Feel like the world wasn't built for you? (Yeah, me too.)
There's a place where you belong, and I can help you find it.
Hey. I'm Steve.
I'm a licensed therapist, but these days my work — and how I do it – would be better described as coaching. But that's just a label, and I'm not a fan of those.
Here's the part that really matters: I help people develop the clarity, confidence, and courage they need to design a life that fits them, and to turn that vision into reality.
That might look like:
- Finally feeling comfortable in your own skin.
- Setting boundaries without guilt or second-guessing.
- Doing the things you've always wanted to do – but kept avoiding.
- Turning that business idea you've been sitting on into something real.
Sound like what you're looking for? Keep reading.
Who I help
My clients don’t fit neatly into the usual boxes. If any of this sounds familiar, though, you're probably in the right place.
You're smart, aware, and a deep thinker.
You have creative ideas and spot patterns others miss. It’s a gift—until it spirals into overthinking and analysis paralysis.
You’re perceptive, intuitive, and emotionally attuned.
You pick up on shifts in tone and energy most people miss. It helps you read the room, but it's also draining. You’ve probably been told you’re “too sensitive.” (You’re not.)
You’re adaptable— sometimes too adaptable.
You learned to figure things out on your own (latchkey kid?) You can function almost anywhere, but somewhere along the way, you might have lost track of who you are.
You’re curious and creative.
Your brain loves ideas and possibilities ... but those sparks often get smothered by fear, doubt, or other people’s wants, needs, and expectations.
Regardless of how you might appear to others, you don't fit in the “normal” box.
Sometimes, that’s been empowering. Often, it’s isolating. The gap between who you are and what the world expects? Very real, and ultimately exhausting.
And yeah—relationships are hard.
You try. You give. You accommodate. But the connection you’re hoping for rarely comes back your way. And that hurts.
A common objection
But now? It might be the very thing keeping you stuck.
Asking for help can feel strange, even uncomfortable.
But it’s not weakness.
It’s the next step forward.
How it Works
No one-size-fits-all formula here. The work is individualized and collaborative. In sessions, we'll explore what’s showing up for you, where you want to go, what’s in the way, and how to move forward. My role is to be a supportive guide, helping you navigate that path with compassion, insight, and humor.
— AL
There's a few different ways we can work together, from a one-off Compass Call to ongoing support. While each package looks a bit different, most include:
- Regular phone calls where you get to be fully yourself – no need to perform or put on a front.
- Optional asynchronous support between calls
- Ideas, prompts, or ideas to explore between sessions
How to determine what's right for you? That's what the consultation call is for.
-DT
FAQ
Is this coaching? Therapy? Something else?
While I am a licensed therapist, coaching is a better word for most of the work I do these days. It's collaborative, future-focused, and action-oriented. That said, if therapy is the right approach for your situation, and you're in California, we can work together that way, instead.
How long do you usually work with clients?
For some clients, it's just a few months while they tackle a specific challenge. For others it's longer-term, because value the ongoing support of having a trusted advisor help them navigate through life.
How do I know if we're a fit?
The best way to figure that out is for us to have a conversation, which is why I offer free consultations. In talking about what you're looking for help with, exploring how I'd work with you, and addressing any questions you have, we'll get a pretty good sense of whether we'd work well together.
What kinds of things do people bring to you?
Whatever's got them stuck between where they are and where they want to be. Some days people bring concrete, specific problems. Other times, it's more messy and amorphous. Both are ok!
A little more about me
I’ve been a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (Lic #MFC43212) in California since 2006. My own struggles with feeling like I was an outsider who was 'too sensitive' and 'too nice' led me to this work, and over the last 20+ years, I’ve had the privilege to support hundreds of people on their journeys. Outside of work, you might find me reading, playing games with my family, helping the dogs at our local animal shelters, making music, or eating pizza & drinking something fizzy.
— NS
What's next?
If this resonates and feels like it might fit what you're looking for, the next step is simple: schedule a free consultation. We'll connect, explore where you're stuck and what you're looking for help with. If it makes sense at that point, we can also talk through next steps, but there's no expectation or obligation.
Either way, you'll leave with more clarity and a few useful ideas or resources to take with you.
If you're not sure about a call, you can subscribe to my newsletter down below for occasional emails with insights, tools, and resources to help support you on your path. You’ll also get a short course I created: The 3 Patterns That Keep Smart, Sensitive People Stuck—And How to Start Unwinding Them.
Whether or not we end up working together, I hope you find a path that connects you to yourself and to a life that feels more empowered, more fulfilling, and more true to you. Keep moving forward.