- Client-centered approach
- CBT and DBT tools
- Goal oriented coaching
About Stephen
Stephen Garman is a licensed counselor who uses a client-centered approach to guide people through stress, anxiety, addiction, relationship strain, and codependency concerns. He draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy to create practical plans that fit a person’s life. Stephen presents himself as a coach who listens and works side-by-side with clients to set realistic goals and build new skills.
He has three years of clinical experience and has worked in crisis settings and with substance abuse. That background informs how he responds to urgent problems and helps people stabilize difficult moments. He also has experience with pastoral counseling and supports people coping with grief, trauma, and the aftereffects of emotional or physical abuse.
In sessions he keeps the tone warm and interactive. He speaks plainly, asks direct questions, and looks for concrete changes a person can try between meetings. Sleep difficulties, motivation, parenting challenges, and career obstacles are described and broken into manageable steps.
Stephen combines talk-based work with practical strategies such as behavior experiments and emotion-regulation skills. He adapts methods to fit each person’s needs and personality rather than following a single formula. The focus is on small, achievable shifts that add up over time.
He also incorporates lifestyle elements when helpful, including basic nutrition and exercise ideas to support mood and sleep. People who want a hands-on, goal-oriented counselor who emphasizes respect and collaboration may find his style a good fit.
How his approaches translate to online work
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on the relationship and on listening closely to what matters most to the person. In practice this means the therapist reflects concerns back, asks questions to clarify goals, and helps people choose the next steps that feel right for them.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behavior. It uses simple experiments and homework tasks to test unhelpful beliefs and build new habits that reduce anxiety, depression, and problematic behaviors.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emphasizes skills for managing strong emotions and improving interpersonal effectiveness. It offers practical tools for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and clearer communication during heated moments.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and preferences. That might mean starting with supportive, client-centered talk and adding CBT or DBT techniques as needed.
Confirm which session formats are currently available before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week and can reduce travel time. Some people appreciate shorter check-ins when schedules are tight, and others prefer a full-length meeting for deeper work. Talk with the therapist about scheduling that fits your routine and what to expect from sessions.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
3+ years
Credentials
Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
Which concerns does he address most often
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship and family problems, trauma and abuse, grief, sleep issues, parenting struggles, anger, self-esteem, bipolar concerns, ADHD, and related areas such as codependency and communication problems.
What is his therapy style like
His style is warm and interactive. He listens closely and uses client-centered conversation plus practical CBT and DBT strategies to set clear, achievable goals.
What kind of background does he bring to sessions
He has three years of experience and has worked in crisis settings, substance abuse treatment, and pastoral counseling, which shapes how he supports people facing urgent or complex issues.
What are his credentials and where is he based
He holds LCPC and LPC credentials and practices in Missouri.
Are sessions available in other languages or internationally
Sessions are offered in English and he is not accepting international clients at this time.
What session formats are offered
Please confirm current session formats before booking so you know whether remote or in-person options are available.
How is cost handled for sessions
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; 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 the short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist’s availability.
Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.