- CBT techniques
- Psychodynamic work
- Mindfulness practice
About Steven
Dr. Steven Hurley is an Illinois psychologist (IL Psychologist 071007009) with 19 years of clinical experience. He helps people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship and intimacy concerns, addictions, grief, sleep problems, anger, low self-esteem, and major life changes. He also addresses issues related to LGBT concerns, family of origin problems, and specific topics such as abandonment, adoption and foster care, body image, and alternative sex culture.
He uses a mix of approaches rather than a single method. Sessions often include practical tools from cognitive behavioral therapy to change unhelpful patterns. He also draws on psychodynamic ideas to look at past influences, existential perspectives about meaning and choice, and mindfulness practices to notice thoughts and feelings. Solution-focused techniques are used to identify clear next steps when appropriate.
Dr. Hurley trained with a Master of Arts in General and Theoretical Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University and earned a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology from the Forest Institute of Professional Psychology. His doctoral work included a focus in marriage and family counseling, neuropsychology, anger management, and biofeedback. He completed clinical placements in a children’s psychiatric hospital, community mental health, and a post-doc residency in substance abuse and rehabilitation.
Across his career he has worked in private practice, taught undergraduate and graduate students, and served as a clinical director in correctional settings. He has also provided care in geriatric home health and assisted veterans with VA disability applications. That variety informs a practical, action-oriented way of working with life transitions and ongoing problems.
In sessions he frames therapy as collaborative. The therapist offers guidance and tools, and the person decides which changes to try. The focus is on helping people make manageable adjustments and learn ways to cope with current stressors and long-standing patterns.
How therapeutic approaches translate to online work
Dr. Hurley uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help people identify unhelpful thoughts and test practical changes in behavior. CBT is often used for anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and many stress-related issues where concrete skill practice helps reduce symptoms.He also uses psychodynamic ideas to look at how past relationships and experiences influence current patterns. That approach helps when recurring relationship problems, attachment issues, avoidance, or long-standing emotional reactions are part of the concern.
Mindfulness methods appear in sessions as simple practices to notice thoughts and bodily sensations without getting swept away. These practices can support anger management, stress reduction, coping with trauma reminders, and attention to emotional signals.
Finding the right mix of methods is part of the work. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and what feels workable, and then suggest a combination of approaches. The client and therapist decide together which techniques to try and how to adjust them over time.
The original profile does not list specific online session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking. In general, remote sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a weekday break, avoid travel time, or choose a shorter check-in when needed. Therapists and licensed professionals adapt exercises, homework, and in-session demonstrations so they can be useful across different session arrangements.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
19+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he work with?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, addictions, relationship and intimacy concerns, grief, sleep problems, anger, self-esteem, and coping with life changes.
How does he approach someone who feels stuck?
He combines practical techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy with exploration of past patterns and mindfulness. The work focuses on identifying manageable changes and small steps forward.
How much experience does he have?
He has 19 years of clinical experience working across private practice, correctional settings, geriatric home health, and teaching roles.
What are his credentials and where does he practice?
He is an Illinois psychologist listed as IL Psychologist 071007009 and practices in Illinois.
Can I work with him if I live outside the U.S.?
Sessions are offered in English and he is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats does he offer?
The original profile does not specify session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How much does therapy cost?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin if I want to try sessions?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.