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SC Portrait of Stephen Creel
Online therapist

Stephen Creel

Growth-focused therapist with practical tools

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Credentials
LMFT
Experience
24 years
Licensed in
California, Texas, Virginia
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Stephen

Stephen Creel is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with 24 years of clinical experience. He began his working life as a professional drummer in Hollywood clubs and later earned a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University.

Stephen draws on a long career in addiction treatment and independent practice to help people facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and other life challenges. He speaks English and practices from California as a LMFT licensed in Texas (TX LMFT 204077) and California (CA LMFT 44523).

Background and approach

Stephen learned through his own life changes that therapy can redirect a person’s path. He treats recovery from substance use and process addictions alongside trauma and mood concerns. In sessions he focuses on changing painful self-beliefs such as not being good enough or not being wanted.

He uses clear, direct conversation to name those beliefs and test whether they fit real life. His approach combines client-centered listening with practical tools from cognitive behavioral therapy and trauma work. He also uses EMDR for trauma-related memories and motivational interviewing when people are making changes around addiction.

Sessions tend to be collaborative and grounded in everyday goals. Stephen has experience in rehabilitation settings and personal offices. He helps people work through communication problems, codependency, caregiver stress, and issues that follow from family of origin.

Treatment plans are shaped to each person’s situation and goals. Parents concerned about parenting, intimacy, or family stress will find a therapist who values honest, straightforward conversation and steady guidance. Stephen aims to help people move from stuck patterns toward clearer choices and calmer daily life.

Therapeutic approaches for online care

Stephen often combines client-centered therapy with cognitive behavioral therapy. Client-centered therapy focuses on listening closely and building a trusting working relationship so people can talk through what matters most. Cognitive behavioral therapy uses practical exercises to identify unhelpful thoughts and test new behaviors to reduce anxiety, depression, or stress.

He also uses EMDR - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing - for trauma-related memories. EMDR aims to reduce the intensity of painful memories so they interfere less with daily life. These methods are introduced in a way that fits each person’s needs and history, and choices about technique are made together with the client.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. He will discuss goals, preferences, and what feels comfortable, then adjust methods as therapy progresses. That collaborative process helps make sure techniques match the issue and the person’s pace.

Online sessions are available by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to add flexibility. Those options let people connect from home, fit sessions into busy schedules, and continue work between meetings. Many clients appreciate being able to choose the format that best fits their life while keeping the focus on practical progress.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

EMDR

A structured protocol used with distressing memories, pairing recall with guided attention tasks. Some therapists adapt it for video sessions; whether that fits is worth asking about directly.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does he address?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma and abuse, relationship and intimacy issues, parenting, grief, anger, career questions, and coping with life changes.
What is his therapeutic style?
He emphasizes a collaborative, client-centered style combined with practical techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy and trauma-focused work.
What kind of experience does he bring?
He has 24 years of experience, including work in rehabs and independent practice helping people recover from substance abuse, trauma, mood disorders, and related concerns.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - LMFT - licensed in Texas (TX LMFT 204077) and California (CA LMFT 44523), and practices from California.
Which languages are supported and are international clients accepted?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different needs and schedules.
How is cost handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to the therapist's availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
24 years
Licensed
California, Texas, Virginia
Languages
English

Next step

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