- LGBT issues
- Trauma and abuse
- Parenting support
About Steven
Steven Lanman is a Licensed Certified Social Worker in Maryland (LCSW-C) and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia (LCSW) with 30 years of professional experience. He works with adults who carry worry about relationships, family conflict, trauma, guilt and shame, and a range of mood and behavioral concerns. He also helps people facing addiction, grief, parenting strain, ADHD, and questions tied to identity and LGBT issues.
In sessions he keeps language direct and straightforward. He invites clients to talk about specific moments that trigger guilt or shame and to name the thoughts that keep those feelings alive. Conversations focus on what happened, the meaning given to it, and what the person wants to change going forward.
Steven supports practical problem solving alongside emotional work. That can include making a clearer plan for a difficult conversation, changing unhelpful daily routines, or practicing new ways to respond in stressful moments. He uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques to guide those steps while listening for what matters most to each person.
He has worked across many kinds of clinical settings over three decades, which shapes a pragmatic approach to common life stresses. Sessions aim to be focused and readable so someone juggling work, family, or medical care can take usable steps between meetings.
Steven offers services in English and accepts international clients. If you are considering a first session he asks people to complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule an appointment through the online options.
Therapeutic approaches and how online sessions are used
Steven uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques to help people change the thinking and behaviors that keep guilt and shame active. One common approach focuses on identifying and testing unhelpful thoughts so a person can respond differently in triggering situations. That method helps with persistent self-blame and rumination by making automatic thoughts easier to notice and revise.Another frequent focus is skill-based work that builds concrete coping options. This can include practicing short behavioral changes, communication rehearsals, and planning for difficult conversations so people feel more prepared rather than stuck. Those skills support work on relationship problems, parenting stress, and anxiety related to past events.
Finding the right approach happens together. The therapist will help clients pick methods that match their goals, values, and daily life. Sessions mix discussion and practice, and the plan can change as progress or new issues appear.
If you are considering online sessions, confirm which formats are offered before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when helpful, and reduce travel time. Therapists and licensed professionals often use these practical benefits to keep therapy consistent with real-life demands.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Experience
30+ years
Listed in
Virginia, Maryland
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of guilt or shame does he work with?
He works with guilt and shame tied to relationships, family decisions, past trauma, identity questions, and everyday choices people regret.
How does he approach guilt and shame in therapy?
He helps clients name the thoughts and events that keep these feelings active and then uses practical, evidence-based techniques to shift responses and behavior.
What is his background and experience?
He has 30 years of professional experience in social work settings and brings that long-term clinical experience to individual sessions.
What credentials does he hold and where does he practice?
He is LCSW-C in Maryland and LCSW in Virginia and practices with a Virginia base while holding the Maryland credential as well.
Does he offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients.
What session formats are offered?
The original biography does not list specific session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How are costs handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start a first session?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session through the booking steps provided.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.