About

Hello, my name is Stephan Paul Ouellette. I have been a licensed clinical social worker in the state of California since 2000. I approach therapy from a client-centered, collaborative, empathic, and strengths-based perspective. I have 25-plus years of experience working with folks living with HIV/AIDS and from the LGBTQ-plus communities. My approach I draw from a range of evidence-based theoretical frameworks in my practices including CBT, ACT, DBT, and motivational interviewing. I often encourage my clients to apply mindfulness strategies to better understand the links between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. My focus My primary focus is helping clients to proactively respond to such conditions as depression, anxiety, grief and bereavement, substance use and abuse concerns, and adjustment to chronic and sometimes life-threatening health conditions. My communication style I strive to create an environment that is warm, affirming, non-judgmental, and most importantly safe. I feel this environment is key to helping clients share their life stories in an open and honest way. My journey to mental healthcare I have always been drawn to helping people tell their life stories and to look at and understand them in new and different ways. I believe firmly that people endeavor to cope and respond to life challenges with the tools and skills that are available to them. Sometimes these tools stop working or never worked in the first place and I am passionate about helping people learn new ways of coping to thrive and live the best lives possible. My goals for you My approach to goal setting is client-centered, collaborative, and solution-focused. Goal setting is a dynamic process that should be tailored and revised on an ongoing basis and needs and circumstances change. My first session with you Our first session is a chance for me to begin to get to know you, your strengths and challenges as well as your goals and hopes for therapy.