Steve Garufi

(MA, LPC)

About Me

With 15 years of experience, my areas of interest include depression, anxiety, self-image, healing from trauma and abuse, divorce recovery, overcoming shame, life transitional issues, matters of loneliness, and empowering others to pursue their dreams and career aspirations. I earned my B.A. in Political Science at Montclair State University in New Jersey in 1994 and gained my Masters in Counseling at Denver Seminary in 2002. I've been a Licensed Professional Counselor (#4201) in Colorado since 2005.

My counseling approach usually incorporates cognitive-behavioral techniques, Rogerian theories ("person-centered" counseling), and family systems methods. I am passionate about helping my clients feel understood in their time of suffering — with their feelings validated, their life story honored, and their weaknesses, mistakes, failures, longings, etc., accepted without a hint of judgment. While I think I have much to offer my clientele, I am not a “know it all” therapist. I want to learn from those who have turned their pain and suffering into something beautiful.

As a resident of Westcliffe, Colorado, I enjoy hiking, cycling, and exploring the beautiful landscapes of the American West. I have biked across the USA three times, the latest trip in 2017, and have authored a memoir about my first trip, titled "Under a Triumphant Sky: A Bike Across America Story." I regularly make public presentations about my travel experiences and encourage others to live boldly and to pursue their dreams.

Specialties

  • Stress, Anxiety
  • Trauma and abuse
  • Self esteem
  • Depression

I also have experience in Addictions, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder

Years of Experience: 15

Services Offered


  • Messaging

  • Live Chat

  • Phone

  • Video

Licensing

LPC #4201 (Expires: 2019-08-31)

Reviews

Written by J.U. on Oct 07, 2018 after counseling with Steve for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and intimacy-related issues

I can’t describe how well Steve has helped me through everything I was going through.

Written by K.I. on Sep 15, 2018 after counseling with Steve for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, family, eating, sleeping, self esteem, anger, and career

Steve is a great guy and a very astute counselor. He is able to see through and see what matters. He is a very compassionate and life-loving individual. All of that counts!

Written by D.E. on Sep 06, 2018 after counseling with Steve for 2 weeks

Steve is very open and quickly catches on to topics that need discussion. He is comfortable to talk with and totally non judgmental.

Written by N.A. on Aug 28, 2018 after counseling with Steve for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, relationship, family, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related, self esteem, and bipolar

Steve offers guidance in the exact way that I’ve been looking for. His approach has been goal-oriented with me being able to start seeing progress and recognize patterns quicker. He listens and has compassion, is very authentic and genuine, and has an interest in helping me experience actual growth. I think BetterHelp did an excellent job matching me with him.

Written by J.A. on Aug 24, 2018 after counseling with Steve for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship, and self esteem

Steve is pretty awesome. I really needed someone to talk to and not only did he listen, but he also told a story that related to what I was going through. This helped me tremendously and really made me comfortable enough to open up and pour myself out. When you’ve suppressed emotions for years, that’s a huge step in the right direction. Thank you Steve.

Written by T.O. on Aug 15, 2018 after counseling with Steve for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, eating, sleeping, and self esteem

A great support, really easy to connect with. Will prove you with as little or as much feedback as you want. I really appreciate his work and he’s helping me fight through my depression caused by chronic pain.

Written by A.S. on Aug 12, 2018 after counseling with Steve for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship, family, intimacy-related, eating, self esteem, and career

Since starting BetterHelp I have felt better in my life and more in control of my feelings. Steve really understands me. He is caring, soft spoken, funny, and encourages me to be the best me I can be. I am so thankful I started this it has helped me already and I am thankful I am getting the help I need and a good price

Written by N.I. on Aug 06, 2018 after counseling with Steve for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, sleeping, and self esteem

Steve has done a great job listening to me and giving me the space to decide what path I want our sessions to take. I am so grateful for his knowledge and expertise. Thanks Steve!

Written by A.D. on Jul 25, 2018 after counseling with Steve for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family, grief, and self esteem

Steve is a very friendly, caring, and responsive counselor. I appreciated that he instantly sought to build rapport by utilizing video conferencing, thereby making the BetterHelp experience more personal. He understands that relationships and trust are a big part of breaking down the walls and finding healing. Everything is on the patient's own time, and that is reassuring. Highly recommend.

Written by J.E. on Jul 10, 2018 after counseling with Steve for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, intimacy-related, and self esteem

I have only been working with Steve for a few weeks, but it's been amazing. He asks things of me that I never considered, and has helped me a lot in such a short time. I cannot wait to see what is going to happen during our time working together. So glad I gave myself the chance to find the counselor for me.

Written by P.A. on Jul 06, 2018 after counseling with Steve for 1 week on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship, trauma and abuse, grief, and self esteem

Steve was absolutely so helpful in just the few days that we talked. Due to my poor internet connection I had to switch counselors. He really cares and helps you in all the best ways that he possibly can.

Written by B.E. on Jun 27, 2018 after counseling with Steve for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship, family, trauma and abuse, and parenting

Steve is an excellent counselor and has been very helpful in the short time I have worked with him! I appreciate his flexibility and willingness to help.

Written by V.I. on Jun 20, 2018 after counseling with Steve for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship, trauma and abuse, sleeping, self esteem, anger, and career

What I like to say about Mr. Garufi is that this man has helped me more in the month I have talked to him than my Veterans affairs therapist has done in 3 years. I am so glad I was matched up with him.

HE DESERVES A RAISE OR A PARTY!!!!

Written by A.L. on Jun 15, 2018 after counseling with Steve for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and intimacy-related

Steve is simply amazing. He is encouraging, empathetic, and just wonderful. He helped me through some pretty serious anxiety issues.

Written by A.L. on Jun 13, 2018 after counseling with Steve for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, sleeping, and self esteem

He is one of the best counselors I’ve had. I feel like he actually cares about me and gives me amazing advice.