About Stephen
Stephen Creel uses client-centered care as a foundation for his work. He is a licensed marriage and family therapist with 24 years of experience and a focus on practical change. Stephen writes plainly and listens closely to help people sort through stress, anxiety, addiction, grief, and relationship struggles.
Stephen began his career as a musician in Hollywood before training in clinical psychology. He earned a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University in 2001 and then moved into clinical work.
How Stephen works
Over two decades he has worked in rehabs and personal settings supporting recovery from substance use, trauma, mood disorders, and codependency. In sessions he combines client-centered methods with cognitive behavioral strategies and trauma-focused tools. He helps people notice patterns of thinking and behavior that keep them stuck and then practice different choices.
He also uses eye movement desensitization and reprocessing for people coping with traumatic memories. Stephen treats issues such as panic attacks, post-traumatic stress, process addictions, caregiver stress, and feelings of shame or isolation. He pays attention to family of origin patterns, communication problems, and how life changes affect daily functioning.
His work includes practical steps for rebuilding relationships, reestablishing goals, and handling anger. People who meet with Stephen can expect straightforward conversation and clear priorities. He frames therapy as a collaboration where therapist and client map problems, test new ways of coping, and track progress together.
Stephen lists 5 ways of working on the entry:
What Stephen works with
The areas below are the ones Stephen selected when setting up a profile. The first few are listed as the main focus; the rest are also named.
Also listed
- Anger management
- Career difficulties
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Codependency
- Communication problems
- Coping with life changes
- Depression
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Family conflicts
- Family of origin issues
- Forgiveness
- Grief
- Guilt and shame
- Intimacy-related issues
- Isolation / loneliness
- Life purpose
- Midlife crisis
- Mood disorders
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Parenting issues
- Post-traumatic stress
- Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)
- Relationship issues
- Self esteem
- Self-love
- Sex addiction
- Veteran and Armed Forces Issues
Training and background
| Register | LMFT |
|---|---|
| Years in practice | 24 |
| Languages | English |
| Session format | Online: video, phone, live chat or messaging |
| Country | California |
Memberships and registers are shown as supplied; they are not licences, and this directory does not verify them.
Online support options
Online approaches for trauma and recovery
Stephen blends client-centered work, cognitive behavioral therapy, and trauma-focused methods in online sessions. Client-centered therapy means the therapist follows the client's lead, listens closely, and helps people find their own answers; it supports issues like low self-worth and relationship problems. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying thoughts and behaviors that cause distress and practicing new, healthier responses, which is useful for anxiety, depression, and panic. Trauma-focused therapy and EMDR target painful memories and trauma symptoms to reduce their emotional hold and improve daily functioning.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Stephen will talk with each person about their goals and preferences and then suggest where to start. He sees therapy as a collaborative process where approaches can be blended and adjusted as progress is tracked.
Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different needs. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and nonverbal cues. Phone sessions use less bandwidth and can fit into a work break. Live chat or text messaging can help with quick check-ins and ongoing support between sessions. These options make therapy more flexible and easier to fit into a busy life.
Start online instead of waiting
Our partner service asks a few questions about what you are looking for and matches you with a therapist for sessions from home.
Book with StephenWe will earn a commission if you sign up through our link, at no cost to you.
Common questions
What concerns does he commonly address?
What is his therapeutic style?
How much clinical experience does he have?
What are his credentials and location?
Which languages are available for sessions?
What session formats are offered?
How are sessions priced?
How do I get started?
A practical next step
Write down two things you would want to be different in six months. That is the most useful thing to bring to a first session, whoever it is with. If you would rather start now than keep reading, online sessions are the quickest route.
We will earn a commission if you sign up through our link, at no cost to you. Entries are not assessed or endorsed by this directory.
Other entries for stress, anxiety
Supportive LCSW helping people build strength and clarity
Practical, trauma-aware therapy for everyday life
Practical, relational therapy for life transitions