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, and many clients simply call me “E.” I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) providing therapy in Tennessee and Arizona. I am also a Certified EMDR Therapist through EMDRIA and an EMDRIA Approved Consultant and Trainer.

I have over 17 years of clinical experience, and I have served in several roles within the behavioral health field, including Director of Clinical Services in outpatient psychiatric treatment and as a subject matter expert for one of the nation’s largest healthcare organizations.

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.