SD Portrait of Stephen Dansiger

Stephen Dansiger, LMFT

Calm, practical therapy for stress and trauma

20 years in practice · based in California · sessions in English · online sessions

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About Stephen

Stephen Dansiger is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) in California with 20 years of clinical experience. He focuses on everyday struggles like stress and anxiety and on the lasting effects of trauma and abuse. He also helps people manage anger, build self-esteem, and cope with compassion fatigue.

He aims for respectful, sensitive, and compassionate conversations. Sessions are shaped to fit each person’s story and needs rather than a one-size-fits-all plan.

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Background and approach

Stephen listens for patterns that keep problems returning and works with clients to try different ways of responding. In practice he uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques to address symptoms and life patterns. That can include skills for calming the body, ways to shift upsetting thoughts, and strategies for changing behaviors that cause strain.

He explains tools plainly and practices them together in session so people can try them between meetings. Stephen often focuses on issues that connect to relationships and life transitions. These include abandonment, attachment concerns, codependency, fatherhood issues, family of origin wounds, and midlife or life-purpose questions.

He also supports people facing substance use problems, multicultural concerns, and isolation or loneliness. People who choose him find direct, practical conversation and steady support while they work toward clearer goals. He encourages small, doable steps and checks in on what helps and what does not.

How therapeutic approaches shape online care

Stephen uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on practical change and symptom relief. One common approach emphasizes calming the body and learning simple breathing and grounding skills to reduce anxiety and stress. These techniques help when panic, high tension, or reactivity make daily life hard.

Another approach targets thoughts and behaviors by identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and trying different responses. This work is useful for low self-esteem, anger, and repetitive patterns like codependency or avoidance. It relies on clear exercises and real-life practice between sessions so progress happens outside the appointment.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist listens to what matters most and suggests methods that match a person’s goals and style. Clients and therapist adjust plans over time based on what helps most.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility. Video lets therapists and clients use facial cues and role-play skills. Phone sessions can fit a busy day or need less bandwidth. Live chat and text work well for quick check-ins, ongoing encouragement, or practicing short exercises. These options make it easier to fit therapy into real life and try techniques between meetings.
Explore online therapy options See what online therapy involves and what your next steps would be.

Questions people ask

What concerns does Stephen commonly address?
He works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger, self-esteem, and compassion fatigue. He also focuses on related issues like codependency, addiction, and post-traumatic stress.
What is his therapeutic style like?
He uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques and keeps language plain and practical. Sessions emphasize skills practice, problem-solving, and straightforward conversation.
How much experience does he have?
He has 20 years of professional experience providing therapy in California.
What are his credentials and where is he located?
He is a licensed marriage and family therapist, LMFT, practicing in California.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can be held via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
How are costs handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and uses a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

What this therapist works with

Most often

Experience
20 years
Licensed
California
Languages
English

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