Learn more about Steven
Steven’s journey
Taking the first step toward change can be daunting, and choosing the right guide for your journey is a significant decision. Throughout my career, I have balanced real-life insight with evidence-based practice. My approach is empathic, practical, and focused on helping you create meaningful change in the here-and-now. To learn more about me and how we can work together, feel free to select the pictures to the right.
Reasons to choose Steven
1. Experience
I bring over 30 years of professional experience and a deep commitment to helping individuals navigate depression, anxiety, trauma, and life's hurdles. My understanding of these struggles is also personally grounded; having walked alongside loved ones dealing with mood disorders and substance abuse, I know the real-world impact of these challenges. This firsthand insight profoundly shapes how I listen, support, and guide you toward meaningful change.
2. Education
I completed both my master’s and doctoral degrees at the University of California, Berkeley, where I also spent several years teaching at the School of Social Welfare. Alongside publishing academic articles, I authored Helping Sensitive and Difficult Children—a self-help book designed for adults looking to support children struggling with anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems.
3. A goal focused, strengths-based approach
Together, we focus on identifying what is already working in your life and building practical, actionable strategies to help you move forward. I combine cognitive-behavioral techniques with a solution-focused approach, helping you reshape the thought patterns that impact your mood and relationships. Our collaboration will focus on sharpening your problem-solving abilities and communication skills, giving you concrete tools to manage life's challenges successfully.
Praise for Steven
Steven’s ability is extraordinary… He is among the most dedicated and truly caring colleagues with whom I have had the opportunity to work. His skill in assisting his clients to envision a challenging yet achievable set of goals is remarkable.
Paul Ehrlich, MA Director of the Addiction Studies Program, John F. Kennedy University, Orinda, California
Steven is engaging, articulate and dedicated to professional practice… He is hard-working and one of the brightest people in our program.
Neil Gilbert, PhD Milton and Gertrude Stein Professor of Social Welfare and Social Services, University of California, Berkeley
Steven has the ability to quickly and accurately assess patients who are in difficult situations, as well as providing effective interventions and recommendations for further treatment. Steven’s calm demeanor, expertise and clinical skills in this challenging environment have been enormously helpful!
Scott Duffy, MD Emergency Room Physician, Marin Health Medical Center, Greenbrae, California
It has been my pleasure to work with Steven… He has developed specific interventions for students with emotional disorders and understands the multiple factors that can impact a child’s emotional life and behavior…His extensive knowledge, experience and training have made him a valuable asset to our staff and myself.
Karen Pfeiffer Department Chair, Special Education, Salinas High School, Salinas, California
I have observed Steven’s skills with special needs children who have a range of disabilities such as emotional disturbance, developmental delays, speech and language impairment and … learning disabled… his expertise has proven to be successful with these children.
Brenda Vidales School Psychologist, Alisal Union School District, Salinas, California