Therapist profile
Stephen Creel, LMFT
LMFT focused on family and parenting concerns
Continue with StephenAbout
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Trauma-focused care
About Stephen
Stephen Creel is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in California with 24 years of experience. He works with adults who are coping with stress, anxiety, addiction, trauma, depression, relationship strain, parenting pressures, grief, and related concerns. Stephen speaks English and uses practical, person-focused approaches to help people make changes in everyday life.
He trained at Pepperdine University, earning a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology in 2001. Before becoming a therapist he worked as a musician in Hollywood, an experience he says taught him about hope, disappointment, and resilience. That background informs his direct, down-to-earth way of talking about hard things.
Stephen often frames problems as coming from painful beliefs about the self - ideas like not being good enough or not being wanted. He helps people notice those beliefs and test whether they still fit. Sessions focus on recognizing patterns and trying different ways of thinking and behaving to see what helps in daily life.
He has worked in rehabilitation settings and private practice, supporting people dealing with substance issues, trauma, codependency, mood difficulties, panic, and process addictions among others. His work uses clear, collaborative methods rather than lectures or long theories.
People who prefer an approachable, practical therapist may find his style useful. He aims to work together with each person to identify workable steps and changes that reduce distress and improve how life feels at home.
How sessions work
How Stephen's approaches translate to online work
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and understanding the person's experience without directing them. It helps when someone needs a respectful space to talk through parenting stress, relationship strain, or grief. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions and uses practical exercises to change unhelpful patterns. CBT is often used for anxiety, depression, panic, and patterns like codependency.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Stephen will talk with the client about goals and preferences and then suggest methods to try. He treats the choice of approach as collaborative and will adjust methods based on what helps over time.
Session formats are not listed in the provided biography, so confirm current online session options before booking. In general, online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. Talk with him about what fits your schedule and comfort so sessions can be arranged to match everyday life needs.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
24+ years
Listed in
California, Texas, Virginia
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he help with?
He helps with stress, anxiety, addiction, trauma, depression, relationship strain, parenting pressures, grief, and related issues.
What is Stephen's therapeutic style?
He practices a collaborative, person-focused style that looks at unhelpful beliefs and tests new ways of thinking and acting.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 24 years of clinical experience, including work in rehabs and private offices since completing his master’s degree in 2001.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is an LMFT licensed in Texas and California and is based in California.
Does he see clients in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can I work with him from another country?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions arranged and how much do they cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is in danger, use the crisis numbers.