Stephanie Napolitano, LMHC
Stephanie Napolitano is a licensed mental health counselor in New York State (LMHC #005793) and a certified grief counselor through the American Institute of Health Care Professionals (AIHCP). She holds a certificate in Contemplative Care from the New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care — an intensive training that weaves together Buddhist wisdom, Western psychology, and the art of compassionate presence in the face of loss and dying.
Stephanie is EMDR trained and has completed Prolonged Grief Therapy at Level 2, equipping her with evidence-based tools for working with clients experiencing complicated grief and prolonged bereavement. She is also trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), as well as Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy and Psychedelic Harm Reduction & Integration.
She is a proud member of the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC) — the leading organization in the field of thanatology — and the American Psychedelic Practitioners Association (APPA). Prior to entering private practice, Stephanie spent more than 12 years working in psychiatric clinical research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where she developed a deep familiarity with the intersection of serious illness, existential distress, and the grief that surrounds it.
Stephanie is passionate about shifting the cultural narrative around grief — away from timelines, stages, and the pressure to “move on,” and toward a more spacious, compassionate understanding of grief as an ongoing, living process that reflects the depth of our love. She views grief not as something to be fixed, but as something to be honored and gently accompanied.
She incorporates contemplative and mindfulness practices into her clinical work, and holds a holistic view of each person — attending to the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual dimensions of their experience. Her approach is collaborative and client-centered: you set the pace, and she walks alongside you.
My Approach and Values
Grounded in evidence-based practice, contemplative wisdom, and deep respect for your individual journey.
Person-Centered & Non-Pathologizing
Grief is not a disorder. It is an expression of love and an entirely natural response to loss. I do not view grief as something to be diagnosed, treated, or resolved within a prescribed timeframe. My work begins with meeting you exactly where you are — without judgment, and without a predetermined destination in mind.
Mindfulness & Contemplative Practice
Rooted in my training at the New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care, I incorporate mindfulness-based practices that help cultivate present-moment awareness, self-compassion, and the capacity to be with difficult emotions rather than avoiding them. These practices can be adapted to fit any background or belief system.
Holistic & Integrative
I see the whole person — mind, body, emotions, and spirit. Grief reverberates through every dimension of our lives, and healing often requires tending to more than just thoughts and feelings. I draw on an integrative toolkit — including CBT, MBCT, EMDR, Prolonged Grief Therapy, and psychedelic harm reduction — to meet the full complexity of your experience.
Collaborative Partnership
You are the expert on your own life. My role is not to direct your healing, but to serve as a steady, skilled companion on the path. We work together to identify what you need, set the pace that feels right, and build a therapeutic relationship grounded in trust, respect, and transparency.
About My Services
Everything you need to know before reaching out.
Virtual Sessions
All sessions are conducted via a secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform. You can attend from anywhere in New York State — from the comfort and privacy of your own home. All you need is a private space and a reliable internet connection.
Insurance & Fees
Ten Directions Counseling does not accept insurance. Services are offered on an out-of-pocket, private-pay basis. A superbill can be provided upon request for potential reimbursement through your out-of-network benefits. Please contact me for current fee information.
Free Consultation
Finding the right therapist is an important step, and I want you to feel confident in your choice. I offer a complimentary initial consultation — a brief, no-obligation conversation to explore whether this feels like the right fit for you.
Who I Work With
I work with adults (18+) throughout New York State who are navigating grief, loss, end of life concerns, or the unique challenges that arise for caregivers and bereaved individuals. I am not currently accepting clients in crisis requiring higher levels of care.
Scheduling
Sessions are available by appointment. I offer a limited number of evening slots. To inquire about availability, please reach out via the contact form or by phone.
Confidentiality
Your privacy matters. All sessions are confidential within the bounds of applicable law. Please review the Notice of Privacy Practices for full details on how your health information is handled.
Get in Touch
Taking the first step toward support is an act of courage. Whether you have questions or are ready to schedule a free consultation, I’m here and would love to hear from you.