Financial Therapy with a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

Financial Therapy Marriage Therapist

Dr. Stephanie Zepeda. PhD, LMFT-S

I got into the field of Financial Therapy because of the many couples that I met who were struggling with money conflicts.

They loved each other, and had tried their best to make it work on their own, but needed help. Often times, the money stress was building up to a point where they did not feel like their love was enough to sustain the relationship. They felt like they made enough money, but were constantly worried, anxious, or confused about surprises coming up along the way. They would try to talk about it, but it felt like the conversation was the same one over and over again. Without a way to discuss this issue, they began to blame each other for the problems.

I realized that there were so many people out there who were resigned to always having complicated emotional issues with their finances.

That’s when I began to consume everything I could about how to help people with their money conflicts, both as individuals and as couples. Once people began to stop blaming themselves or their partner as the ‘problem’, they were able to start focusing on the path ahead and healing.

I’ve loved being able to help people get their lives on track in this way. The therapy moves fast, is effective, and life changing.

A bit about me … My name is Stephanie Zepeda. I have my PhD in Marriage & Family Therapy and am a Texas state licensed marriage and family therapist (and supervisor too!). I was born and raised in Houston, TX and am married to another native Houstonian. We have two rambunctious, loving kids (one recently added during the pandemic). We love exploring the city of our childhood through the eyes of our kids now — brings the enjoyment to a whole new level.

In addition to Financial Therapy, I also am the program director and associate professor of family therapy at Our Lady of the Lake University. I love presenting edgy theoretical ideas at conferences and really do believe in changing the world to be a better place.

A bit more of my work...

Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy

I am the program director of the COAMFTE-accredited Marriage and Family Therapy program at Our Lady of the Lake University in Houston, TX. 

Neurofeedback Research at MD Anderson Cancer Center

I worked with Dr. Sarah Prinsloo & Dr. Lorenzo Cohen in the Integrative Medicine Center of MD Anderson doing studies with neurofeedback and other EEG imaging studies. 

Faculty Member at Houston Galveston Institute

At HGI, a non-profit therapy and training center, I am on faculty along with Drs. Sue LevinDiana CarletonHarriet Roberts, and Harlene Anderson. I also created The Relationship Course now offered at the Institute and recently began offering the Technology Assisted Services workshop with HGI. 

Psychotherapy in Schools 

  I have clinical and educational planning experience in schools, specifically with Xavier Educational Academy, a wonderful place with flexible yet rigorous education for young people.