Stories from the Field — Stephanie Shafer

Today, Eva’s Tea visits a practice in Michigan: NeuroBehavioral Health and Wellness, owned by Stephanie Shafer, DHS, MSN, PMHNP-BC, ANP-BC.

Stephanie is a nationally recognized speaker with deep expertise in psychopharmacology, yet she has intentionally created a space that welcomes—and prioritizes nonpharmacological interventions whenever possible, which reflects a deeper shift in how we should be thinking about psychotherapy as PMHNPs—something I break down in The “Best” Psychotherapy? PMHNPs Should Be Asking a Different Question.

💼 Questions About My Space and Work

1. What do you enjoy most about your space?
What I enjoy most about my space is that it feels clean, calm, and unhurried, which is very different from traditional clinical environments. It allows both myself and my patients to settle into the work without feeling rushed or overly clinical. The environment supports deeper conversations and a more reflective, connected experience, which is central to how I practice. Patients often comment on how comfortable and cozy the space feels.

2. What did you intentionally include or remove?
I intentionally included elements that promote calm and presence, such as natural light, a small water fountain, a noise machine, soft textures, and a clean, uncluttered aesthetic. I also included a few pieces of art with inspirational quotes that align with my style of practice.

I was equally intentional about what I removed—anything that felt overly sterile, rushed, or reminiscent of high-volume medical settings. I wanted the space to feel grounded and comfortable, not transactional.

3. What has mattered more than you expected?
What has mattered more than I expected is how much the physical environment influences the therapeutic process. Patients often comment on how different the space feels, and it seems to lower defenses and create a sense of safety almost immediately.

I have also been surprised by the impact of subtle sensory elements, such as scent. I often use light, calming fragrances like lavender through an essential oil diffuser or mild plug ins, and patients frequently comment on how inviting and comforting the space smells. These small details contribute more meaningfully to the overall experience than I initially anticipated.

4. Where does your work usually happen (setting, population, or type of care)?
My work takes place in a private outpatient setting where I provide integrative psychiatric care. I primarily work with adults, combining psychopharmacology with deeper, insight-oriented work that incorporates lifestyle, perception, mindset, narrative restructuring, and emotional intelligence.

Sessions are longer and more individualized than typical clinic visits, allowing for a more comprehensive approach to care.

5. What is one small thing in your workspace that helps you stay grounded during the day?
The sound of the small water fountain is grounding for both me and my patients. The absence of external noise also helps maintain a calm, unrushed atmosphere throughout the day.

6. What is one thing you have changed over time that made your work feel better?
One of the most impactful changes I made was transitioning away from traditional insurance models. As a solo provider, participation required higher patient volume, which limited the time I could spend with each individual.

Since that shift, the pace of my practice has changed significantly. I am now able to prioritize depth, presence, and quality of care over quantity. Stephanie stepped away from a high-volume model and built something slower, deeper, and more aligned with her clinical values—something many clinicians are considering → If Not Now, Then When?

7. What would you tell another PMHNP trying to create their own workspace?
Design your space around how you want to feel while doing the work—not just how you think it should look. The environment you create directly impacts your energy, your presence, and ultimately your patients’ experience.

Prioritize calm, intention, and authenticity over perfection or convention. When the provider feels grounded, the patient will feel it too.

☕ ☕ ☕  Eva’s Take

🟢 What stands out immediately is the design.

Stephanie did not just decorate a space, she engineered an experience.

Most clinical environments in the USA look the same.
Few are memorable.
Even fewer feel comfortable before a word is spoken.

Here, the work begins before the session starts.

🟢 She also moves beyond the visual.
Detail was added to sound, scent and texture.These are not extras. They are part of the intervention.

Patients will remember how they felt in that room long after they forget what was said.
That feeling drives trust which ultimately drives adherence.

There is also an important business decision underneath all of this.

Stephanie stepped away from a high-volume model and built something slower, deeper, and more aligned with her clinical values.
That is not easy. But ultimately what is?

And she extends that model further with a structured 13-week Integrative Wellness Program—something patients can commit to, while still remaining individualized.

🟢 Stephanie is demonstrating that your practice model shapes your clinical depth.

If you are always rushed, your care will reflect it.
Design your workflow first. Your clinical outcomes will follow.

This is another great example of the intersection of where design meets clinical philosophy.