Hello, I'm Steve, a licensed therapist with a passion for helping individuals and couples navigate life's challenges and achieve mental wellness. With over 20 years of experience in corporate America and nearly a decade of military counseling, I bring a diverse and rich background to my practice, allowing me to connect deeply with clients facing a wide range of issues. I specialize in treating PTSD, combat-related trauma, military family support, work-related stress, and anxiety. One of my unique areas of expertise is in cult-related abuse, making me one of the few specialists in this field in the nation. My work in this area has garnered national recognition, including a feature on the Dr. Phil show. I also focus on men's therapeutic concerns, executive and leadership counseling, clergy support, and depression treatment. My approach to therapy is rooted in creating a compassionate and non-judgmental environment where clients feel genuinely heard and understood. I blend Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and the Gottman Method for couples to tailor my approach to each client's unique needs. By integrating these techniques, I aim to foster personal growth, resilience, and lasting change. In my practice, I prioritize building strong therapeutic relationships and empowering clients to take the lead in their therapeutic journey. Whether you are dealing with trauma, stress, relationship issues, or personal growth challenges, I am here to support and guide you. Let's work together to chart your course to a brighter, healthier future.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
My therapeutic approach is grounded in creating a compassionate and non-judgmental environment where you feel heard and valued. I primarily use Client-Centered Therapy, which emphasizes unconditional positive regard and empathy, alongside Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which focuses on identifying and challenging unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. By integrating these approaches, I tailor each session to your unique needs, empowering you to achieve personal growth and lasting change.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I believe my greatest strengths as a provider lie in my deep empathy, extensive experience, and personalized approach to therapy. My empathy allows me to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment where clients feel genuinely heard and understood. With over 20 years in corporate America and nearly a decade of military counseling, I bring a diverse and rich background that helps me connect with clients facing a wide range of challenges. Additionally, as one of the few cultic abuse specialists in the nation, I have unique expertise in addressing complex trauma. My work in this area has been recognized nationally, including a feature on the Dr. Phil show. My ability to integrate various therapeutic techniques, such as Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and the Gottman Method for couples, enables me to tailor my approach to each client's unique needs, fostering meaningful and lasting change.
About Steve Guziec
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215 West Elm Street, Sycamore, IL, USA, 200Appointments
Virtual & in-personMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
My experience with the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) treatment method spans several years and various client demographics, including those dealing with PTSD, anxiety, and work-related stress. CBT is a cornerstone of my therapeutic approach because it effectively addresses the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In practice, I use CBT to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to their emotional distress. We work together to develop healthier thinking patterns and coping strategies. By setting specific, measurable goals, I empower clients to track their progress and make meaningful changes. This structured approach not only alleviates symptoms but also equips clients with tools to manage future challenges, fostering resilience and long-term well-being.
Couples Counseling
My experience with couples therapy involves helping partners navigate relationship challenges, improve communication, and rebuild trust. I use a combination of therapeutic techniques, including Internal Family Systems (IFS) and the Gottman Method, to address the unique dynamics of each relationship. In practice, I create a safe and neutral environment where both partners feel heard and respected. I focus on identifying and understanding underlying emotional needs and patterns that contribute to conflicts. Through guided conversations and exercises, I help couples develop healthier communication skills, foster emotional intimacy, and strengthen their bond. My goal is to empower couples to work collaboratively towards a more fulfilling and resilient relationship.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
My core training and modality are rooted in the Client-Centered treatment method, also known as Rogerian Therapy. This approach emphasizes creating a therapeutic environment characterized by empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuine understanding. In practice, I prioritize building a strong therapeutic relationship where you feel safe, heard, and valued. I strive to understand your experiences from your perspective, fostering a non-judgmental space for open and honest exploration. By focusing on your inherent strengths and potential, I support you in discovering your own solutions and paths to personal growth. This client-centered approach empowers you to take the lead in your therapeutic journey, promoting self-awareness, self-acceptance, and lasting change.
Group Therapy
I have extensive experience facilitating group therapy sessions with veterans, creating a space for shared understanding, camaraderie, and healing. My work integrates narrative-driven activities, such as using gaming as a therapeutic tool. One approach I use is incorporating role-playing games, board games, and gaming , which allows veterans and others to explore different aspects of themselves through storytelling and strategic challenges. Gaming in therapy serves as a method to engage veterans in a way that feels less clinical, offering a familiar and comforting environment. It stimulates cognitive processing, encourages teamwork, and provides opportunities for veterans to discuss their experiences in a safe and indirect manner. These sessions foster creativity, improve problem-solving, and address trauma through a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and experiential learning. By connecting veterans through shared experiences and gaming, I help them build coping strategies and reduce isolation while creating a sense of community.
Trauma-Focused CBT
In my practice, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is a key method I use to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. With over a decade of experience working with veterans and survivors of cultic abuse, I understand the profound impact trauma can have on one's mental health, and TF-CBT allows me to provide structured and effective treatment. Through TF-CBT, I help clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns, reduce distressing symptoms like anxiety or hypervigilance, and build healthier coping mechanisms. The goal is to enable clients to reframe their trauma-related beliefs and gradually desensitize themselves to painful memories or triggers in a safe, controlled manner. This approach involves both cognitive restructuring and exposure techniques, giving clients tools to manage flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts. By integrating psychoeducation and relaxation strategies, I create a balanced environment where clients feel supported and empowered throughout their recovery journey. This method has proven highly effective for PTSD, anxiety, and depression, and I tailor the treatment to fit each individual's unique experiences and readiness to engage with their trauma.