(he/him)
Between social expectations, family and relationship pressures, work/school stress, and the daily grind, it's easy for us to get lost or stumble. But you're not alone. As your therapist, I'm here to help you navigate your way. In your therapeutic journey, we’ll dig into the noise that may cloud your ability to understand your true self in order to create the change in you life that you want to embody. I am committed to helping you find your way back to the self that you want to be. I'm Stephen Kaplan, a psychotherapist with 15+ years of experience counseling adults, young adults, and adolescents. Before entering private practice, I worked with high-performing adolescents and young adults. In the Gay/Queer community, I spent nine years as a group facilitator with Q-Action and the StopAIDS Project in San Francisco. I am a passionate singer of classical, pop music, and show tunes. You can often find me at a local karaoke night. I'm an avid traveler and am recently back from an extended sabbatical having touched 5 continents. I enjoy cooking (and eating) diverse cuisines, speaking Spanish in conversation, occasionally dancing salsa or merengue, and watching Star Trek.
In our first session, we'll spend most of our time getting to know one another, focusing on identifying what's brought you to therapy at this time in your life. We'll also start thinking about how you'll know when therapy has accomplished what you want it to. If it's your first time working with a counselor, we'll also talk about what therapy is like, and I'll answer any questions or concerns you have.
My therapeutic philosophy is rooted in one key principle: unconditional positive regard. You have intrinsic worth just as you are, right now. You are the expert on your own life. You will drive the process, determine what you want to work on, and are free to change your mind or stop at any time. I will be your guide and counselor, listening, understanding, and reflecting your thoughts and feelings. We also may explore ideas, patterns, and strategies learned in your past that may have been helpful at one point, but might no longer be serving you. We may even explore your "inner child" as we identify and challenge some of these patterns.
I am affirming of people all along the sexual and gender spectrums, including those who identify as Gay, Queer, Bi/Pan, Lesbian, Asexual/Aromantic, Trans, Nonbinary, or who are questioning. I also provide specific support for clients on the Autism spectrum or who are neurodiverse, those diagnosed with or thinking they may have anxiety, and also those who may identify with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
With CBT, we can examine how cognitive distortions might contribute to your experience of problems and how breaking those patterns can lead to feelings of well-being. We’ll also examine letting go of behaviors that might have been helpful to keep you physically and emotionally safe in the past, but feel as if they are not serving you well now.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
You, as the client, are the expert in you. Using SFT, we might identify helpful strategies together crafted from your own experience, along with some strategies that I know have worked for others to craft a plan that feels organic to who you are and who you want to be.
Gender-affirming therapy
What we experience as Queer individuals is mediated by the current socio-cultural context we inhabit that decenters Queer people's experiences, creates toxic shame, and limits our freedom. Within a safe and supportive environment in session, you'll be able to focus on your own empowerment within the current context, build a space for centering your well-being, and address any other stuff that might be brining you to therapy too.
2 ratings with written reviews
February 20, 2026
Stephen has a way of both grounding me and lifting me, all in the span of an hour. He uses real data/resources that allow my mind to stay in its most comfortable, logical state, and also reminds me that I am human and will face emotions that need to be handled with different strategies. He is respectful of my beliefs and background in a way that I have not encountered before. Honesty is paramount, and he absorbs it with a comfortability that encourages me to stay open. Gold Star treatment!
December 5, 2025
I’ve only had a few sessions so far and I find Stephen’s insights to be very thought provoking and helpful. I’m grateful to have found a skilled and grounded therapist who really has a gift for both listening and challenging me to grow.