Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Steinhardt.
Hi Rachel, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, I went through a lot, and one of my greatest fears was becoming a statistic. Without diving too deep into details, I’m a child of divorce — and not exactly an amicable one. I endured years of severe bullying, struggled with self-confidence, and wrestled with feeling love for myself and my body. School didn’t come easily, finances were tight, and honestly, that’s just scratching the surface.
It would have been easy to throw in the towel, say “screw the world,” and make choices that led me down a darker path. But somewhere along the way, I realized something: people naturally opened up to me. They shared their deepest secrets and struggles, and even when my own life felt like it was falling apart, I found meaning and purpose in being that safe space for others.
Early in high school, I had a pivotal realization. I could either look at my life and say “poor me” — and become the statistic everyone expected me to be — or I could look at my experiences as something greater. I began to believe that G-d gave me these obstacles for a reason: to use my pain as a way to bring light into the world and to help others through their own darkness.
That’s when I made a conscious decision to go into psychology. I didn’t know exactly where that road would lead, but I knew I wanted to help people feel seen, understood, and less alone — to show them that there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
As I continued my studies, I realized that the client I was most invested in healing was myself. I was determined not only to help others but also to practice what I preached — to face my own wounds, grow through them, and live the same principles I encouraged in my clients. Over time, this personal work transformed me. I didn’t just find my purpose; I found myself. In the process of helping others heal, I experienced my own healing too.
From that point on, everything started to align. Psychology became the one area in school where I truly excelled and felt like I belonged. During my undergraduate years, I sought out every volunteer opportunity and position that would give me hands-on experience. The more I connected with people, the more certain I became that this was my purpose.
Initially, I planned to pursue a doctorate, but with the guidance of some incredible mentors, I realized that what mattered most to me wasn’t the title — it was the work itself. That’s when I was introduced to psychotherapy and the path to becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC).
Once I began graduate school, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be. My goal was to start a private practice that could grow and evolve over time — and that’s exactly what I’m doing today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
School was by no means easy. There were certain classes that made me question whether I could keep going. I struggled with severe test anxiety while simultaneously going through an immense amount of personal trauma as I worked toward my degrees. Just when I felt like the worst was behind me and I could finally see the finish line, there was a major mix-up with my internship paperwork that forced me to repeat an additional 1,500 clinical hours — ultimately setting my entire career and life plans back by a full year. It was incredibly frustrating and disheartening.
Even now, there are logistical and systemic challenges that make this work difficult. Unfortunately, not everyone in the mental health field operates from a place of integrity or wellness, and there were times I felt completely powerless within a broken system. There were moments when the obstacles felt endless and even unsafe. But through it all, I refused to let those experiences harden me. They taught me resilience, boundaries, and the importance of doing this work with authenticity and compassion. Looking back, I’m deeply grateful that most of the hardest parts are behind me — and even more grateful for the strength and wisdom they gave me.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At this point in my career, I hold an LMHC and run my private practice, Steinhardt Serenity, where I work as a Licensed Psychotherapist. I specialize in Eating Disorders, Trauma Disorders including both PTSD and CPTSD, Couples Counseling, Dating Coaching, Peripartum (Postpartum) Counseling, Interpersonal Relationships, Anxiety Disorders, Depressive Disorders, and Behavioral Issues.
My goal is to empower clients to feel like they are in the driver’s seat of their own lives. Through self-awareness and psychoeducation, I help clients gain insight into their inner world — understanding how, why, and what makes them who they are. Guided by empathy and genuine care, I help them navigate the diagnoses, challenges, and emotional struggles they face every day.
I have an unwavering passion for helping people create meaningful, lasting change in their lives. I listen with patience and without judgment, tailoring each session to the individual in front of me. I don’t believe in a “one size fits all” approach — instead, I design empirically based treatments that honor each client’s unique needs, personality, and goals.
Using an eclectic approach, I integrate CBT, DBT, and Psychodynamic Therapy, as well as the Gottman Method for couples. This combination allows me to draw from a wide range of tools and techniques to best support every client’s journey. Together, we embark on a process of self-exploration and growth, learning the skills needed to create a healthier, more fulfilling life.
In a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental environment, my clients and I uncover their strengths, confront their struggles, and work toward a life that feels more aligned and empowered. My mission is simple: to help people help themselves and live the life they truly want and deserve.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I am direct but loving, funny but compassionate, tough yet relatable, and honest while deeply understanding. If you want someone that will be empathetic to a fault, genuinely care but serve you that tough love when needed, I’m who you call.
I also have an active Instagram account and a weekly podcast that talks about everything involving mental health called Coffee and Counseling Podcast available on all platforms!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.steinhardtserenity.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steinhardt_serenity/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeeandCounselingPodcast
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/1OavLGop7Af8nlrTLZbbL3?si=610cee9e68424805
