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
  • Coping with life changes
Also experienced in:
Addictions , Relationship issues , Family conflicts , Grief , Intimacy-related issues , Eating disorders , Parenting issues , Anger management , Career difficulties , Bipolar disorder , Compassion fatigue , Abandonment , Codependency , Read more...

Clinical approaches:
Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Narrative Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy

Years of Experience: 16

Services Offered


  • Messaging

  • Live Chat

  • Phone

  • Video

Licensing

LPC #4201 (Expires: 2021-08-01)

Reviews

Written by W.I. on Jun 05, 2020 after counseling with Steve for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and self esteem

Steve is a uniquely kind and empathetic individual who does a great job of making me feel heard and understood. I appreciate that he checks in outside of sessions, which reminds me that someone cares.

Written by J.A. on May 15, 2020 after counseling with Steve for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and coping with life changes

He’s helping me work thru the crazy drama that has been and is my life. And helping me deal with the disappointments I’ve been having dealing with my health issues and stay positive that something out there will help me someday. I mean there are advances everyday right? So I’ve needed someone like Steve to talk things thru. And help me not to spiral down in the process. Which is a massive help. Because having as much drama as I do in my history and as many current health issues (which have caused a lot of those dramas or made them overwhelming to face) has been a task I have avoided for a long time because I have needed a safe place to face them in. And Steve is giving me the safe place (from the safety of my bed thanks to the platform) to finally face some of the things that feel like they’ve been haunting me my whole life.
Thank you.

Written by J.E. on May 05, 2020 after counseling with Steve for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, eating disorders, self esteem, and bipolar disorder

Steve was always kind and always pushing me to challenge myself. He was great at allowing me to work through things without being pushy.

Written by B.R. on Apr 30, 2020 after counseling with Steve for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and adhd

I love Steve he is a strong support for me, a good friend & a very caring person. He listens with his whole heart. I can tell he's thinking of me when he sends out weekly writings & articles & he personally checks in with me every week. What a Wonderful Guy!

Written by T.A. on Apr 20, 2020 after counseling with Steve for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and compassion fatigue

Steve is the best!!! I've had a few counselors before, and Steve is the first one that made me feel fully seen, heard, and cared for. His passion for living life to the full is inspiring and has rubbed off on me for sure! He has the biggest heart and is so caring, while not babying me and really pushing me to be the best I can be. He's totally helped me navigate my emotions and has made me feel safe and good in my own skin. I could go on forever. Like someone else said in these reviews.

HE FOR SURE SHOULD GET A RAISE OR A PARTY!

Written by C.J. on Mar 28, 2020 after counseling with Steve for 7 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, and compassion fatigue

When in need, Steve is a person I immediately think to turn to. I appreciate his empathy and care.

Written by R.A. on Mar 09, 2020 after counseling with Steve for 1 month on issues concerning career difficulties, and coaching

Steve actually makes therapy fun. He understands my concerns, and offers a ton of inspiration to live my best. I am doing great! Thank you Steve!

Written by C.H. on Mar 02, 2020 after counseling with Steve for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, and career difficulties

I’ve only had one appointment so far with Steve but in those 50 minutes I felt immediately better talking about the things that have been keeping me down and upset. It’s good to have someone like him around and I’m glad he’s my counselor.

Written by B.R. on Feb 28, 2020 after counseling with Steve for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and compassion fatigue

We have had only three sessions but I feel Steve has already helped shape and guided me onto a pathetic of healing, understanding and learning. I look forward to what the next few sessions hold.

Written by J.O. on Feb 25, 2020 after counseling with Steve for 4 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem

In the few sessions that I have had with Steve, I have felt instantly heard, understood, and supported. He has been able to challenge my way of thinking in a positive way and has helped me start on the journey of taking better care of myself.

Written by R.O. on Feb 23, 2020 after counseling with Steve for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety

Steve was such a compassionate and gracious person for me to talk through as I was struggling through some anxiety issues. Between sessions he sent me encouraging notes and videos to help keep me focused on gratitude and moving forward in a thankful posture. I’d highly recommend Steve.

Written by S.E. on Feb 21, 2020 after counseling with Steve for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and coping with life changes

Great guy amazing to work with

Written by K.Y. on Feb 14, 2020 after counseling with Steve for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, compassion fatigue, and adhd

He's good at what he does and I would totally recommend him to a family member or close friend

Written by K.I. on Feb 14, 2020 after counseling with Steve for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, anger management, career difficulties, and adhd

I have just started to use BetterHelp and speaking with Steve but it has been all positive so far.

Written by R.O. on Feb 06, 2020 after counseling with Steve for 2 weeks on issues concerning self esteem

Very attentive, honest and open in our talks -- which I appreciate a great deal.

Written by J.E. on Jan 30, 2020 after counseling with Steve for 1 week on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and self esteem

I had seen BetterHelp a few times on social media and signed up a few different times but didn’t actually go through with it the first couple of times. This time was no different. What convinced me to actually follow through with it is that Steve introduces himself and than 2 days later checked in with me because I didn’t commit to it. So I committed and it’s really helped not only me but it’s helped my husband even though I’m the one that signed up for the counselling. I felt really comfortable with Steve right from the start. I find it calming to talk to him about anything and it’s opened my husband up to talk to me about his past issues instead of getting frustrated with himself and with me (that’s a long story with history) so thankful for Steve for checking in with me before I even committed. Means more than what words can say

Written by L.E. on Nov 16, 2019 after counseling with Steve for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, and eating disorders

Such a kind and uplifting spirit. Always took the time to truly listen and try to understand me! Gave excellent advice and the reassurance I needed. Had me laughing quite a few times too honestly the perfect balance of counselor and friend

Written by E.M. on Nov 15, 2019 after counseling with Steve for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, and bipolar disorder

Understanding and helpful!

Written by Z.A. on Nov 12, 2019 after counseling with Steve for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and anger management

Steve is amazing, only been a few sessions but he does a great job at getting me talking without feeling forced. I feel 10x better after every session.

Written by A.I. on Oct 31, 2019 after counseling with Steve for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes

Steve is thoughtful and generous with his words. He's easy to talk to and guides you toward your goals.

Written by L.I. on Oct 06, 2019 after counseling with Steve for 2 weeks on issues concerning coping with life changes

He is amazing. He is great at his job.

Written by M.E. on Sep 27, 2019 after counseling with Steve for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, and self esteem

I highly recommend Steve. We have only been working together for a few weeks, but I find he is a great listener and has a really positive, genuine personality. He creates a safe and trusting environment, and offers helpful, constructive feedback.

Written by A.L. on Sep 13, 2019 after counseling with Steve for 2 months on issues concerning depression, family conflicts, self esteem, and coping with life changes

When I started with Steve, I was suicidally depressed and had little hope or enjoyment in life. After a few months, this has been turned around. Steve is open-minded and completely non-judgemental. He is very understanding, a really good listener and very knowledgeable. He's a real pleasure to talk to, with a lot of positivity. On top of all that, he seems like a great guy as well as a great counsellor, having done amazing charity work. I'd recommend him to anyone.

Written by A.N. on Sep 10, 2019 after counseling with Steve for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety

Dr. Garufi is more like an old friend than a therapist, much respect for him.

Written by E.R. on Aug 24, 2019 after counseling with Steve for 2 weeks

Steve is great! He has such a kind and goofy heart, and listens intently to your concerns. I love how he questions me to get me to answer from my prospective.

Written by E.R. on Aug 15, 2019 after counseling with Steve for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, eating disorders, self esteem, and career difficulties

I really enjoyed my time talking with Steve about career changes that I am trying to pursue. After our first conversation he emphasized to me the need for hope. After our time together I am seeing myself in a greater light and I am on the path to changing my career and my mindset about that process.

Steve is very mindful and open. He makes it very easy to talk to him and there is no judgement from him. He challenges you to change and grow but in a very friendly and encouraging way. Most of all, he has given me hope. In a short month, my mindset has changed and I feel very encouraged about the path I am on. I consider Steve a good friend and a great support to me though some dark days.

Written by N.I. on Jul 28, 2019 after counseling with Steve for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue

Steve is an incredible counselor who has helped me so much! I really appreciate his approach to counseling, his honesty, and his empathy. Highly recommend.

Written by C.H. on Jul 13, 2019 after counseling with Steve for 4 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, and anger management

Steve is amazing and does a good job at making this seem like less of a counseling session and more of a conversation between friends. He helped me talk through my anger issues and road rage and gave me lots of problem solving tools. I highly recommend him!

Written by A.L. on Jun 30, 2019 after counseling with Steve for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and trauma and abuse

Great listener and very friendly and trustworthy from the start. Very engaging as well and is very motivated.

Written by S.I. on Jun 28, 2019 after counseling with Steve for 2 weeks on issues concerning self esteem, and career difficulties

Steve is great, I’ve found him to be encouraging, friendly and talking with him has helped me identify and work on changing my negative thought patterns. His counseling style is warm and friendly which helped me relax, as I was a little nervous at the start! He is a mentor and a friend as well as a great counsellor.

Written by M.E. on Jun 09, 2019 after counseling with Steve for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and coping with life changes

He’s great!!!

Written by S.A. on Jun 04, 2019 after counseling with Steve for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes

Steve's introduction is that of a friend 1st and counselor 2nd, which for me was a great first impression. He listens and empathizes with your situation. Offers good advice not just from a rule book or the norm, but purely based on my situation. I look forward to my phone sessions with him and I feel more positive after the call.

Written by J.O. on Jun 03, 2019 after counseling with Steve for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and self esteem

Steve is a very kind and light-hearted guy who really cares. He’s clearly committed to his patients and does his best to understand them.

Written by M.I. on May 30, 2019 after counseling with Steve for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, addictions, and self esteem

Steve is compassionate and kind and listens and is understanding and easy to chat with!

Written by T.Y. on May 29, 2019 after counseling with Steve for 2 weeks on issues concerning trauma and abuse, and grief

Steve is a kind, compassionate, intelligent and professional counselor. I wholeheartedly endorse his services!

Written by M.I. on May 28, 2019 after counseling with Steve for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting issues, and coping with life changes

Steve is great. I haven't been with him long but he has made me understand a few of my issues already. I'm certain I will be feeling better soon. Thanks Steve.

Written by T.Y. on May 22, 2019 after counseling with Steve for 1 month on issues concerning depression, sleeping disorders, and self esteem

Steve is a very nice and supportive guy. He's super friendly and is always willing to talk and offer solutions or just help you see it's in your head. Anyone dealing with some of life's troubles can just talk with him like an old friend. Thanks for everything Steve.

Written by O.L. on May 11, 2019 after counseling with Steve for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and self esteem

Working with Steve was a true pleasure. He's a great listener and really knows how to diagnose the root of the problem. I always felt at ease during our conversations and I felt significantly better after just a few weeks of working with him.

Written by Z.O. on Apr 17, 2019 after counseling with Steve for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and coping with life changes

I just signed up for this service recently and was first matched with Steve. I’ve only ever done in person talk therapy. But I find online therapy to be much easier and accessible. I’ve found that I’ve received an immense amount of support and valuable resources from Steve and have definitely felt as though I’ve benefitted from his help and this service as a whole.

Written by C.O. on Apr 15, 2019 after counseling with Steve for 1 month on issues concerning depression

Steve is excellent and can really get at the root of issues that bother you. Steve has helped me so much. I can't thank Steve enough.

Written by T.A. on Apr 07, 2019 after counseling with Steve for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, eating disorders, and compassion fatigue

When he hasn’t heard from me in just a few days, Steve checked in. He validated my feelings, and he made me feel safe confiding in him. I genuinely believe he has my best interests at heart and I am thankful I was matched with him.

Written by R.O. on Apr 04, 2019 after counseling with Steve for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue

Steve is thoughtful and gently persistent in trying to work with me to establish treatment goals and appropriate strategies.

Written by A.S. on Dec 11, 2018 after counseling with Steve for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, and career difficulties

I have changed as a person since I started counseling with Steve. He has helped me so much. He is really a great counselor. I have had many counselors in my life but he had helped me more than anyone has before. I am thankful I decided to try BetterHelp in June because now I am getting to be where I have wanted to my whole life. Thank you, Steve!

Written by T.R. on Nov 30, 2018 after counseling with Steve for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and eating disorders

Steve has a lot of empathy and compassion for the situations that he encounters during counseling. He senses me updates, checks up on me between sessions which I very much appreciate. Steve has a passion in his field and I feel important and not just someone on his list.

Written by P.R. on Nov 17, 2018 after counseling with Steve for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and career difficulties

Steve is friendly, outgoing, and genuinely caring.

Written by N.A. on Nov 15, 2018 after counseling with Steve for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and bipolar disorder

Steve helped me a lot. He challenged me and asked good questions - always with a gentle spirit. When I think of Steve, as my counsellor, I just want to gush. *Gush* *Gush* Gush*. He helped me a lot.

Written by T.J. on Nov 05, 2018 after counseling with Steve for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, self esteem, and anger management

Steve is a good counsellor. He went out of his way to make me feel comfortable and safe in sharing with him. He has a wonderful sense of humor that can bring light to any situation.

Written by A.L. on Oct 18, 2018 after counseling with Steve for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, sleeping disorders, and self esteem

He’s really patient and understanding about everything I talk to him about and gives me really sound advice about things and is there when I need someone to listen. Honestly, he’s the best counselor I’ve had.

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 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.