As a therapist:
I offer a safe and nurturing space where we can freely explore your hopes and aspirations in addition to any difficulties you are experiencing in life.
Whatever those difficulties, you will be met without judgment and provided 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.
I utilize an Integrative Approach including: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Metacognitive Therapy (MCT), Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, and Holistic Therapies (more about these types of therapies on the right).
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.
Though I take health insurance, 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 of the rationale for private pay here.
About Me
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - Traditionally, a short-term therapeutic approach (10-20 sessions, depending on several factors) during which an individual partners with his or her therapist to thoughtfully works on negative thought patterns that lead to unwanted or unhealthy behaviors associated with such negative thoughts. I have practiced CBT in a variety of settings performing individual and group CBT for individuals suffering with depression, anxiety, addictions, and relationship concerns.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) - A dynamic therapeutic approach developed by Stephen Rollnick, PhD and William Miller, PhD in which a therapist utilizes a non-judgemental and non-confrontational approach at assisting individuals in making meaningful changes in their life. Miller and Rollnick describe Motivational Interviewing as "a directive, client-centered counseling style for eliciting behavior change by helping clients to explore and resolve ambivalence (1995)."
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy - Often considered a more "traditional" psychotherapeutic practice, psychodynamic psychotherapy involves a deeper focus on unconcious and subconcious thought processes. Traditionally, this involves a partnership with the therapist to explore the deeper aspects of one's psyche in order to resolve current problems or concerns. Though influenced by a number of early psychoanalaysis forbears, today this therapeutic practice is actually quite modern, practiced by many psychotherapists, and can be highly effective at increasing an individual's awareness and insight.
Holistic Therapeutic Techniques - Additionally, I utilize a number of other therapeutic techniques involved in humanistic psychology: positive psychology, existential psychology, gestalt therapy, body work/Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), family systems, etc.
As a Life Coach, or *Executive Functioning 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.
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 and insured to practice independently in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.