Insurance: CIGNA, OPTUM, UnitedHealthCare, MEDICARE, and AL Crime Victims Compensation

Hello, my name is Stephan Idris Mambazo. I am comfortable being called Stephan or Idris. I am a clinical social worker, licensed in the states of Alabama and Pennsylvania. I am a professionally certified specialist in The Grief Recovery Method®. I have been in the helping profession for over thirty years, with more than twenty years as a licensed clinician. I am a twice-graduate of Temple University School of Social Work in Philadelphia, earning bachelor and master degrees in social work. Additionally, I have successfully completed the required coursework and comprehensive examinations for the Ph.D. in Counseling Studies (all but dissertation) at Capella University. My primary focus of practice is helping those with challenges through various grief and loss issues, particularly after a traumatic loss(es), e.g., homicide, suicide, disaster/public emergency, domestic violence, and racial/gender hate. I am a subject matter expert in the areas of grief and trauma-informed care.  I also have significant experience with relationship issues, couples counseling, and domestic/intimate partner violence/abuse in its various forms. I have more than 10 years of disaster mental health experience, and I am an effective sexual health interventionist with couples and individuals.

I am an LGBTQ+ affirming ally and safe!!! I do not judge or moralize in my practice, or my personal life. I strive to apply the same authenticity professionally, I strive to live personally. I am here to help you navigate your experience journey. I cannot do it for you. That said, I believe that together we will unleash the power and insight already within you for your best-desired outcome from our therapeutic interactions together.

My counseling style is warm, interactive, and person-centered. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I don’t believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines empathic cognitive-behavioral, narrative, dialectical, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused brief therapies. Together, we will develop a treatment/service plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I applaud your courage to travel beyond the familiar to enter this journey with me into the unknown/unfamiliar. I believe you will not regret the choice you have now made.

I am looking forward to our journey toward greater emotional health!