- Mindfulness based
- Homework oriented
- Practical tools
About Steven
Dr. Steven Blakely brings a background in psychological education and many years of varied clinical work. He holds a Ph.D. in psychology from California Graduate Institute and completed undergraduate and master’s studies at Pepperdine University. He draws on a long history of helping people manage heavy emotions and difficult life moments.
He has worked in inpatient psychiatric settings and with people undergoing psychological and educational testing. He spent years supporting residents in skilled nursing and assisted living, addressing depression, anxiety, worry, and grief among older adults. That experience shaped his focus on practical skills for daily life.
In sessions he emphasizes acceptance, mindfulness, and attention to the present moment. He uses tools like meditation, inquiry work, and therapeutic homework to help people manage mood and quiet the mind. He also has certificates in behavioral medicine and hypnotherapy which inform some of his methods.
Clients can expect straightforward conversation and exercises to practice between meetings. Dr. Blakely aims to help people build routines that reduce reactivity and increase calm. He frames mood stability as an active process of attending to thoughts and sensations without harsh judgment.
His work covers stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping problems, parenting concerns, anger, bipolar symptoms, and coping with life changes. He also focuses on guilt and shame, mood disorders, panic, post-traumatic stress, and social anxiety and phobia.
Approaches that translate well to online care
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, focuses on helping people notice thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them. It encourages choosing actions that match personal values even when emotions are difficult, which can help with anxiety, depression, and life transitions.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the link between thoughts, behaviors, and mood. It uses clear experiments and practice tasks to change unhelpful thinking and build new habits for managing panic, mood swings, and stress.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to pick methods that fit their needs, goals, and preferences. That choice can change over time as progress is made or new challenges appear.
If you plan to try online therapy, confirm which session formats are currently offered before booking, because the biography does not list them. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into workdays, reduce travel time, and allow focused check-ins or homework review from home. They also make it simpler to try brief coaching-style conversations or longer skill-building sessions depending on what someone needs.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
3+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Dr. Blakely address?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, sleep problems, parenting concerns, anger, bipolar symptoms, and coping with life changes.
What therapeutic style does he use in sessions?
His style emphasizes acceptance, mindfulness, and present-moment attention. He blends practical exercises, meditation, and homework to help people manage mood and reactions.
What is his professional background?
He holds a Ph.D. in psychology and has worked in inpatient psychiatric settings, conducted psychological and educational testing, and supported residents in skilled nursing and assisted living.
What credential and location are listed?
He is listed as CA Psychologist 20483 and practices in California.
In which language are sessions offered?
Sessions are offered in English and he does not accept international clients at this time.
Which session formats are available?
Please confirm current session options before booking, as the biography does not specify which formats are offered.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.