I’m Stephanie Furlott,
and I believe that therapy should feel like building a new normal that actually works for you - not trying to ‘get back to normal’.
chronic GI conditions
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anxiety
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depression
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relationship challenges
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life transitions
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chronic GI conditions ・ anxiety ・ depression ・ relationship challenges ・ life transitions ・
I’m a Registered Social Worker in Ontario
helping people navigate anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, life transitions and especially the mental health side of living with chronic GI conditions like celiac disease, Crohn’s, colitis and IBS.
I’m the one who’s genuinely unfazed by the messy, uncomfortable stuff. The one you can tell anything to without worrying about being ‘too much’.
In 2024 I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. I had to find my own new normal and while I felt supported from a diet and nutrition aspect, I really struggled with the emotional and psychological impact the diagnosis had on me, even after already being a therapist for several years.
I was mourning my old life of spontaneity with food.
Facing a new kind of social anxiety and food anxiety.
And felt alone with no one who really understood what I was going through.
So I did what anyone looking for support would do… I googled “therapist celiac disease Ontario” only to discover that there was no one who specifically had experience around it. It was incredibly invalidating and left me feeling even more alone.
From then on, my mission is to be the person I needed when I was diagnosed with celiac disease and couldn't find a therapist who truly understood what I was going through.
because I love to be that unshakeable presence for you. To make you feel validated in your struggles big and small, especially the invisible ones.
I’m not here to fix you. I’m here to help you integrate your diagnosis into your life, rebuild your confidence and feel better about your self-expression and boundaries.
I became a social worker
A few things about me.
Why I became a social worker: I've always been fascinated with the way society shapes our perception of ourselves and those around us. Pair that with my love for deep, one-on-one conversations and becoming a therapist felt like the most natural thing in the world!
What I value in my work: Substance over style. I care about what actually helps people, not what looks good on paper or sounds impressive. I'd rather have a real conversation than use flowery therapy language that doesn't mean anything.
What makes me different: My crisis counseling background means I'm genuinely calm in difficult moments. I've heard it all and nothing fazes me. You can tell me about your bathroom issues, your intrusive thoughts, your relationship mess, whatever. I mean it when I say I won't judge.
My lived experience: Living with celiac disease taught me what it's like when your body doesn't cooperate, when people minimize your struggles and when you have to advocate for yourself constantly. That experience shapes how I show up for all of my clients, not only those with GI conditions.
What’s Working With Me Like?
Let’s take a moment to demystify the therapy process. I believe that emotional pain comes from disconnection and invalidation which is why I treat therapy as a conversation. The goal is always to help you express yourself by being curious, asking questions that help you see things from a different perspective. Then, giving you a space where you CAN feel validated and supported.
Each session is different and adapted to what your personal needs are. They can be structured or more free-flowing - either way, we’re working at your pace. Messy, non-linear progress is to be expected.
How To Connect With Me
By being here you’ve already taken that first step in recognizing that you’re needing more support, and I’m cheering you on for that. Now, let’s take that next step together.
Book a free 15-minute introduction call to see if we’re a good fit, or reach out by email if you want to ask questions first.