Steve Edwards
You may be the person everyone relies on—the one who keeps showing up, handles responsibilities, and appears to have everything under control. But underneath that, you may feel anxious, emotionally exhausted, stuck in unhealthy patterns, or unsure how to prioritize yourself without feeling guilty. I’m Steve, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with nearly 15 years of experience helping adults navigate anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, self-esteem, difficult life transitions, and the pressure of constantly having to be “the strong one.” My style is warm, authentic, and direct. I’ll support you without judgment, but I’ll also respectfully challenge you, help you recognize patterns, and hold you accountable to the goals you set for yourself.
I have experience working with individuals who are coping with chronic mental health symptoms, to those who are working on adjustment in their lives.
Therapy with me is collaborative, practical, and tailored to who you are. Together, we’ll work toward healthier boundaries, greater confidence, stronger relationships, and meaningful changes that extend beyond the therapy session.
First session
Our first session will feel like a conversation—not an interrogation. We’ll talk about what brought you to therapy, what has been weighing on you, what you have already tried, and what you hope will be different. You won’t need to have everything figured out or tell your entire life story at once. We’ll begin identifying the patterns and concerns that feel most important, make sure that we are a good therapeutic fit, and develop a few realistic goals to guide our work together.
Strengths
I connect easily with people from different backgrounds and stages of life. Clients describe me as warm, authentic, and direct. I listen closely, notice patterns, and remember the details that matter. I create a supportive, culturally responsive environment while also respectfully challenging clients when their choices are not aligned with the changes they say they want. You can expect honesty, compassion, practical strategies, and accountability without judgment.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is an adult who may appear capable and put together but feels overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, emotionally exhausted, or stuck in unhelpful patterns. They may be navigating a major life transition, relationship stress, low self-esteem, people-pleasing, or difficulty setting healthy boundaries. They are looking for a therapist who is warm and supportive but also honest, direct, and willing to respectfully challenge them. They do not need to have everything figured out, but they should be open to self-reflection, practical strategies, accountability, and making meaningful changes both inside and outside of therapy.
Treatment methods
Eclectic
I use an eclectic approach because therapy should be tailored to the individual rather than based on a one-size-fits-all formula. I draw from different evidence-based approaches based on each client’s needs, personality, experiences, and goals. Sessions are conversational and collaborative, with support, honest feedback, practical strategies, and accountability to help clients create meaningful and lasting change.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients understand how their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors influence one another. Together, we identify unhelpful thinking patterns, consider whether those thoughts are accurate or useful, and practice healthier ways of responding. I incorporate CBT in a conversational and practical way, using strategies clients can apply between sessions and in everyday life.
Motivational Interviewing
I use Motivational Interviewing to help clients explore mixed feelings about making changes without judgment or pressure. Instead of telling clients what they should do, I help them clarify what matters to them, recognize their strengths, and identify their own reasons for moving forward. This approach is helpful when someone knows something needs to change but feels uncertain, discouraged, or stuck.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I use mindfulness-based practices to help clients notice their thoughts, emotions, and physical responses without immediately reacting to them. Depending on the client’s needs, we may practice grounding, breathing techniques, or observing thoughts without treating every thought as a fact. These strategies can improve emotional regulation and support healthier responses to stress.
Location
Virtual sessions
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Licensed in
- IllinoisLicense 149020655