Stephen (Steve) Yates , LMFT

Stephen (Steve) Yates is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with 35 years of clinical experience working with individuals, couples, and families across inpatient and outpatient settings. He brings a wide-ranging background that includes training as a hostage negotiator, experience in spiritual counseling, and past certification in hypnotherapy, which together inform a flexible, client-focused approach to care.

Stephen does not rely on a single method; instead he integrates techniques from evidence-informed frameworks to suit each person or relationship. He has supported people facing mild to severe mental health challenges, including stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship and intimacy concerns, parenting and family conflicts, grief, and mood disorders. He also works with issues such as addiction, codependency, OCD, and life transitions.

Stephen emphasizes practical ideas and methods that may differ from what a client has tried before, aiming to help clients feel and function better as efficiently as possible. As an LMFT he specializes in relational dynamics and family systems, and his goal is to find what works best for each client so they can make meaningful progress toward their goals.

Approaches for Online Therapy and How They Help

Stephen integrates several practical approaches that translate well to remote work. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - ACT - helps clients clarify personal values and build psychological flexibility by learning to accept difficult thoughts while committing to meaningful action; it is often useful for anxiety, stress, and life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT - focuses on identifying and testing unhelpful thinking patterns and changing behavior through structured techniques; it is commonly used for depression, anxiety, and mood regulation. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathetic listening and collaboration, giving clients space to explore their goals and find solutions at their own pace, which can be especially helpful for relationship and self-esteem concerns.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process, and Stephen works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. He tailors sessions and adjusts strategies over time to improve fit and effectiveness.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can occur by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging - making it easier to fit support into busy schedules, accommodate different comfort levels, and maintain continuity of care across distances.