Maximilian Stepaniak
I'm a cognitive behavioral therapist dedicated to supporting clients in achieving positive, real change in their lives. I have experience working with individuals and families from a diverse range of cultural backgrounds and age groups. I have worked with Clients from age 6 to their late 60s, addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, emotional regulation, anger management, processing trauma, relationship issues, and stress. More recently, a large part of my work has specialized in men's issues as well as process addictions (gambling addiction, pornography addiction, gaming addiction, and shopping addiction). Whether you’re struggling with overwhelming emotions, navigating a difficult relationship, healing from past experiences, or simply need help confronting the stresses of everyday life, I’m here to help you better understand yourself and work towards your goals.
My goal is to help you move beyond simply managing life's challenges by identifying what holds you back, strengthening your coping skills, and creating meaningful changes that last beyond therapy.
First session
First sessions are what we call an intake session. This is a time for us to get to know each other better. I will ask some questions about your background, and you are free to ask me any questions about myself or my therapeutic style. We will review how confidentiality works, and then we'll get into what brings you to therapy. After finding out more about why you are seeking services, I may provide you with a diagnosis if appropriate. Finally, before the session ends, we will work collaboratively to establish some treatment goals you have for our work together. Your treatment goals are going to be your road map on our therapeutic journey as well as allow us to monitor how treatment progress is going.
Strengths
My approach is to create a safe and comfortable environment where you can explore your thoughts, experiences, and patterns of behavior free from judgment. However, the therapeutic process is collaborative. During our work together, I may encourage you to confront negative behaviors, challenge negative thought patterns, and develop practical skills to support you on your treatment journey. I will also often assign homework for you to complete between our sessions. The purpose of this homework is to encourage you to apply the skills we work on together in session to your everyday life. “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” – Viktor Frankl
Ideal clients
I have extensive experience working with clients who are experiencing life stressors (relationships, work, family, life transitions, etc.), men's issues, symptoms of anxiety and depression, behavioral addictions (gaming, gambling, shopping, pornography), as well as processing trauma. I have experience working with clients from young adults to people in the later stages of their lives from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Clients who are highly motivated to engage in the therapeutic process, have specific goals they want to achieve, and enjoy a more structured approach to therapy will benefit greatly from my style of counseling.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Together, we identify unhelpful thinking patterns, explore how these patterns influence daily life, and develop healthier ways to respond to challenges. I work collaboratively with clients to build practical coping skills, challenge negative self-talk, and develop more balanced perspectives. My goal is to provide clients with tools they can use outside of sessions to manage stress, navigate difficult emotions, and make meaningful progress toward their personal goals.
Motivational Interviewing
I use Motivational Interviewing to help clients explore their goals, identify what matters most to them, and build confidence in their ability to make positive changes. I strive to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel comfortable discussing their challenges, uncertainties, and motivations. Rather than telling clients what changes they need to make, I work collaboratively with them to explore their own reasons for change, recognize their strengths, and identify realistic steps toward their goals. My approach respects each client's autonomy and meets them where they are in their journey.
Location
Virtual sessions
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Licensed in
- OhioLicense C.2305574