Becoming a therapist was the best decision I ever made
Before I was a therapist, I worked in finance, immersed in New York City’s suffocatingly competitive and stress filled environment. Although I enjoyed aspects of my life, ultimately, my work left me feeling incredibly unhappy and unfulfilled.
I thought that maybe if I pushed harder and devoted myself to furthering my career, my outlook would improve. So I earned my master’s in finance, thinking that would help. However, I still found myself deeply unsatisfied—as if my life just wasn’t aligned with who I was or what I was meant to do.
It took ten years of struggling in that intense environment before I garnered the courage to make the major life change of becoming a therapist.
It was a tough, but necessary journey—one that was occasioned by joy and grief, hope and adversity, love and healing. And like most individuals’ path of self-discovery, each step along the way led me to exactly where I needed to be.
In this way, I understand and empathize with people who find themselves lost, overwhelmed, or caught in an unfulfilling situation. That’s why I encourage my clients to listen to themselves—to build an understanding of who they are and what they need to feel happy, loved, and capable of navigating this life.
A little about my philosophy and approach to therapy
Sometimes, we find ourselves feeling sad, overwhelmed, anxious, or just stuck—uncertain of how to feel better or access the life we want to live. My approach to therapy is about providing clients with a better understanding of their unique life situations while helping them alter patterns of behavior that are no longer productive. That, in turn, enables clients to forge a path toward real change.
Many of the people I work with are young professionals and couples who are dealing with work stress, difficult life transitions, relationship strain, and mental health challenges. Therefore, I use a combination of research-driven and holistic therapeutic methods to create a comprehensive approach to healing for each person.
Some of the concepts I draw from include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), psychodynamic theory, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT), mindfulness-based therapy, non-violent communication, and more. All of these technical terms represent powerful tools for addressing a range of issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship problems, and difficult life transitions.
Although these strategies are all very effective, I believe the most important part of therapy is the relationship of trust and kinship that develops between client and therapist. That’s why I strive to create a therapeutic space that is warm, safe, and compassionate—one that is enveloped in hope and empathy. And though I consider myself an ally and source of support, I also like to challenge clients to gently take control of their own healing through accountability and self-actualization.
Ultimately, I believe that fostering love, kindness, and connection to oneself is how we create true, sustainable change. So regardless of what your journey looks like, I can help you move toward a place where you feel hopeful, happy, and fulfilled.
What makes me an effective therapist?
I think that my biggest strength is being able to create an environment of trust, safety, and compassionate curiosity that enables clients to deepen their self-awareness and hear themselves in a new way. I embrace the value of a calm, thoughtful presence and honest style of communication that enables us to construct goals for personal growth and tap into the resilience that lies within.
Because of my corporate background, I also understand what it means to juggle the demands of a high-stakes career, family, and a life of one’s own. And my own experiences with grief and loss, inevitable relationship issues, and job stress inform how I connect with clients. So I can empathize on many levels with the challenges my clients face.
About myself as a person
At my core, I simply want to be a kind, compassionate, and thoughtful person. I care for people deeply and want to see them live their best lives. Helping people grow is the most effective way to do that. That’s why I believe becoming a therapist was the best decision I ever made.
In addition to my private practice, I also have experience working as a therapist in outpatient mental health clinics and inpatient psychiatric units in New York City. Outside of work, I enjoy cooking and trying new restaurants, being outdoors, and traveling.
More than anything, though, I love spending time with my wife, my daughter, and our dog Bella.
Ian Stewart is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and therapist serving clients in the New York City and Dallas, Texas, area. He provides online counseling services for addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship problems, stress-related issues, and a range of other personal and mental health challenges. He regularly attends conferences, seminars, and certification practicums to stay abreast of the latest and most effective treatment methods.