Sage Stevens (They/Them)

I spent about 7 years working in crisis and have taken several trainings in psychological first aid and suicidality. I also ran several support groups for two years that focused on suicidality, building coping skills, and gaining control in their lives. I also strongly believe in dismantling the societal stigma and understanding how larger systemic issues contribute to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. I believe that "contracting for safety" is harmful and will never be a requirement.

Along with my years in crisis, self-harm behaviors are often common. Unfortunately, societal stigma plays a large part of shame and guilt for folx who struggle with self-harm behaviors. You aren't alone and are never defined by a diagnosis, behavior, or thought. I started and ran a self-harm support group for several years and believe in harm-reduction.

As a non-binary, genderfluid, pan, ace therapist, I bring lived experience to many of the issues we all deal with - like coming out, questioning your identity or sexuality, and coping with the harm that we are all currently facing in our society with anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ laws. I started and ran trans and non-binary support groups for years, have held several trainings for providers to assist them in providing the best possible care for our community, and am involved in LGBTQ advocacy.

I am IFS informed and under supervision by a level 2-trained IFS licensed clinical social worker. IFS is a trauma-informed modality that allows folx to understand themselves and their parts on a deeper level than other types of therapy. It is especially useful for trauma, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, self-harm, dissociative disorders, and eating disorders.

Trauma therapy looks different for everyone - there is no one-size-fits-all approach that can be effective for every person. I incorporate various modalities that best fit the specific needs of the person - like acceptance and commitment therapy, DBT, somatic therapy, and incorporating art and dance movement. Since everyone has different needs, being able to bring in skills and techniques from various modalities helps individuals move through their trauma.

Acceptance and commitment therapy can be helpful for trauma survivors, and is often used together with other modalities. I have incorporated ACT techniques throughout all of my work with individuals who struggle with self-harm, suicidality, and other trauma responses. While ACT can be helpful, it will not be helpful for everyone, which is why I never rely only on a single modality.

Acceptance and commitment therapy techniques have been a part of my "tool bag" for many years while helping folx through crisis. While ACT can be incredibly helpful for some, it is often used in conjunction with other modalities like DBT or IFS.