Stephen Creel

Compassionate, experienced therapist focused on recovery

LMFT California

Experience: 24 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages: English

About Stephen

Stephen Creel is an LMFT who draws on 24 years of clinical experience to help people navigate anxiety, addiction, trauma, depression, and relationship challenges.

Background and approach

He completed a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University in 2001 and has since worked in both rehabilitation settings and independent practice supporting recovery from substance use, post-traumatic stress, mood disorders, codependency, and related concerns.

His background before therapy included years as a working musician, a path that informed his understanding of both exhilaration and the disappointments that can shape a person’s identity. Stephen practices with a collaborative, client-centered stance, helping clients identify unhelpful self-beliefs that often underlie emotional distress.

He combines practical, evidence-informed methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and EMDR with motivational interviewing and trauma-focused strategies to address patterns of thought, behavior, and memory that maintain suffering.

Located in California and licensed as an LMFT in both Texas and California, he offers care in English and draws on decades of experience helping clients find clearer purpose, healthier relationships, and greater emotional balance.

Approaches That Translate Well to Online Therapy

Stephen often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns; CBT is practical and goal-oriented, and it can be applied to anxiety, depression, addictive behaviors, and stress. He also integrates EMDR when addressing traumatic memories and their emotional impact, using structured bilateral stimulation alongside processing to reduce distress linked to specific events. Additionally, his client-centered orientation prioritizes empathy and collaborative understanding, creating space for clients to explore values, identity, and self-worth.

Choosing the right therapeutic approach is part of the work itself. He collaborates with each person to determine which combination of methods best fits their needs, goals, and comfort level, adjusting techniques over time as progress and priorities evolve.

Online therapy with this practitioner can take place via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, which makes scheduling more flexible for people with busy lives or mobility constraints. Those formats allow for consistent continuity of care, easier access from different locations within the same country, and the ability to maintain momentum between sessions when life becomes hectic.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Stephen typically address in therapy?

Stephen works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, depression, relationship and family concerns, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting challenges, anger, career strain, and coping with life changes.

What is Stephen's therapeutic style and approach?

He emphasizes collaboration and a client-centered stance, often integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy along with EMDR, motivational interviewing, and trauma-focused techniques to help clients change unhelpful beliefs and behaviors.

How much clinical experience does he bring?

Stephen has 24 years of experience working in rehabs and independent practice settings, supporting recovery from substance use, trauma, mood disorders, codependency, and related concerns.

What credentials and location should I know about?

He is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with LMFT credentials: TX LMFT 204077 and CA LMFT 44523, and he is based in California.

Can I work with him if English is not my first language?

Sessions are offered in English; he does not list other language options and is not accepting international clients at this time.

What session formats does he offer for online work?

Available formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different communication preferences.

How does cost and billing work for sessions?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What steps are involved in getting started with therapy?

To begin, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Addictions Trauma and abuse Self esteem Depression

Also works with

Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes

Additional focus areas

Caregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommunication problemsDrug and alcohol addictionFamily of origin issuesForgivenessGuilt and shame Isolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disorders Panic disorder and panic attacks Post-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-loveSex addiction

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Motivational InterviewingTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

24+ years

Licensed

California, Texas, Virginia

Languages

English