About

My name is Steven Laska and am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I am currently working with clients via telehealth. For many years I have worked with adolescents and adults who have come from diverse sub-cultures of society who are experiencing a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, substance abuse, fertility, adoption, parenting, living/dying transitioning, and cross-cultural relationships. My approach My approach to providing therapy is eclectic and depends on the needs of the client. My training has included psycho-dynamic theory, family systems, integral psychology as well as humanistic and transpersonal schools of thought. My focus My clients have ranged in age from adolescents to seniors and have come from various backgrounds with a diversity of issues. My communication style An essential element in working with a therapist is to experience a sense of connection. It has been gratifying to hear my clients suggest that they have felt a positive connection early in the therapeutic relationship. My work is to help the client reflect on their life in a supportive, non-judgmental, and with compassion. My journey to mental healthcare My first job after receiving my undergraduate degree was working with emotionally challenged children in a residential setting. This experience as well as having had a positive therapeutic relationship during a personal life transition, prompted me to make becoming a therapist a priority in my life. My goals for you Goal setting has to do with the issues presented to me and what the client would like to see as an outcome of the therapeutic process. At times, various issues will emerge as the process deepens. Thus, goals may often change. My first session with you Our first session will be spent getting to know why the client has chosen to enter into a therapeutic relationship at this time. My task is to listen and ask questions pertinent to this question.