About Me
Steven I. Garte-Wolf
B.A. in Anthropology - New College of Florida
Master of Social Work - Boston University
Group Work Graduate Certificate - Boston University
Post-graduate doctoral work - Simmons University
Mr. Garte-Wolf has been providing behavioral and mental health counseling since 2009. Before that, he was a student of diverse human cultures receiving a BA in anthropology and exploring and writing about experiences living or visiting countries in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. He brings these experiences, his education, and his expertise into his day-to-day practice.
He received his graduate degree and graduate certificate at Boston University and is fully licensed to practice independently in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
As a therapist:
I offer a safe space where we can freely explore your hopes and aspirations and challenge the impediments preventing you from living a full and rich life
Whatever those difficulties, you will be met without judgment and provided clear direction and guidance as you make the changes you seek. As I help guide you toward long-lasting change and acceptance, you will further develop many of the strengths and qualities that you already have.
I can help you learn ways to disrupt negative and self-defeating thoughts and behaviors preventing you from realizing self-acceptance, more positive relationships, new ways to deal with difficult people and situations, and skills paramount to living a happier, more fulfilled life. My job is not to become your friend, but to guide you toward healing. Please keep in mind, sometimes change feels uncomfortable, requires patience, and demands practicing self-compassion. If you need help integrating this into therapy, I will help you to do so.
I utilize an Integrative Approach including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy.
Taking that first step to contact a therapist can sometimes be daunting. I will warmly welcome your call and provide you with a brief consultation during which we can assess your goals and expectations.
I WILL BE PHASING MY PRACTICE OFF OF MOST INSURANCES DURING 2022. I WILL REMAIN ON BCBS FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE. There are a number of reasons why I have made this decision, and I have been asked numerous times why someone with (or without) health insurance might pay out of pocket for therapy. Therefore, I have provided an explanation of the rationale for private pay here.
As a Life Coach, or Executive Functioning Skills Coach:
I utilize my clinical knowledge and expertise, as well as specialized skills in this unique coach and "coachee" partnership. Life coaching is utilized by adults, as well as adolescents and school-aged children. I will help you to succeed in your endeavors whether they are professional, academic, or social in nature.
Some individuals require a sounding board, others may partner with me to conceive a new way to think about (cognitive changes) or do (behavioral changes) something important. Each individual will approach life coaching differently and want something unique from the experience. It is okay to be unsure what that looks like at first. I can also provide conflict resolution for couples and families, and assist with financial and career decisions.
Through coaching, I can assist with executive functioning strategies in order to work or learn smarter and not harder through increased organizational and regulation skills to boost time management, self-reliance, planning, and prioritizing abilities.
These services are not border-bound, therefore I can coach individuals regardless of their location (or my own). Nevertheless, I ask the same of my coaching clients I do of my virtual clients who see me in therapy:
Virtual Sessions Checklist:
This will ensure we receive a quality experience throughout our sessions:
1. Find a quiet, private location,
2. With a stable internet connection,
3. Prepare for possible distractions from others,
4. Limit distractions from one's self (playing games, surfing the internet, chatting, etc. while in session),
5. Use a quality camera
6. Consider using headphones for added privacy and quality audio
7. Download the Zoom application in advance and test sound/video/connection
8. Set the room up in advance for the session. Consider how everyone in the room will be seen by the camera and make sure there is enough comfortable furniture for a 50-minute session.