How it Works

No crystal balls, magic wands, or time machines (sorry…), but I do have a big toolbox of tools & strategies for you.

I once had a client who would regularly ask me for an instruction manual for our work. The reality about personal growth, though, is that it’s not a linear or consistent process. It’s more like putting together a puzzle — we start with the frame, but beyond that, it varies. Some pieces are easy to place, others take more time and experimentation. A flexible, collaborative framework and gentle persistence is what I've found leads to success in this process.

I’m a psychotherapist and a coach, and depending on where you are on your journey, the best way for us to work together varies. That said, there are a few universal elements – I generally work with my clients via phone or video, and between sessions I encourage my clients to find ways to apply and practice what we're working on. I don’t necessarily assign ‘homework’, but I’m always ready with ideas, suggestions, or resources to help a client dive deeper into a specific area if they want. Keep reading to learn more about the process.

“Steve isn’t just going through the motions. He is truly invested in those who are willing to work hard, are open to change, and are willing to trust him to help with that process.”

- NS

What are sessions like?

There’s one goal I have for every conversation I have with a client: to create a space where they’re able drop the masks and the armor, stop performing, and just be.

What happens within that space? Well, to oversimplify it, there’s two key elements:

  • You talk about what’s up for you, where you want to go, what’s in the way, and what you’ve been trying to do to make it happen.

  • My role is to be a supportive guide helping you to figure out where you want to go and to master the tools & skills you need to get there.

How that actually happens is something that varies a lot from client to client — but a good way to get a sense of what it would be like for us is to set up a free consultation call.

(I suppose you could say that I’m trying to be like that older family figure you knew you could talk to about anything — you know, the one who would give you the right mix of support, ideas, and the occasional kick in the butt when you needed it?)

The goal isn’t to fix you – because you're not broken – it’s to help you get clear about who you are, what truly matters to you, and to find your unique path and place in the world.

"You possess the ability to interrogate your own privilege, which is rare. This made me feel that I was in a safe space. Your ability to reflect upon what you did and didn’t know was incredibly important, and frankly rather refreshing."
-AL

The nuts & bolts (when, where, how, etc.)

While I work with my clients in a number of different ways, here’s the basics:

  • We have regular conversations. The number per month generally varies between 2-4. The length is a minimum of 50 minutes, but in some cases they’re longer.

  • For most of my clients, we work over the phone. That said, secure video is definitely an option if that’s what you prefer. Or, if you’re in the Sacramento area, we can also meet in person and do ‘walk & talk’ sessions (my personal favorite).

  • Asynchronous support between sessions is included with my coaching packages, and available as an add-on option for therapy clients.

  • The cost varies depending on the specific services. I don’t take insurance, but if you’ve got out-of-network benefits, I can provide you with a superbill that you can submit for reimbursement.

I’m happy to answer any questions you have - just drop me a note or set up a free consultation.

"I can’t think of one time in the last two years that I didn’t walk away from a session with Steve without some gem of an insight. Old limiting patterns that have plagued me my entire life have finally begun to dissolve. At first, I wondered if the cost would be worth it. Looking back, I find it hard to overstate the value of those sessions."

-DT

Coaching or Therapy — which one is right for you?

While there are significant differences, there’s also a lot of overlap between coaching and therapy. Not sure which one is right for you? Here’s a general guide that will help.

Therapy

  • Healing past emotional wounds & trauma

  • Treatment for substance abuse or addiction

  • Anxiety, depression, or other mental/emotional wellness concerns interfering with daily life

  • Treating other problems or concerns that meet criteria for a DSM-V mental health diagnosis

  • Suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or situations where there are safety concerns

Coaching

  • Leadership development and executive presence.

  • Improving performance and productivity

  • Exploring career pivots or entrepreneurial ventures.

Could be either

(appropriate modality may depend on the specific situation)

  • Tools to help manage stress

  • Increasing confidence and assertiveness

  • Boundary setting and conflict management skills

  • Clarifying values for life & career

  • Improving communication & relationships

  • Improving work–life balance.

Note: This table is just a general guideline and is not all-inclusive. Part of the consultation process involves determining whether coaching or therapy is appropriate for your situation and creating an initial plan for our work together.