Where Are They Now?
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Where Are They Now?
Ron Snyder
Growing up, Stacey Sugar Zuckerberg remembers she was always the one who friends and family sought out when they had problems. Zuckerberg listened intently to those who confided in her, whether it was her friends on the field hockey team, in the high school concert choir, or anyone else in her life.
Those experiences led the 1997 Pikesville High graduate to choose to help people for a living. Zuckerberg, who holds a master’s degree in clinical counseling from Johns Hopkins University, recently opened The Self Center, a mental health and substance abuse clinic for adolescents and adults, located in Pikesville. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Muhlenberg College. Zuckerberg lives in Pikesville with her husband, Jordan.
iNSIDER: What made you decide to open your own counseling center?
Stacey: When I was working for someone else, it was that person’s business to build. I knew how many people needed the services I could provide. So I decided to reach out on my own. It was time for me to be in control of my own practice and run it the way I wanted.
Did you always want to become a counselor?
I’ve always known this is what I wanted to do. Since middle school, everyone has come to me with their problems. It was always “Ask Stacey. She gives the best advice and always seems to know what to do.”
What makes your practice unique?
I take an insight-oriented approach to substance abuse counseling and genuinely believe in its efficacy. I wanted to develop a program reflective of my ideals. … I believe that it is crucial for the therapist to meet the client where he/she is and explore their unique experiences.
Did you worry about branching out on your own in a uncertain economy?
I wanted to start my own counseling center and since I have, I’ve never looked back. I’m not sure there would ever be a right time. I just decided to follow my heart because I would regret it otherwise. I’ve been lucky. People have started to believe in me and have given out my name to others who need help. I try to just listen and not be judgmental.
