Nature Corner Counseling, PLLC

Margaret Stephenson, LCSW (she/her)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Certified Austism Specialist, Beginner to Advanced training on Neuro-Affirming Care (ASDCS)

Clinical Telemental Health Provider (CTMH)

Member National Association of Social Workers (NASW)

I left for the University of Texas at Austin right after highschool in 1987 and enrolled as a business/accounting major. I didn’t know who I was or who I wanted to be. It sounded like a normal job. I got a part time job at a bank.

Two years into college, I accidentally took a Social Work class because nothing else was available in the overcrowded university schedule.  My eyes were opened! I couldn't believe this was a job. I saw glowing sparks around the chalkboard scribblings that the passionate professor drew to describe basic Social Work values. I was hooked. This was a philosophy that respected human beings as whole people.  Now I saw a purpose in going to college. 

I transferred to the University of North Texas in Denton to follow my now-husband. I continued my Social Work degree and added a Psychology degree to it as well. I couldn’t learn enough. I then completed the Masters Program in Social work at UT Arlington.

I worked at domestic violence shelters, medical hospitals, psych hospitals, employee assistance programs, group practice, and managed care. I worked for a brilliant clinical director and attained my advanced clinical license.

Alongside work and having 3 children, I began to pursue my Phd in Social Work. I taught undergraduate Social Work classes and completed all of the coursework while doing research on Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Employee Assistance Programs. I decided not to complete the doctoral process and end with a PhD-ABD (all but dissertation). I was ready to “just” be a mom to my young kids.

A whole new journey through raising kids ensued -  From attachment parenting to alternative schooling in all its forms. I dove into educational philosophy which led my little family from homeschooling to cooperative education to Montessori to Waldorf to Unschooling. I followed in the footsteps of so many people educating their kids with a focus on their passions and learning styles. They have all become beautiful, perfect, unique adults following their own paths.

My ongoing passion/special interest in human emotions and behavior led me to dive deep into all kinds of theories and philosophies through the years. Throughout all of this, underlying everything I do, is a wish to help others (and myself) find meaning and passion in life. For me, the route looks like listening compassionately, getting curious, asking questions, and collaborating to reach goals that line up with personal values. 

My approach is non-judgmental, collaborative, and rooted in compassion. Together, we can explore your experiences, identify your strengths, and develop strategies to help you in a way that aligns with your values. I have lived experience along with a Masters in Social Work with an advanced clinical license and certifications and/or training in Autism, ADHD, Neuropsychotherapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), person centered approaches, and trauma-informed approaches.