Michael Stephens, LMFT - Therapist at Grow Therapy

Michael Stephens

Michael Stephens

LMFT
23 years of experience
Solution oriented
Authentic
Intelligent
Virtual

Greetings, Life can be confusing, relationships can be stressful, and the present can make you feel anxious or depressed. Sometimes a painful past can surface into the moment, especially when situations are difficult or when you are experiencing major change. During these periods your mood and thoughts can be affected in negative ways. When you are feeling alone, disconnected, or confused, talking things through can make all the difference. I work with anyone struggling to find joy, peace, and fulfillment. I offer a safe, inviting space for you to share thoughts and feelings, to vent, to feel heard, and to reorient to meaning. Please allow me to assist you finding relief and clarity. I will meet you where you are at and welcome you. I address healing on multiple levels of the body-mind connection with a focus on the notion that caring about something or someone along with experiencing meaning can counterbalance the effects of hurt, a disturbing past, or a present stressful situation or transition. I have more than 20 years of experience helping clients navigate major change and transition, gain closure, and create new beginnings. I apply interventions from a mind-body-being perspective and assess current life stressors to distinguish between situational mood and thought disturbances from those enduring and a consequence of previous hurt or trauma.

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

In our initial session, we will begin with introductions, then focus on specific issues you are facing. I will be able to create a tailored plan for us to work together in following sessions.

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

A multicultural heritage, travel, varied life experience, and previous engagement with difficult challenges facilitate me empathizing with clients. An initial career in engineering and service in the United States Coast Guard provide pragmatic perspective. Experience as a long-term caregiver has made me keenly aware how moments of vulnerability can occupy attention, impact ability to effectively cope, and inhibit achieving intentions. I have experienced loss, disappointment, and limitation. I can relate. I work effectively with clients seeking to move beyond previous negative experiences or current situational stressors and develop healthy coping skills.

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I have used CBT interventions for many years. I utilize CBT techniques to help clients reframe self-limiting beliefs and / or help them form healthy and empowering intentions.

Solution Focused Brief Treatment

I help clients remember previous successful ways of coping with stress or mental health issues and remind them to continue to use what has worked for them in the past and/or help them create effective solutions in the present to manage stress, mood, and thoughts.

Narrative

I have worked with clients for more than 23 years helping them to rescript their internal dialogue, especially the story they tell about themself.

Michael Stephens, LMFT