Meet

Irena Stjepic

Woman with short gray hair, wearing a white blouse, sitting on a chair against a dark background.

About Me and Reset Self

My name is Irena Stjepic, though many clients simply call me “E.” I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) providing therapy in Tennessee and Arizona, as well as an EMDRIA-Certified EMDR Therapist and EMDRIA-Approved Consultant.

For over 17 years, I have dedicated my work to helping individuals and families heal from trauma, nervous system dysregulation, and the lasting impact of overwhelming life experiences. My background includes serving as Director of Clinical Services in outpatient psychiatric treatment and as a subject matter expert for one of the nation’s largest healthcare organizations. These experiences have shaped a deeply compassionate, trauma-informed approach that recognizes symptoms not as “what’s wrong with you,” but as adaptive responses to what has happened to you.

IIn addition to my clinical work, I serve as an assistant in Basic EMDR trainings with the Personal Transformation Institute, where I completed all of my EMDR training, including extensive advanced training in Somatic Attachment-Focused EMDR.

My Approach

I specialize in Somatic Attachment-Focused EMDR (SAFE EMDR), a trauma-informed, mind-body approach to healing.

SAFE EMDR recognizes that difficult experiences are often held not only in our memories but also within the body and nervous system. When experiences remain unresolved, they can influence how we feel, think, and respond to the world long after the events themselves have passed.

This approach gently works with both the mind and the nervous system, helping to process traumatic experiences and the attachment patterns that may have developed in response to them. As these experiences are integrated, many people begin to feel more grounded, more present, and more able to respond to life with greater freedom and self-trust.

I also, have received specialized training in Early EMDR Intervention (EEI) utilizing R-TEP, G-TEP, and G-REP, developed by Dr. Elan Shapiro and Brurit Laub. These protocols are designed to support individuals and groups who have experienced recent traumatic events.

Outside the Therapy Room

Outside of my clinical work, I enjoy giving back to my community. I serve as a Board Member with Disability Rights Tennessee and volunteer with the EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Program (HAP) as a Co-Coordinator for the Trauma Recovery Network in Middle Tennessee (TRN of Middle TN).

In this role, I help connect individuals, families, and organizations with EMDR services by referring them to our Trauma Recovery Network (TRN) volunteers. I also volunteer my time by providing pro bono EMDR therapy, including individual and group EMDR sessions, to support those affected by critical events.

In my personal time, I enjoy spending time outdoors—taking long walks, cycling, practicing hot yoga, hiking, and backpacking. I also enjoy traveling, reading, exploring different cuisines, and most importantly, spending time with my family and friends, including my two beloved cats, Jack Nicholson and Polly Shelby.