Dr. Selma Stainback, PsyD
Clinical Psychologist, Therapist
Gender: Female | Office Location: Telehealth Only | States Licensed In: Virginia, Illinois
Languages: English | Services Offered: Therapy | Credentials: Psychologist | Age Group: Ages 10+
About Me
I’m a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with more than 17 years of experience working in schools, community mental health, hospitals, and private practice. I see my work as a calling. I believe in helping people heal, recognize their own strengths, and develop the tools they need to create the lives they desire.
Although I have worked with children and teens throughout my career, I currently focus on young adults ages 18+, adults, older adults, parents and caregivers, college students, and professionals. I frequently work with people experiencing anxiety, trauma and PTSD, relationship concerns, stress, and bipolar disorder, as well as OCD, panic attacks, life transitions, and self-esteem concerns.
My Approach to Therapy
My approach is flexible because different people need different things from therapy. Some clients benefit from the structure of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), while others need more room for self-direction and exploration. I want you to develop skills that don’t stay in the therapy room, but that you can practice at home and apply in different areas of your life.
In addition to CBT, I may incorporate spirituality, EFT/tapping, nutrition, Jungian approaches existential/humanistic therapy and more based on your individual needs. My goal is to help you access your own strengths and abilities while giving you tools to move forward.
What to Expect When Working With Me
Many of my clients come to therapy because they feel stuck, anxious, overwhelmed, or caught in overthinking. You may be struggling in your relationships or know you want to move forward but aren’t quite sure how. I also work with high-achieving professionals who are accustomed to doing everything on their own and have reached a point where they realize they could use support.
During our first appointment, we’ll explore what you’ve been facing and begin developing a plan based on your unique goals. You don’t need to arrive knowing exactly where to begin—we can start by talking about what encouraged you to reach out at the time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What concerns do you specialize in?
I most frequently work with anxiety, trauma and PTSD, relationship concerns, stress, and bipolar disorder. I also have experience helping clients with OCD, life transitions, panic attacks, self-esteem concerns, and many other challenges.
What is your approach to therapy?
My approach is flexible and tailored to what works best for you. I may use structured CBT when that’s helpful or provide more space for self-direction and exploration. I also incorporate approaches such as spirituality, EFT/tapping, nutrition, Jungian therapy, existential/humanistic therapy and more when appropriate for the individual client.
What if I don’t know where to start?
“Where do I start?” is actually one of the questions I hear most often. My response is usually, “Let me know some of the things that encouraged you to reach out at this time.” You don’t need to organize everything perfectly before therapy. We can begin with what is happening at the time and take it from there.
What if I’m nervous about asking for help?
As I often tell clients, it’s okay to ask for help. You don’t have to work alone. Therapy gives you someone who wants to help, wants you to succeed, and wants you to take an active part in building the life you desire. Sometimes simply making that first call can begin to feel like breaking free.
How do I know if you’re the right psychologist for me?
I may be a good fit if you’re looking for someone who will work with you collaboratively while helping you build practical tools for moving forward. I want you to feel comfortable being yourself while we work together toward the changes that matter to you. If that sounds like a good fit, let’s talk.
A Warm Invitation to Begin
You don’t have to do everything alone or have your next steps figured out before starting therapy. We can identify what has been keeping you stuck, build on the strengths you already have, and develop tools that help you move toward the life you want.
I look forward to our work together! I’m excited to see how I can help you build your tools, gifts, and talents to achieve your best self and create the life you deserve.
Dr. Stainback conducts her sessions exclusively via telehealth, providing convenient and accessible virtual appointments.