- Goal oriented
- Problem solving
- Client focused
About Steven
Steven Lai is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than three decades of practice. He brings long experience in clinical social work and a steady focus on helping people manage their difficulties. He presents as caring, respectful, and attentive to each person's needs.
He has worked as a therapist, counselor, case manager, clinical supervisor, and mental health clinic director. That background has involved work with adults, adolescents, children, and families. His goal is to help people feel better and resolve difficult problems they are facing.
Steven uses a goal-oriented, problem-solving style in sessions. He often uses cognitive behavioral therapy strategies to challenge negative thoughts and boost motivation for change. He also draws on client-centered therapy ideas to keep conversations focused on each person's priorities and experiences.
In practical terms, sessions aim to identify concrete steps and skills that make day-to-day life more manageable. He helps people address stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, depression, relationship and family concerns, parenting, sleeping and eating issues, anger, self-esteem, career questions, bipolar concerns, and trauma or abuse. He also pays attention to prejudice and discrimination and to building self-love.
Steven trained at The Hunter School of Social Work, earning a Master of Social Work in 1990, and holds a Pennsylvania Licensed Clinical Social Worker credential. He practices from Pennsylvania and conducts sessions in English.
How his approaches inform online therapy
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on the person's perspective. The therapist listens closely, reflects what matters to the client, and follows their goals. This approach helps when someone needs acceptance and a space to sort through feelings.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts, feelings, and actions connect. Sessions often include identifying unhelpful thoughts and practicing skills to change behaviors and mood. CBT is useful for anxiety, depression, stress, and problems that respond to step-by-step tools.
Choosing the right approach is a joint process. The therapist will talk with the client about needs, goals, and personal preferences. Together they will try methods that fit and adjust the plan as progress unfolds.
Please confirm current session options before booking, as the biography does not list specific formats. Many people find online sessions helpful because they can fit therapy into workdays, reduce travel time, and make short check-ins easier. Others prefer a longer weekly visit to focus on deeper issues. Licensed professionals can adapt client-centered and CBT techniques to work well in remote sessions, helping clients practice skills between meetings and track small changes over time.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
32+ years
Listed in
Pennsylvania
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Steven commonly address?
He works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, depression, relationship and family concerns, parenting, sleep and eating problems, anger, self-esteem, career questions, bipolar concerns, and trauma or abuse.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
Sessions are goal oriented and problem solving. He often uses cognitive behavioral strategies and keeps the work focused on practical steps that help day-to-day functioning.
What is his background in clinical work?
He has 32 years of experience and has served as a therapist, case manager, clinical supervisor, and mental health clinic director.
What credentials and region are associated with this therapist?
He holds a Master of Social Work from The Hunter School of Social Work and is a Pennsylvania Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Pennsylvania.
Which languages are offered for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Are international clients accepted?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How does billing and cost work?
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?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.