- Person-centered approach
- Mindfulness and CBT
- Works with complex issues
About Stephen
Dr. Stephen Bentley is a licensed professional clinical counselor with 32 years of experience. He helps people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, addiction, trauma, and life changes. He aims to build a simple, respectful working relationship where clients feel heard and able to make changes.
He keeps sessions focused on the client’s needs and priorities. He uses a person-centered style that emphasizes acceptance and collaboration. That means listening first, then working on goals you both agree on.
His background includes hospital work, crisis intervention, group and individual therapy, and long-term practice leadership. He has held director and supervisor roles for more than a decade and has been with the same organization for about 20 years. This range of settings has shaped a practical approach to common problems people face.
In sessions he mixes methods such as cognitive behavioral ideas, emotion-focused work, attachment-based thinking, and mindfulness. He avoids stigmatizing labels and treats people with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. The aim is to reduce symptoms and improve day-to-day functioning through realistic steps.
He has worked with clients on issues including ADHD, depression, bipolar disorder, grief, intimacy and relationship concerns, parenting strain, chronic pain and illness, and caregiver stress. He also supports people navigating identity-related concerns, such as LGBT matters, and complicated life events like adoption and abandonment.
If someone is ready to seek change, he offers guidance and steady support. Prospective clients should use the site’s Start Therapy process to match and schedule sessions.
He keeps sessions focused on the client’s needs and priorities. He uses a person-centered style that emphasizes acceptance and collaboration. That means listening first, then working on goals you both agree on.
His background includes hospital work, crisis intervention, group and individual therapy, and long-term practice leadership. He has held director and supervisor roles for more than a decade and has been with the same organization for about 20 years. This range of settings has shaped a practical approach to common problems people face.
In sessions he mixes methods such as cognitive behavioral ideas, emotion-focused work, attachment-based thinking, and mindfulness. He avoids stigmatizing labels and treats people with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. The aim is to reduce symptoms and improve day-to-day functioning through realistic steps.
He has worked with clients on issues including ADHD, depression, bipolar disorder, grief, intimacy and relationship concerns, parenting strain, chronic pain and illness, and caregiver stress. He also supports people navigating identity-related concerns, such as LGBT matters, and complicated life events like adoption and abandonment.
If someone is ready to seek change, he offers guidance and steady support. Prospective clients should use the site’s Start Therapy process to match and schedule sessions.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injuryTrichotillomaniaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems
Experience
32+ years
Credentials
Kentucky
Languages
English
How therapeutic approaches translate to online work
Attachment-based work focuses on relationships and how early bonds affect current connections; online sessions can explore patterns in how people relate and respond in close relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) looks at thoughts and behaviors and uses practical exercises to shift patterns; it often involves homework and step-by-step strategies that translate well to remote sessions. Mindfulness therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce reactivity and manage stress; these practices can be guided in session and practiced between meetings.Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will listen to goals, try methods, and adjust based on what helps. That means clients and therapist decide collaboratively which ideas and exercises fit day-to-day life.
The therapist’s biography notes tele-health as a useful tool, but please confirm current session formats before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and make it possible to meet from different locations. It can also let people use exercises and worksheets in real time during a session. Licensed professionals will work with clients to match approach and logistics so sessions feel practical and manageable.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, depression, ADHD, and related issues such as grief, intimacy, eating concerns, and career stress.
What is his therapeutic style like?
His style is person-centered and collaborative. He listens first, then blends approaches such as cognitive behavioral techniques, attachment-based ideas, emotion-focused work, and mindfulness to fit each person.
How much experience does he have?
He has practiced for 32 years, including hospital work, crisis intervention, group and individual therapy, and more than ten years as a director and supervisor.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is an LPCC and is licensed in Kentucky as KY LPCC. He has substantial experience working within Kentucky settings.
Can I work with him if I live outside the United States?
He accepts international clients. Sessions are offered in English.
Which session formats are available?
The original biography notes tele-health has been used recently. Please confirm current session format options before booking through the site.
How are fees handled?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with him?
Use the Start Therapy button on the site, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.