Stephen Edwards
Experienced LCSW using practical, skill-based therapy
LCSW Illinois
- Experience
- 10 years in practice
- Focus areas
- Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem, Depression
- Approaches
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing
- Languages
- English
About Stephen
Stephen Edwards is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who draws on a decade of experience in social services to guide people through stress, anxiety, mood challenges, and relationship difficulties. He emphasizes practical, evidence-informed strategies that support personal growth, stronger boundaries, and improved self-worth.
Background and approach
His work often integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing to help clients identify unhelpful patterns, build coping skills, and move toward meaningful change. Stephen works with men and women and attends to a wide range of concerns including depression, bipolar conditions, workplace stress, sexuality and LGBT issues, and family or relationship challenges.
He also addresses specific life transitions like divorce and blended family dynamics, as well as issues such as guilt, commitment struggles, fatherhood matters, and multicultural considerations. In scheduling he coordinates directly with clients due to limited availability and requires video sessions for ongoing work.
Prospective clients should be prepared to meet by video from a stationary, suitable space and not while driving. Stephen aims to create a respectful, goal-oriented space where people can explore next steps and develop practical skills for daily life.
How CBT and Motivational Interviewing Work in Online Therapy
Stephen uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and test unhelpful thoughts and build practical coping skills for anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and workplace stress. CBT sessions focus on concrete strategies such as thought records, behavioral experiments, and skill practice that translate well to remote formats.He also draws on Motivational Interviewing to support people who feel stuck or ambivalent about change; this approach emphasizes collaboration, exploring values, and strengthening motivation through guided conversation. Together these methods help clients set realistic goals and take steady steps toward change in areas like relationships, career decisions, and self-esteem.
Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. He works with clients to assess needs, preferences, and goals and tailors techniques accordingly so the therapeutic plan fits each person's situation. Online formats make it possible to maintain continuity of care while adapting interventions to what works best for the individual.
Practical benefits of remote sessions include greater scheduling flexibility and accessibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options let clients choose ways of working that fit their routines while still engaging in structured, skills-based therapy with a licensed professional.
Frequently asked questions
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Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
10+ years
Licensed
Illinois, North Carolina
Languages
English