Steven Sanfilippo

Steven Sanfilippo is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) based in New York. He offers a straightforward, collaborative approach for people who want to change how they feel and function. Many who reach out are dealing with stress, anxiety, anger, depression, relationship strain, or questions about identity and intimacy.

He uses a mix of approaches to match each person's needs, including client-centered work, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing. Sessions focus on practical steps and on understanding what gets in the way of goals. Steven emphasizes meeting people where they are and building from their strengths.

Steven has 11 years of clinical experience. That time includes helping people navigate grief, trauma and abuse, addictions, sleep problems, and career concerns. He also works with issues related to LGBT identity and family stress in individual sessions.

Spirituality can be part of the work when a person wants it. He is comfortable discussing spiritual practice and offering guidance about regular practices, but belief is not required to work together. The emphasis stays on what helps the individual feel and function better.

The first step is a clear conversation about goals and preferences. From there Steven tailors sessions to focus on skill-building, motivation, and moments of insight that lead to change. He aims to help people take manageable steps toward a life that feels better.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online work

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening, empathy, and building a clear picture of what the person wants to change; online sessions use that same collaborative conversation to set goals and priorities. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) emphasizes skills for regulating emotions, tolerating distress, and improving relationships, and those skills can be taught and practiced in virtual sessions with real-life homework. Mindfulness therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce reactivity and help people pause before acting, which can be useful for stress, anger, and anxiety.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will work with the client to identify which methods match their needs, goals, and preferences. This is a collaborative decision that can change as progress is made or as new priorities appear.

Session formats are not specified in the provided biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, shorten travel time, and allow for flexible scheduling around work or family commitments. It can also let people practice skills in the settings where they actually live and work, then bring those experiences back to sessions for review and adjustment.