- Compassionate listening
- Goal focused steps
- 13 years experience
About Stephen
Stephen Schottgen Jr is a licensed social worker practicing in Alabama. He offers calm, direct support for people dealing with stress, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, depression, addictions, and issues around life change. He tailors conversations to each person and focuses on practical steps that can make daily life more manageable.
Stephen has 13 years of professional experience and holds LICSW and LCSW credentials. He emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and compassion in sessions. He works to meet people where they are and adjusts pace and goals as needed.
His background includes helping people cope with trauma, panic, and compassion fatigue as well as concerns such as ADHD, bipolar symptoms, and sleep problems. He also supports those facing relationship strain, jealousy, infidelity, and the complexities of non-monogamous arrangements. Codependency is a noted focus area for his practice.
Stephen also has experience related to drug and alcohol addiction, first responder issues, immigration and HIV/AIDS related concerns, and fertility challenges. He aims to address guilt, shame, and questions of life purpose alongside practical coping skills.
When someone reaches out, Stephen will build a treatment plan shaped by that person's goals and day-to-day realities. He encourages people to take the first step and offers steady guidance as they work toward clearer priorities and healthier routines.
Therapeutic techniques and how they work online
Stephen draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on practical change. One approach emphasizes skill-building for anxiety and panic - teaching breathing and grounding tools, tracking triggers, and practicing small behavior changes to reduce intense reactions. This helps people manage sudden worry and regain control over daily routines.Another common approach focuses on grief, depression, and codependency by helping clients identify patterns, set clearer boundaries, and build self-directed goals. Work in this area often centers on small, achievable steps to increase self-care and rebuild a sense of purpose.
Finding the right approach is a team effort. The therapist will discuss options, try methods that fit the client's goals, and adjust plans as progress is made. The client and therapist decide together which techniques are most helpful.
Confirm current session options before booking to know which online formats are offered. Online therapy can make it easier to schedule sessions around work and family life, reduce travel time, and allow concise check-ins when time is tight. It can also suit people who prefer a quieter setting or who want to work on skills between in-person visits.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Experience
13+ years
Credentials
Mississippi, Alabama
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does this therapist help with?
Stephen helps people address stress, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, depression, and addictions. He also focuses on codependency, panic, trauma, and related life changes.
What is the therapeutic style like?
Sessions are practical and collaborative with an emphasis on clear steps and supportive conversation. The therapist adapts pace and techniques to match each person's needs.
What kind of experience does he have?
Stephen has 13 years of professional experience working with a range of concerns from mood disorders to addiction and trauma-related issues.
What credentials and location are listed?
He holds LICSW and LCSW credentials and practices in Alabama.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Are international clients accepted?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with this therapist?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then 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.