Hello! My name is Dr. Tammy Steiner and I am a licensed professional counselor who loves to work with children, adolescents, and young adults to help them address a variety of mental health concerns. I have a MS in Psychology, a MS in Clinical Counseling, a MS certificate in Play therapy, and a PhD in Educational Psychology. My internship focused on working with children and adolescents with trauma, depression, anxiety, and a variety of other mental health concerns.
In your first session with me, you can expect a warm, welcoming environment where you feel heard and understood. We'll start by getting to know each other—I'll ask about your concerns, goals, and what brought you to therapy. I aim to create a collaborative relationship where you feel comfortable sharing and exploring what's on your mind. Together, we’ll begin identifying your strengths and the areas you want to work on, and I’ll offer some initial insights or tools to get started. Ultimately, the first session is about building trust and laying the foundation for the work we’ll do together.
One of my greatest strengths as a provider is my ability to create a warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental space where clients feel comfortable and understood. I’m deeply committed to building trust and fostering a strong therapeutic alliance, which helps clients feel safe to explore difficult emotions and challenges. Another strength is my flexibility—I tailor my approach to each client’s unique needs, using a variety of therapeutic modalities and techniques, especially when working with children, adolescents, and young adults. Finally, my ability to connect with clients on a personal level while maintaining a professional, solution-focused perspective helps them feel empowered and supported throughout their journey.
As a therapist, I’ve seen how effective Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be in helping clients manage a wide range of issues, such as anxiety, depression, and stress. CBT focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns, changing behaviors, and teaching practical coping skills. The collaborative, structured nature of CBT empowers clients to take control of their mental health and create lasting change. While CBT is highly effective, I’ve learned that it’s important to tailor the approach to each individual’s unique needs, sometimes integrating other therapeutic modalities for deeper support.
In my experience with Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), I've worked closely with parents and their young children, typically those who’ve experienced trauma or significant stress. CPP focuses on strengthening the parent-child relationship, helping the parent understand and respond to their child's emotional and behavioral needs in a more attuned way. By creating a safe, supportive space, we explore the child's feelings and experiences, while also addressing any challenges the parent may face in managing their own emotions. The process often leads to improved attachment, emotional regulation, and healthier family dynamics, helping both the parent and child heal from trauma together.
In my experience with Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), I’ve helped clients focus on finding practical solutions to their challenges rather than dwelling on problems. SFBT is a goal-oriented, strengths-based approach that emphasizes what’s working and how to build on it, often leading to quick and positive change. I’ve seen clients become more empowered and motivated as they identify actionable steps and recognize their own resources and resilience. The approach is particularly effective for clients looking for immediate relief and practical strategies to move forward.
In my experience with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), clients learn skills like mindfulness, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness to manage intense emotions and improve relationships. DBT helps reduce impulsive behaviors and fosters greater emotional stability. It combines acceptance and change, allowing clients to feel validated while working toward positive life changes. I’ve seen significant progress in both emotional regulation and overall well-being.
In my experience with Motivational Interviewing (MI), I’ve helped clients explore and resolve ambivalence about making changes in their lives, particularly when it comes to behaviors like substance use, health issues, or lifestyle adjustments. MI is a collaborative, non-confrontational approach that empowers clients to find their own motivations for change, enhancing their sense of autonomy and commitment. I've found that it’s especially effective in building trust, reducing resistance, and fostering self-efficacy. Clients often leave sessions feeling more confident and ready to take steps toward their goals, with a clear sense of direction and motivation.