Dr. Steven Blakely

Dr. Steven Blakely is a California psychologist with a Ph.D. in psychology and three years of experience listed in clinical practice. He draws on a long personal journey of learning and study to guide people facing anxiety, depression, stress, grief, sleep problems, and mood challenges. He emphasizes mindful attention and acceptance as practical tools in daily life.

He trained at California Graduate Institute for his doctoral degree and completed undergraduate and master work at Pepperdine University. Earlier in his career he worked in hospital settings with inpatient psychiatric patients and spent extended time doing psychological and educational testing for children, adolescents, and adults. He also worked with skilled nursing and assisted living residents on mood and grief concerns.

In sessions he uses mindfulness practice, meditation, and acceptance-based methods alongside cognitive and behavioral techniques. He also draws on hypnotherapy and behavioral medicine when appropriate. His approach centers on simple practices people can use between meetings, such as focused attention exercises and short homework tasks to manage mood and worry.

People who are looking for calm, steady approaches may find his style helpful. He often frames change as learning to notice thoughts and feelings without getting pulled into them. Sessions emphasize present-moment awareness and small, repeatable skills.

Dr. Blakely holds the credential CA Psychologist 20483 and works from California. He conducts therapy in English and combines practical exercises with reflective inquiry to help people cope with life changes.

How his approaches translate to online therapy

Mindfulness Therapy focuses on developing present-moment awareness through simple practices such as breathing, body scans, and noticing thoughts without judgment. It is often used to reduce rumination, support sleep, and manage anxiety and mood swings.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, helps people identify their core values and take committed action even when unpleasant thoughts or feelings are present. It can be useful for stress, avoidance patterns, and coping with life transitions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, targets unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns by using skills like tracking thoughts, testing beliefs, and building new routines. It is often applied for anxiety, depression, panic, and mood regulation.

Finding the right blend of methods is part of the process. The therapist will work collaboratively to choose which approaches match a person's goals, needs, and preferences. That choice can change over time as progress is made and priorities shift.

Confirm the specific session formats before booking, as this profile does not list formats explicitly. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when needed, reduce travel time, and let people use audio-only or lower-bandwidth options if video is difficult. These practical benefits help therapy fit into everyday life without promising a particular format.