About Lisa Stephen, PhD, ACC, NBC-HWC

Dr. Lisa Stephen has more than 30 years of professional experience as a practicing psychologist. She holds a doctorate in counseling psychology from Michigan State University and a master’s in counseling psychology from Boston College. She has worked in private practice, residential treatment centers, outpatient clinics, and hospitals. In her work with adults, teens, parents, college students, and student-athletes, she has provided treatment for issues related to hazing, physical and sexual abuse, sexual assault, bullying, and abuse from athletic coaches. She is a member of the American Psychological Association.

Within the college and university setting, Dr. Stephen has previously held positions as an academic faculty member, a counselor, a consultant supervisor of a counseling center, a self- defense instructor, and a residential life administrator. She has also provided mental skills training for student-athletes and consulted with athletic coaches to help them best support their athletes.

Currently, Dr. Stephen is a personal, career, and performance coach credentialed through the International Coaching Federation, a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, and a member of both organizations. Dr. Stephen offers coaching, and concrete, customizable tools to support the health and wellness of women and mothers. Click here to learn more about Dr. Stephen’s coaching style.

Drawing on her extensive experience on the frontlines of trauma and profound insights into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of campus life, Dr. Stephen offers invaluable resources tailored specifically for parents of college students, with a particular focus on assisting moms. She is the creator of the COLLEGE UNCOVERED Toolkit, a suite of informative and practical resources designed to prepare families for the risks and challenges of college life. Click here to explore the COLLEGE UNCOVERED Toolkit.

“My daughter was faced with the paralyzing task of deciding on an acceptance between two colleges each with seemingly incomparable lists of pros and cons. Dr. Stephen thoughtfully and compassionately facilitated an impartial, cooperative, and mindful discussion. By asking reflective questions, Dr. Stephen was able to support us in our discovery of new perspectives that allowed us both to find the certainty that had been hidden behind fear in our hearts all along.”

Coaching client, 2021

Photo of certified professional coach Dr Lisa Stephen of IGNITE Peak Performance who specializes in coaching for women and mothers Dr Lisa Stephen

Professional Coach for Women and Mothers

  • American Psychological Association, member
  • American Psychological Association, Division 35, Society for the Psychology of Women
  • American Psychological Association, Division 47, Society for Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology, member
  • American Psychological Association, Division 17, Society for Counseling Psychology, member
  • Institute of Coaching, McLean Hospital, affiliate member
  • International Coaching Federation, member
  • National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching, member

Recent Professional Activities and Interviews

 
Stephen, LM (2024, April). Balancing Acts: Empowering Moms Through College Challenges. Interview with Transforming Health Care Coaching.

Stephen, LM (2023, August). The Dangers of Hazing and How to Keep Your Kids Safe: Experts Weigh In. Panel Discussion. WBBM Newsradio.

Stephen, L.M. (2023, July). Help Prevent Hazing: 10 Easy Tips for Talking with your Teen. StopHazing.org.

Stephen, L.M. (2021, July). Losing. Sassy Little Podcast.

Stephen, L. M. (2021, Jan). Mental Skills and Imagery in Athletic Training and Physical Therapy. Presentation at the Postural Restoration Institute: Lincoln, Nebraska.

Stephen, L. M. (2020, Dec). Negative Thoughts and Emotions Impeding Progress. Presentation with the Postural Restoration Institute Program at the Postural Restoration Institute: Lincoln, Nebraska.

Stephen, L. M. (2020, Nov). Enhancing Communication and Connection with the Physical/Athletic Therapist and Client. Presentation at Postural Restoration Institute: Lincoln, Nebraska.

Contributed on background (2019, Dec). Grit or Quit column, “This is How the Strength Myth Crumbles” Men’s Health.

Interview (2019, Jan). So You Blew the Game. Here’s How to Get Over It and Win Again. Men’s Health.

Stephen, L. M. (2019, Feb). Vassar Rise Student-Athlete Mental Skills Training. Workshop delivered to Vassar College: Poughkeepsie, New York.

Stephen, L. M. (2018, May). Risk-Taking Behavior in Adolescent Athletes: We Can Make a Difference. Workshop delivered to the Green Mountain Valley School Alpine Program: Waitsfield, Vermont.

Stephen, L. M. (2017, Nov and 2018, Dec). Mental Skills Team Training. Workshop delivered to Vassar College Women’s Basketball Program: Poughkeepsie, New York.

“Dr. Stephen was able to guide my daughter through her emotions and barriers to lead her to the most confident and resolute decision she has ever made.”

Mother of college student, 2021