Steven Forsyth, LPC

Steven Forsyth is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Missouri who brings a long-standing commitment to addiction recovery work and holistic mental health care. With 25 years of professional experience, he entered recovery from alcohol and drug use on 5/13/1982 and began his addictions counseling career six years later. His clinical training started with Rational Emotive Therapy and developed into Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), followed by study in Narrative Therapy and Transactional Analysis. Over time his approach broadened to include Motivational Interviewing, the Stages of Change model, Solution-Focused Therapy, relapse prevention strategies, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Internal Family Systems work. His most recent professional certification is in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing - EMDR - earned through the EMDRIA International Institute in November of 2021.

Forsyth favors a holistic perspective that views each person as the product of their total life experiences, and he emphasizes a positively enthusiastic outlook on life and living. He integrates evidence-informed techniques to address a wide range of concerns, including addictions, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship and family issues, grief, and a variety of behavioral and emotional challenges. During the COVID-19 pandemic he became conversant in telehealth methods and now provides therapy via remote formats to meet clients where they are. He combines practical relapse prevention and behavior change strategies with compassion and collaborative goal setting to support lasting progress.

Therapeutic Approaches Adapted for Online Care

Steven Forsyth integrates several evidence-informed approaches into online therapy to meet a range of needs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thought and behavior patterns and developing practical strategies to change them - it is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify their values, practice acceptance of difficult emotions, and take committed action toward meaningful goals - it can be helpful for chronic stress, avoidance, and life transitions. EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a structured method for processing traumatic memories and reducing their emotional intensity; Forsyth completed EMDR certification in November 2021 and applies it when trauma or abuse is a central issue.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process and is handled collaboratively. He works with clients to assess needs, preferences, and goals, then adapts techniques from these methods to create a personalized plan that fits each client's situation.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions by video call or phone allow for real-time interaction, while live chat and text-based messaging provide additional options for communication between or instead of sessions. These formats make it easier to maintain consistent care across schedules and locations and to access a licensed professional when in-person visits are not practical.