About Me
I’m Steven Monroe, LMFT
A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and my work is centered on helping people understand themselves and their relationships more deeply. Many of the clients who find their way to me are thoughtful, capable adults who have done a lot of self-reflection, yet still feel stuck in familiar emotional or relational patterns. They often know what is happening in their relationships, but not how to change it in a way that lasts.
I bring both professional training and lived experience into the therapy room. Before becoming a therapist, I spent many years working in the entertainment industry, which gave me a deep understanding of pressure, identity, creativity, and the emotional complexity that often lives beneath outward success. Alongside that professional path, my own recovery journey and commitment to secure attachment in my family life continue to shape how I work with clients today.
My Approach to Therapy
My approach blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, psychodynamic insight, and attachment-focused work. I help clients understand how early family experiences, coping strategies, and emotional habits continue to influence present-day relationships. Together, we look at both the emotional experience and the patterns underneath it.
In couples and family therapy, I often talk about “diagnosing the dance.” This means slowing down moments of conflict so we can clearly see how each person’s reactions affect the other. Once those patterns are understood, we work on de-escalation, communication tools, and experiential exercises that create new, healthier ways of relating. I am supportive and empathetic, while also being clear and directive when structure is needed.
I believe therapy should feel safe, but not stagnant. My goal is to help clients make real, measurable progress and eventually reach a point where they no longer need me.
Who I Work With
I primarily work with adults between the ages of 35 and 49, including professionals, creatives, business owners, educators, and caregivers who are balancing work, relationships, and family life. Many grew up in homes with emotional neglect, high conflict, or rigid expectations, and learned coping strategies that once helped them survive but now interfere with connection.
I often work with couples who feel stuck in repetitive arguments, emotional distance, or breaches of trust. Some are navigating infidelity, parenting stress, or long-standing resentment. Others are new parents trying to maintain connection while adjusting to major life changes. A shared motivation for many clients is the desire to break intergenerational patterns and model healthier relationships for their children.
I also work with individuals and families seeking support during recovery, helping them address underlying emotional patterns, strengthen relationships, and create stability during a vulnerable time.
What You Can Expect Working With Me
Clients often tell me they appreciate that I meet them where they are emotionally while still offering clear guidance. I validate feelings without getting stuck in blame, and I help clients build awareness, empathy, and practical skills they can use outside of session.
