Meet Dr. Stephanie Kinney

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dr. Stephanie Kinney. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Dr. Stephanie with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

I attribute my strong work ethic to the powerful examples set within my family. My grandmother Carmen, who devoted her entire life to caring for the household, taught me the value of responsibility, perseverance, and selflessness. Alongside her, my two uncles, Dom and Jim, demonstrated what it meant to work hard every single day, dedicating themselves fully to providing and succeeding through determination. From their sacrifices and consistency, I learned that commitment, discipline, and integrity are not just ideals but daily practices. Their influence instilled in me the drive to approach every endeavor with purpose and resilience. That is how Purple Path was created…Dr Brisco and I never take breaks. When we finish one task, we come up with ten more we can work on to perfect the business,

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am a licensed therapist who has dedicated over a decade to working alongside people during some of their hardest moments. My work has taken me through intensive treatment programs, private practice, and countless conversations where healing started with simply “being heard”. What I love most about this work is the privilege of holding space for people to realize they are not broken, that they are resilient, worthy, and capable of rewriting their story.
Therapy isn’t just my profession; it’s my calling. My passion also extends to mentoring new therapists and advocating for maternal mental health, because I know firsthand how deeply these areas impact families and communities. Each client and each supervisee reminds me that growth is possible, and that small steps can lead to life-changing transformation.
One of the most meaningful chapters in my journey is unfolding now with the creation of Purple Path Counseling Center, a group practice I am building with my best friend and fellow therapist, Dr. Tia Brisco. Starting this practice together has been a dream years in the making. We share not only a vision for culturally responsive, compassionate care, but also a friendship that keeps us grounded and inspired. For me, Purple Path is more than a business; it’s a space built out of love, trust, and a shared belief that healing truly happens when people feel safe and seen.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are hard work, empathy, and a passion for helping others.
Hard work has been the foundation of everything I’ve accomplished. It taught me perseverance and consistency, even when the path wasn’t easy. For those just starting out, I’d say: don’t shy away from the tough moments. There will absolutely be times when you feel like giving up…Dont!. The steady effort you put in now will build both skill and resilience for the future.
Empathy has guided the way I connect with people. It’s not just about listening, but about truly understanding someone’s experience and making them feel seen. My advice for developing this is to slow down, be present, and stay curious about others’ stories. Empathy grows when you allow yourself to genuinely connect.
And finally, passion for helping others has always been my compass. I was fortunate to have role models early in life who showed me that caring for others is one of the most meaningful things we can do. My grandmother used to anticipate what you needed before you asked for it, and I feel like I inherited that from her. For those beginning their journey, I’d say: let your “why” drive you. If you keep your purpose at the center, even the hardest days will feel worthwhile.

Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?

If I knew I only had a decade of life left, I would spend it with the people and moments that matter most. My amazing husband Marvin and our beautiful children, Tre (6) and Jordyn (1), would be at the center of everything. I would want to fill their days with memories that they could carry with them forever.
I’d travel with them, show them the world, and celebrate even the smallest milestones. And of course, there would be many trips to Disneyland, because for me, it’s more than just a theme park. It’s a place where I can let go of the stress of everyday life, embrace wonder, and be reminded of the joy in simply being together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.purplepathcounselingcenter.com
• Instagram: @purplepathcounselingcenter
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-stephanie-marie-kinney-psy-d-lmft-pmh-c-0859b8140