Therapist Steve Garufi Photo

Steve Garufi, LPC

Stress, Anxiety Trauma, Abuse Self esteem, Motivation Depression Coping with life changes
Video Messaging

About me

With 19 years of experience, my areas of interest include depression, anxiety, self-image, healing from trauma and abuse, divorce recovery, overcoming shame, life transitional issues, matters of loneliness, and empowering others to pursue their dreams and career aspirations. I earned my B.A. in Political Science at Montclair State University in New Jersey in 1994 and gained my Masters in Counseling at Denver Seminary in 2002. I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado (#4201) and Arizona (#22661).

My counseling approach usually incorporates cognitive-behavioral techniques, Rogerian theories ("person-centered" counseling), and family systems methods. I am passionate about helping my clients feel understood in their time of suffering — with their feelings validated, their life story honored, and their weaknesses, mistakes, failures, longings, etc., accepted without a hint of judgment. While I think I have much to offer my clients, I am not a "know it all" therapist. I want to learn from those who have turned their pain and suffering into something beautiful.

As a resident of Westcliffe, Colorado and Green Valley, Arizona, I enjoy hiking, cycling, and exploring the beautiful landscapes of the American West. I have biked across the USA three times, the latest trip in 2017, and have authored a memoir about my first trip, titled "Under a Triumphant Sky: A Bike Across America Story." I regularly make public presentations about my travel experiences and encourage others to live boldly and to pursue their dreams.

Professional experience

20yrs in practice
Stress, Anxiety Trauma, Abuse Self esteem, Motivation Depression Coping with life changes

Additional areas of focus: Addictions, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Compassion fatigue, Abandonment, Aging and geriatric issues, Attachment issues, Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Blended family issues, Body image, Cancer, Caregiver issues and stress, Chronic pain, illness, and disability, Codependency, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Coping with natural or human-caused disaster, Divorce and separation, Eating and food-related issues, Emptiness, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Fatherhood issues, First responder issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Hoarding, Infidelity, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Veteran and Armed Forces Issues, Money and financial issues, Mood disorders, Multicultural concerns, Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Personality disorders, Post-traumatic stress, Prejudice and discrimination, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-harm, Self-love, Sexual assault and abuse, Social anxiety and phobia, Workplace issues, Young adult issues

Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Existential Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems

Services offered

Video
Messaging

License information

AZ LPC LPC-22691

CO LPC 4201

Reviews

These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Steve Garufi. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.

Steve has helped me get through a difficult time and I would recommend him to anyone who needs support and direction.

Written on Jul 04, 2024 after therapy with Steve for 5 months on issues concerning trauma and abuse

Steve is a kind understanding & non judgmental person. He has great patience & insight. I would recommend Steve’s cheerful countenance to anyone who needs a friendly ear !

Written on Jun 02, 2024 after therapy with Steve for 3 years and 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, self esteem, and coping with life changes

I am extremely grateful for Steve. He is empathic, a great listener, and brings helpful expertise to our sessions.

Written on Feb 28, 2024 after therapy with Steve for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, and compassion fatigue

Steve is an amazing listener, gives great advice and lots of “thinking material” to help improve upon self. Steve makes therapy therapeutic. As a first timer, therapy has exceeded expectations.

Written on Aug 07, 2023 after therapy with Steve for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, and parenting issues

Steve is wonderful to work with. He's down to earth and safe to talk to. Great counselor, great guy!

Written on Jul 05, 2023 after therapy with Steve for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd

Steve is always present in our meetings. I feel heard. And talking with him has really brought me through my hard times and made me emotionally strong and clearer in who I am.

Written on Feb 15, 2023 after therapy with Steve for 4 years and 1 month