Stephen Creel, LMFT

Stephen Creel is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with 24 years of clinical experience. He practices in California and works with people dealing with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, depression, relationship and family concerns, grief, intimacy issues, parenting challenges, anger, career strain, and life changes.

Before training as a therapist, Stephen worked as a professional musician in Hollywood. That background shaped how he listens and how he talks with people about hopes and disappointments. He completed a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University in 2001 and moved into work at rehabs and private offices supporting recovery from substance use, trauma, mood problems, codependency, and related struggles.

Stephen uses practical, interactive methods in sessions. He focuses on identifying unhelpful beliefs people hold about themselves - ideas like not being good enough or not being wanted. He helps people notice those thoughts and try different responses to them. Sessions aim to be straightforward and focused on real-life changes.

His approach combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with client-centered work, trauma-focused methods, EMDR, and motivational interviewing when appropriate. Stephen treats the process as a collaboration - he and the person set goals and test new ways of coping together. This often includes practicing new skills between sessions.

People who come for help find a therapist who draws on many years of experience in addiction and trauma care. He speaks English and practices in California. Before scheduling, confirm current session formats and practical details through the site's booking flow.

Using CBT and trauma-focused methods in online sessions