Denise Stuntzner, LCSW

Denise Stuntzner is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Oregon. She brings 22 years of clinical experience and a long career in human services to her therapy sessions. Denise balances direct, practical work with compassion and straightforward guidance.

She trained at Portland State University and has worked across many settings including inpatient psychiatry, integrated behavioral health in medical clinics, hospice, rehabilitation, and tribal wellness programs. Denise has also supervised social work trainees and other clinicians as a state-certified clinical supervisor.

Her style is active and goal-oriented. Sessions focus on clear problem-solving and step-by-step plans. She integrates cognitive behavioral techniques with solution-focused practices to help people change unhelpful thoughts and habits.

Mindfulness and basic neuroscience ideas are woven into her work when useful. She aims to help people manage stress, improve relationships, and cope with life changes that affect daily functioning at home and work.

Denise has additional experience supporting people facing chronic illness, caregiver stress, grief, end-of-life concerns, addiction, trauma, and aging-related issues. Outside clinical work she is an accomplished swimmer and enjoys skiing, travel, and family time.

How her approaches translate to online care

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and adapting to what matters most to the person. It emphasizes empathy, respect, and working at the client’s pace to set meaningful goals that fit their life.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is practical and action-focused. It helps identify thoughts and habits that contribute to distress and builds small experiments and behavior changes to test new ways of coping with anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and stress.

Mindfulness Therapy adds short awareness practices to reduce reactivity and improve focus. These practices can help with stress, chronic pain, grief, and managing strong emotions.

Denise treats finding the right approach as a collaborative process. She will work with each person to choose methods that match their goals and preferences, and adjust the plan as progress is made.

Session formats are not specified in the profile, so confirm available online options before booking. Many people find remote sessions help fit therapy into a busy schedule, make it easier to join during a lunch break, or allow check-ins without travel. Online work can also support quick skill practice and homework review between visits.