Dr. Steven Majdecki profile image

Dr. Steven Majdecki

Dr. Steven Majdecki

(he/him)

LCSW
5 years of experience
Virtual

I am an Iraq War Veteran who, after serving pursued a passion for helping others by earning a Doctorate of Social Work. Now, as a Clinical Social Worker, I specialize in assisting individuals grappling with trauma, mental health issues, and substance misuse. My unique background allows me to connect deeply with my clients, offering them empathy, understanding, and practical strategies for healing and growth. I aim to make a significant, positive impact on their lives, guiding them towards recovery and resilience with compassion and expertise.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In your first session with me, you can expect a safe and welcoming virtual space where your voice is heard and your story is respected. Our initial meeting will focus on establishing a comfortable rapport and trust, crucial for our journey together. This is a time for you to share your experiences, concerns, and what you hope to achieve through our work together, at your own pace and depth. I’ll provide a clear overview of how our sessions will be structured and what methodologies or approaches might be best suited to your unique situation. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask any questions, ensuring you feel informed and comfortable with the process ahead. This foundational session is about aligning our expectations and goals, ensuring that you feel supported and empowered to begin the transformative journey of healing. My approach is rooted in empathy, professional expertise, and a deep commitment to your well-being. The first session marks the beginning of a collaborative partnership, gathering information, such as symptoms, personal history, problems, concerns and other information. This initial assessment will help with formulating an accurate diagnosis that will help tailor a Wellness Plan to guide your path towards recovery and resilience.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

As a provider, my greatest strengths lie in the unique blend of my personal and professional experiences, coupled with a deep-rooted commitment to empathy, understanding, and effective, evidence-based practices. **Empathy and Understanding** Having served in the Iraq War and navigated my own challenges, I possess a profound empathy for those experiencing trauma, mental health issues, and substance misuse. This personal connection enhances my ability to relate, understand, and validate the experiences of my clients. **Expertise in Trauma-Informed Care** My academic pursuit, culminating in a Doctorate of Social Work, equipped me with specialized knowledge in trauma-informed care. This expertise allows me to create a safe, supportive environment where clients feel understood and respected as they navigate their healing journey. **Holistic and Individualized Approach** Recognizing the uniqueness of each individual, I tailor my approach to meet the specific needs of my clients. Integrating various therapeutic modalities, I focus on developing personalized strategies that promote resilience, recovery, and personal growth. **Strong Advocacy** I am a staunch advocate for the mental health and well-being of my clients. Whether navigating systems of care, addressing stigma, or empowering clients to advocate for themselves, my dedication to advocacy supports my clients in numerous ways beyond the therapy session. **Commitment to Professional Development** I am dedicated to ongoing learning and professional development, ensuring that my practice is informed by the latest research and most effective interventions. This commitment to excellence means that my clients receive care that is not only compassionate, but also cutting-edge, maximizing their potential for healing and transformation. These strengths combine to form a comprehensive approach to care that is both deeply empathetic and highly effective, fostering an environment where clients can thrive.

About Dr. Steven Majdecki

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Fully booked

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a popular evidenced-based psychological treatment method that aims to help individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to emotional difficulties. In practice, CBT involves working closely with a therapist to recognize the relationships between thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Client learn to dissect and evaluate their thought processes, identify irrational or harmful beliefs and gradually reshape them into more positive and realistic perspectives. Sessions often include practical skills training, such as coping strategies for managing stress or problem-solving techniques, which clients are encouraged to practice outside of therapy. This hands-on, collaborative approach empowers individuals to take control over their emotional well-being and implement lasting changes in their lives.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBT) integrates principles of mindfulness, a practice focused on fostering attentive, non-judge mental awareness of the present moment into therapeutic settings. In practice, MBT teaches clients to observe their thoughts, feelings and body sensations in the here and now without trying to change or judge them. This approach helps individuals become more aware of their patterns of mind, including tendencies toward rumination of automatic negative reactions, thereby reducing their impact. Therapists guide clients through various mindfulness exercises, such as meditation or breathing techniques, to enhance their ability to remain centered and calm in the face of stress or emotional distress. By learning to stay present and accept their experiences, clients can disrupt cycles of negative thinking and emotional reactivity, leading to greater emotional regulation, reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and improved overall well-being.

Motivational Interviewing

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a client-centered, directive method of therapy designed to enhance individual’s motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence. In practice, MI involves a collaborative, non-confrontational conversations between the therapist and client, where the therapist uses open-ended questions, reflective listening, and affirmations to guide clients toward articulating their own reasons for change. Therapists help clients recognize the discrepancies between their current behaviors and their personal goals or values, gently steering the discussion in a way that empowers the client to see the benefits of change for themselves. Rather than dictating situations, MI respects the client’s autonomy and taps into their intrinsic motivations, making it an effective approach for addressing addictive behaviors, treatment adherence and lifestyle changes. By creating a supportive and empathetic environment, MI facilitates a space where clients feel understood and motivated to commit to positive change.

Trauma Informed Care

Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) is an approach that acknowledges the prevalence and pervasive impact of trauma on an individual’s life. It fundamentally shifts the focus from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” In practice, TIC are trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma in clients, respond by fully integrating knowledge about trauma into their practices, and seek to resist re-traumatization. This approach emphasizes physical, psychological, and emotional safety for both providers and survivors, aiming to rebuild a sense of control and empowerment in the lives of clients. TIC is not a specific set of techniques, but a framework that can be applied across different types of services and interactions, ensuring that care is delivered in a way that is respectful of and responsive to the effects of trauma.