursement; I recommend confirming coverage with your insurance plan. You may also view our FAQs for more information about my professional fees, coverage, and more
Common Questions
01.
Do you take insurance or provide superbills?
I am a private-pay provider and do not bill insurance directly, but many clients can use out-of-network (OON) benefits to lower their out-of-pocket costs. For details on out-of-network options, you can utilize Thrizer or contact me directly. If you have out-of-network benefits, you may be able to submit a superbill for partial reimbursement; I recommend confirming coverage with your insurance plan. You may also view our FAQs for more information about my professional fees, coverage, and more.
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How do walk-and-talk sessions work if I don’t want to be in the office or virtual?
Walk-and-talk can be great for people who enjoy talking while walking side by side. But it's not for everyone. We'll start with a virtual assessment so I can understand your goals, dynamics, and whether a walk-and-talk makes sense for you.
Public spaces aren't entirely private. We'll use a specific informed consent process, choose low-traffic routes, and pause or redirect if people are nearby when using walk-and-talk therapy.
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How do I know if I need trauma therapy or just stress support?
You don’t have to figure that out on your own. We’ll sort it out in the initial assessment. We’ll look at what’s driving your symptoms and determine the treatment approach that's right for you.
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What if I’m high-functioning but internally falling apart?
You don’t have to wait for a visible breakdown to get support. In the initial assessment, we’ll clarify what’s driving the internal strain (current stress, trauma responses, burnout, anxiety, etc.), assess safety and supports, and create a plan that fits your goals and concerns.