Stephanie Akl, PsyD

Dr. Stephanie Akl is a Clinical Psychologist who brings genuineness, openness, curiosity, and commitment to her work with clients. She holds strongly to the belief that the glass is neither half empty nor half full, but refillable. This optimistic and practical philosophy shapes her approach to therapy as she helps clients better understand complex patterns, recognize new possibilities, and develop thoughtful plans for meaningful change.

Dr. Akl earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication from the University of Miami, where she majored in Public Relations and Psychology. She later earned her Master of Science in Psychology and Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University.

Dr. Akl grew up in Northern Virginia, in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. With a father who was a surgeon and a mother who was an intensive care nurse, she was introduced early to the demands of healthcare. Their careers helped her recognize that she did not want to practice medicine, but the values surrounding their work left a lasting impression. Growing up in a large family, she saw compassion, service, and a genuine interest in caring for and understanding others consistently modeled around her. These experiences ultimately influenced the kind of work she wanted to pursue.

A natural problem-solver, Dr. Akl has always enjoyed puzzles, complex patterns, and the process of developing strategies to improve a situation. She realized that these interests, combined with her desire to help others, could form the foundation of a deeply meaningful career. Psychology offered her an opportunity to bring those passions and strengths together while supporting people through challenges, discoveries, and personal growth.

Dr. Akl’s therapeutic work is rooted in cognitive-behavioral therapy, and she has specialized training in trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy. She also incorporates evidence-based interventions from other therapeutic approaches when they better meet a client’s particular needs. Dr. Akl believes that therapy should be responsive to the individual. Because one size does not fit every client, she does not believe one approach should define every aspect of her work. Instead, she considers each person’s experiences, strengths, goals, and circumstances when determining how best to support them.

Clients can expect Dr. Akl to make complicated concepts feel approachable, relatable, and easier to remember. She has a genuine love of analogies and uses them frequently, both in therapy and in everyday life. Whether through a mental image, song lyric, practical example, or experiential comparison, she looks for creative ways to translate therapeutic concepts, skills, and insights into something that resonates with each client. This style helps clients not only understand what they are exploring in therapy, but also connect it to their experiences and apply it outside of sessions.

Dr. Akl remains energized by the opportunity to learn. She continually seeks new knowledge through professional development so she can strengthen her evidence-based work and connect more meaningfully with her clients. She also values what clients teach her as they share their lives, interests, and experiences. Most rewarding of all is seeing how her knowledge and specialty can inspire curiosity in others, introduce them to new possibilities, or spark a meaningful insight. She considers that exchange a particularly special part of her work.

Outside of work, Dr. Akl enjoys gardening, hiking, and creating things. Her projects may involve art, crafts, carpentry, household do-it-yourself solutions, or cooking. She is happiest when she has the opportunity to make, build, explore, or bring an idea to life.