Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Joos.
Hi Stephanie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When my children were preparing to graduate high school and step into their own lives, I realized a 20-plus-year chapter of my own was coming to a close. I had spent my early career in corporate America, then shifted happily into two wonderful decades focused on raising my family and serving as a dedicated volunteer. Those years allowed me to stay present with my three amazing boys while supporting causes that mattered deeply to me.
As my children grew more independent, I felt a familiar pull toward a lifelong interest: helping people in meaningful ways. I’ve always been curious about what shapes us, what helps us heal, grow, and feel understood. During those earlier parenting years, I often struggled to find the kind of support I needed. The echo of those challenges solidified my desire to become the resource I once searched for. I wanted to listen deeply, help other’s find clarity when life feels confusing, and uncover the resilience already within them. That calling is what ultimately led me to pursue a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy, from Pepperdine University.
So, I found myself returning to school, for the first time in 30 years. I’ll admit, I wondered if I’d remember how to be a “student” after so long. Still focused on my family, three years of studying for exams, writing papers, and a year-long internship, there were moments I questioned whether I could do it all. But I quickly realized that learning still lights me up. That step back into school wasn’t about starting over; it was about learning and discovering as I went, letting the journey shape my future story.
A thread that runs through every season of my life is embracing new challenges even when the destination isn’t clear. With each transition, I’ve trusted my resilience. And every time, it’s led me exactly where I’m meant to be.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Of course, life’s never a straight line and my journey has had its share of bumps. But what shapes us is not the hardship itself, but what we choose to learn from it. I have been inspired by people who, despite difficult circumstances, carry hope, light, and an unshakable spirit.
As a therapist, I love helping people examine the lens through which they view their experiences. Sometimes that means gently inviting them to explore a different perspective, one colored with more peace, gratitude, or resilience. Over time, I’ve learned that even in the midst of difficulty, there is room to discover, heal, and grow.
I believe it’s not about “glossing over” pain or struggle, it’s about honoring them, learning from them, and letting them be part of the story that shapes who we become.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about THRĪV Collective, PLLC?
Out of my deeply held desire to serve was born THRĪV Collective, a vision rooted in one simple but powerful idea: to build a community of therapists, healers, and helpers committed to creating real, meaningful change. The goal is to bring multiple services including therapy, coaching, movement, and healing under one compassionate umbrella, helping people live more connected, confident, and empowered lives.
Right now, I am holding that umbrella. I specialize in supporting adults navigating anxiety, ADHD, and the lingering effects of childhood experiences; the patterns and challenges that can leave people feeling stuck or disconnected. In our work together, I help gently untangle unhelpful patterns, ease anxiety, and support personal growth, always with empathy, authenticity, and trust.
THRĪV Collective is committed to meeting people where they are, blending professional skill and clinical expertise with heartfelt understanding and practical support. We focus on each person’s unique journey, helping them navigate challenges with clarity and confidence while providing tools to foster resilience, connection, and meaningful growth. It’s not just about addressing immediate struggles; it’s about empowering people to move forward with insight, self-compassion, and a renewed sense of possibility.
As the collective grows, my hope is to collaborate with other like-minded professionals, building a space where mental health needs are met with both expertise and genuine care. I want readers to know that THRĪV Collective isn’t just a business, it’s my personal commitment, rooted in care, connection, and meaningful impact. It’s about supporting each person’s journey, fostering growth, and helping people move forward with clarity, resilience, and hope.
How do you define success?
Success has many faces; financial stability, health, love, peace and over time, my own measure of success has shifted. Right now, success is about something deeper: the number of people I’m able to help. Watching someone heal, grow, or gain clarity, that gives me profound purpose.
As I embark on this journey with THRĪV Collective, my vision of success continues to expand. I hope to reach more people, offer broader, more comprehensive support, and extend my impact beyond just one person at a time. Ultimately, success for me is community, a ripple of healing, connection, and empowerment that stretches beyond me and touches many.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.THRIVCollective.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572213352281
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/1435178
Image Credits
Melissa Glynn Photography
