- Person-centered approach
- Mindfulness and CBT
- Works with trauma
About Stephen
Dr. Stephen Bentley is a licensed professional clinical counselor with 32 years of experience. He focuses on helping men and others who are dealing with stress, anxiety, addiction, trauma, depression, ADHD, and relationship or intimacy concerns. He aims to build a practical working relationship where clients feel respected and understood before any deeper work begins.
He uses a person-centered style that emphasizes acceptance and collaboration. Sessions often begin with listening to what matters most to the client. From there he draws on cognitive-behavioral ideas, attachment perspectives, emotionally-focused work, and mindfulness practices to address patterns that cause distress.
Bentley has worked in hospitals, led groups, done crisis intervention, and supervised clinical services. He has supported people facing grief, physical or emotional abuse, chronic illness, and complex co-occurring issues such as substance use alongside mood disorders. His experience includes leadership roles and long-term practice in community mental health settings.
In recent years he has used telehealth as an added way to reach people who find in-person visits difficult. He emphasizes practical steps and clear goals, and he avoids stigmatizing labels when talking about struggles. The aim is steady progress through small, manageable changes.
If someone is ready to make a change he offers supportive guidance and direct discussion about what to work on next. Prospective clients are encouraged to consider whether his collaborative, respectful style feels like a good fit before scheduling a first appointment.
How his approaches translate to online work
Dr. Bentley uses person-centered ideas alongside attachment-based thinking and cognitive-behavioral techniques. Attachment-based work looks at how early relationship patterns influence current connections and helps people change stuck ways of relating. Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and actions and practicing new skills to change mood and behavior.Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. He listens to the client’s goals and preferences, then suggests techniques to try. Over a few sessions they check what helps and adjust the plan together so it fits the client’s needs and pace.
The biography highlights use of telehealth as a useful option that grew during the COVID-19 period. Please confirm which session formats are currently offered before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, cut down travel time, and allow quick check-ins between longer appointments. For some people a remote session can mean a shorter, more focused meeting or an easier way to keep continuity during life changes.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
32+ years
Credentials
Kentucky
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he help with?
He helps with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, depression, ADHD, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, and related concerns listed in his profile.
What is his general approach in sessions?
He practices a person-centered style that emphasizes acceptance and a collaborative relationship, then uses cognitive-behavioral, attachment, emotionally-focused, and mindfulness techniques as needed.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 32 years of experience, including hospital work, group therapy, crisis intervention, supervisory roles, and long-term practice in community settings.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He holds the LPCC credential and is licensed in Kentucky.
Can I work with him if I live outside the United States?
He accepts international clients; sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
The original biography notes use of telehealth in recent years; please confirm current session format options before booking.
How are fees and payment 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 the short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.