Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern (ISW22982)
Stephanie Barnes
Stephanie Barnes earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Central Florida and has dedicated her career to supporting individuals who have experienced trauma, adversity, andsignificant life transitions. Her professional journeyincludes international service as a Peace Corps Healthy Youth Advisor in Lesotho, Africa, where she focused on HIV/AIDS education, youth empowerment, and life skills development. This experience helped shape her deep commitment to culturally responsive, empowerment-focused care.
Stephanie has extensive experience working with survivors of human trafficking and other complex trauma through her time as a victim advocate and in a long-term residential program providing safe housing and restorative services. Her background includes direct client care, advocacy, community education, program development, and grant and resource coordination — all grounded in a passion for helping individuals reclaim safety, identity, and hope.
In the therapeutic space, Stephanie practices from a trauma-informed, client-centered perspective and incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and empowerment-based approaches. She strives to create a compassionate and collaborative environment where clients feel heard, supported, and equipped with practical tools for healing and personal growth. Stephanie believes therapy should honor each person’s story while fostering resilience, self-awareness, and meaningful, lasting change.