ABOUT | Thrive Within Therapy

Welcome to Thrive Within!

Meet the Founder/Lead Therapist
Stephanie Dillard, LCSW

Education & Training

Master of Social Work – California State University, Sacramento

Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Social Work (PPSC) – California State University, Sacramento

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), BBS #126143

Certified Trauma-Informed Trainer of Trainers

Certified Restorative Justice/Practices Trainer of Trainers

About Stephanie Dillard

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, couples, and families. My background spans both community-based and school settings, where I’ve developed a deep understanding of how environments impact mental health and well-being.

I specialize in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and emotional dysregulation, and I’m passionate about restorative practices that promote healing and connection. Whether it’s helping a child build coping skills, guiding a teen through life transitions, or supporting couples in strengthening their relationships, I bring a strengths-based, compassionate approach to every session.

At the heart of my work is a commitment to creating a safe, supportive, and empowering space where clients can feel understood, gain insight, and take meaningful steps toward thriving within.

My Approach

I take a client-centered and collaborative approach, working alongside each individual to understand their unique experiences, identify barriers, and build the skills needed for healing and growth. I tailor each session to meet the specific needs and goals of my clients, always creating a space of trust, respect, and partnership.

I draw from evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Strengths-Based Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and mindfulness techniques.

When desired by the client, I also incorporate Christian counseling principles to support emotional and spiritual well-being. My goal is to help clients develop practical coping strategies, deepen self-awareness, and move toward meaningful, lasting change.

Our Mission

At Thrive Within Therapy & Consulting, our mission is to create a safe, inclusive, and empowering space where individuals and families can begin the work of healing, reconnecting with their inner strengths, and thriving from within. Rooted in cultural humility, social justice, and trauma-informed care, we meet each client where they are—honoring their lived experiences, personal values, and spiritual beliefs. Our goal is to support meaningful growth through compassion, collaboration, and authenticity.

Core Values

1. Cultural Competency

We are committed to providing culturally responsive care that honors each client’s unique background, identity, and lived experience. We continuously engage in learning and reflection to ensure our work is inclusive, respectful, and culturally sensitive.

2. Empowerment & Growth

We believe every person has the capacity to grow and thrive. Our approach emphasizes collaboration and skill-building that supports clients in reclaiming their power and moving toward lasting change.

3. Trauma-Informed Care

We recognize the deep and lasting impact of trauma and prioritize emotional safety, trust, and compassion in every interaction. Our approach supports healing by creating a space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported at their own pace.

4. Faith-Inclusive Support

We respect and welcome the integration of spiritual and religious beliefs into the therapeutic process when meaningful to the client. We recognize spirituality as a powerful source of strength, identity, and healing.

5. Authenticity & Safety

We intentionally foster an environment where clients can show up fully and authentically, knowing they will be met with empathy, non-judgment, and acceptance. Psychological safety is the foundation of every therapeutic relationship we build.