PuttingFamilyFirst

The therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp and we will earn a commission if you use our link - at no cost to you.

SH Portrait of Steve Hammer
Online therapist

Steve Hammer

Calm, practical guidance for family and mood struggles

Credentials
LSCSW
Experience
40 years
Licensed in
Kansas
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Steve

Steve Hammer is a licensed social worker in Kansas. He brings 40 years of experience to sessions and focuses on stress, anxiety, family matters, trauma and abuse, bipolar disorder, and depression. He aims to offer steady, respectful support for people who are worried about their relationships or mood.

Sessions are tailored to each person’s needs and paced to what feels manageable. He uses plain conversation to understand what is happening and what matters most to the client.

Background and approach

From there he and the client build a practical plan. That can include short-term goals, skill practice, or a longer process around deeper issues. The work tends to be straightforward and focused on improving daily life.

Steve draws on several therapy methods to match the situation. He may use client-centered work to follow what a person wants to explore. He also uses cognitive behavioral techniques to spot unhelpful thoughts and try different responses.

For relationships and emotions he may bring in elements of emotionally-focused therapy and dialectical behavior therapy skills. He treats blended family concerns, communication and control problems, codependency, divorce and separation issues, and fatherhood challenges. He also addresses shame, guilt, infidelity, jealousy, isolation, obsessive-compulsive concerns, and life purpose questions.

Veteran and armed forces issues are included in his focus areas. Sessions are offered in English and delivered using video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging. Steve emphasizes collaboration and respect while working toward clearer communication and improved coping.

Therapeutic approaches and how they work online

Steve commonly uses client-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy in online work. Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and following what matters most to the person, helping them find their own answers. Cognitive behavioral therapy looks at thought patterns and behaviors, then tries new ways of thinking and acting to reduce distress.

He also draws on dialectical behavior therapy skills when emotion regulation and coping strategies are needed. DBT skills teach practical tools for handling intense feelings and improving relationships. Each method is presented in clear, concrete terms so clients can practice between sessions.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist works collaboratively to pick methods that match a person’s goals, history, and preferences. Plans can be short term or longer term and are adjusted as progress is made.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, keep continuity when travel or life events get in the way, and allow different ways of connecting depending on comfort and need.

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.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Concrete skills for riding out strong emotion, tolerating distress, and handling relationships without things escalating. The skills are practised in daily life, so between-session support by message or phone fits naturally.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, family concerns, trauma and abuse, bipolar disorder, and depression, plus related issues like communication problems, infertility, and obsessional behaviors.
What is his general therapeutic style?
The approach is collaborative and down-to-earth, with plain conversation and practical steps. He adapts methods to each person rather than using a single fixed style.
How long has he been practicing?
He has 40 years of professional experience working with people on mood and family concerns.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is licensed as an LSCSW in Kansas with license number KS LSCSW LSCSW 0677.
Does he offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English. He is not accepting international clients.
Which session formats are available?
Sessions can be done by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.
How is cost handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and 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, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

Next step

Talk to Steve

  • Takes a few minutes
  • Nothing to set up just to look
  • Stop at any point