Steven Anderson, M.S.
Steven earned a Master’s in Psychology in General Clinical Psychology from Eastern Michigan University, where he specialized in individuals experiencing anxiety, ADHD, and interpersonal difficulties. He primarily utilizes a psychodynamic approach and has training in several interpersonal therapies including Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), and the Core Conflictual Relationship Theme (CCRT) method.
Prior to psychology, Steven worked as a high school religion teacher. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from Sacred Heart Major Seminary. His experience working with adolescents led him to pursue a career in psychology after seeing the significant need for mental health support among young people afflicted by anxiety. He is particularly interested in helping clients better understand their relationships and patterns of interaction, as well as exploring the ways faith and religion can influence mental health.
Excerpts from an Interview
Q. Steven, how do you find meaning in your work as a counselor?
A: When I was a teacher, I heard my students reveal not only their pain and struggles, but their goals and aspirations for how they wanted to live their lives. I became a therapist to be a resource and confidant for those that needed something other than what their life was giving them. In my work as a therapist, watching individuals learn more about themselves, grow in their abilities to cope with hardship, and meet their goals, has brought significant meaning and purpose to my life.
Q. How do you find the strength to deal with other people's pain and suffering you encounter daily?
A: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” Philippians 2:3-4
Nobody is suffering as much as the person who comes through the door. In working as both a teacher and therapist, I have learned to appreciate and honor the vulnerability that clients show by sharing their deepest secrets, shame, and fears with me. In recognizing the courage my clients have and viewing my profession through the lens of humility, I am able to cope with the challenges of clinical psychology.
Q. How do you integrate the science of psychology with Christian values as a therapist at the Family Counseling Center?
A: Some of the first forms of therapy were the spiritual directors and confessors that are found throughout Church history. Clinical psychology has continued to build on these foundational elements, and through scientific discovery, has advanced in understanding best practices for individuals to grow in managing anxiety, depression, interpersonal conflict.
In working with clients, I integrate various forms of evidence based therapy strategies. However, if a client identifies spirituality and religion as a core value, I also intertwine spirituality into the treatment plan. The healings that take place in the gospels are not only physical, but are consistently related to mental health as well. I always strive to be a therapist that allows space for my clients to grow in their spirituality as part of their mental health.
Q. What do you say to clients who are not Christian who seek services from you?
A: As a prior teacher and currently as a therapist, I have worked with individuals from a variety of religious, non-religious, and cultural backgrounds. I do not believe therapy is a tool or avenue for evangelization. I help others in my role as a therapist because I am a Christian, not because they are.