Stephen Kittridge
Please allow me to introduce myself: I am Steve Kittridge, a Therapist. The term therapy can be misleading; I've been using the term Coach recently, as it more aptly applies describes my role. I'm independently (LCSW) Licensed by AZ's Board since 2004, and also a Certified Clinical Supervisor, training clinicians aspiring for their independent license. I'm a 'well-seasoned' professional with a variety of experiences, across the continuum of behavioral health. Similarly, through the decades, I've enjoyed working with a wide scope of problems, encompassing most diagnosis and client profiles (a client's age, gender, location, experience with therapy, severity, etc.). I'm not often asked, but research suggests clients are curious of a Therapist's personal background and life experiences. It's natural to wonder if a Therapist, a stranger, will understand our individual perspective, if they can "relate." We are all different individuals; this is why certain skills are critical to a Therapist's success, for instance empathy, listening, sincere interest, non-judgement, acceptance, etc. Nevertheless, shared experiences can lead to common thoughts, feelings, & behaviors, offering "street-cred." In summary, my family-of-origin experienced: abandonment by our father, crushing poverty, food insecurity, absent boundaries resulting in physical, emotional, and sexual assaults. Our single mother, often hospitalized by severe mental illness, presided over us as best she could. I was held back in primary education, eventually being pushed out of HS, but spelling at a 6th grade level. I left at-20, following an incarceration and dragging a persistent substance abuse habit. At 26, after agreeing to take HS classes the 1st yr, I entered a community college. Sleeping one night, I was stabbed 3x in the chest and rescued by life-flight. Inexplicably, since then, I've completed 2-master's degrees, [MSW/MBA] have been married 30 years, with one daughter a lawyer, the other an ASU instructor.
First session
First! The client drives the experience; they decide what information is revealed, or what goals they'd like to pursue. Many clients prefer talking most of the session, others are more comfortable with occasional prompts to help direct their focus, etc. Our first meeting requires a couple of signatures, during which I will explain some important aspects about the therapy process and 'the 'relationship'; you will also have the opportunity to ask anything you'd like. This may sound formal, but it's no different than any common conversation. From your input, we will identify goals or challenges you believe are important, for example, "In the next 6-months, I'd like to start doing-X, or stop doing-Y". Typically, clients will reveal more information as therapy continues. Likewise, goals are malleable, often recalibrated, but never ridged and always set and controlled by the client. I can offer input or guidance sometimes, in the form of a question, or suggestion, but not direction, That's not my role. We usually have time to explore numerous ideas, options, and strategies to build momentum. Clients frequently report feeling a sense of relief, and more clarity leaving the 1st session, which often enhances hope and motivation.