Dr. Stef Standefer PhD LCPC (IL) LPC (TX)
Stef Standefer is the Associate Program Director of Counseling@Northwestern, the digital campus of the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling out of The Family Institute at Northwestern University. Stef earned a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Northern Illinois University. Stef is passionate about counseling because great counseling healed her soul and changed her life. She loved the work so much she decided to become a counselor to help others experience healing and wholeness.
Stef was a Professional School Counselor who served as a counselor to students, parents, and families and as a consultant to teachers, principals, and the community. She also provided a wide range of services including grief and disaster counseling, conflict mediation and resolution, divorce transition for families, and more. Stef has served as the manager of clinical services at a large behavioral health organization, specializing in staff development and supervision. She has counseled children, adolescents, adults, couples, family, and groups. Her clinical specialties include women’s issues (transitions, boundaries, depression, and anxiety), sexual abuse and trauma, couple’s counseling, and family counseling.
Additionally, Stef is the first Asian American president of the Illinois Counseling Association. The theme of her annual conference highlighted the importance of clarity, connection, and community. She is proud to have curated the first all BIPOC panel of keynote speakers at the 2022 Annual Illinois Counseling Association conference. Stef remains committed to expanding diversity and representation of all Illinois Counselors.
Currently, Stef is editing a contracted textbook with Cognella titled, “Counseling Asian American Populations.” Stef is excited to raise awareness of the similarities and differences of the various Asian American populations.
