Dr. Steven Hurley

Dr. Steven Hurley is a psychologist based in Illinois who helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, trauma, and LGBT concerns. He also supports people dealing with addictions, grief, intimacy issues, sleep problems, anger, and self-esteem struggles. Dr. Hurley combines practical talk with active planning so clients leave with clear steps they can try between sessions.

He has worked in clinical and community settings for 19 years. His background includes a Doctor of Psychology degree, a Master of Arts in General and Theoretical Psychology, a post-doctoral residency in substance abuse and rehabilitation, and an internship in community mental health. He has worked in hospitals, community clinics, prisons, nursing homes, and private practice, and has taught undergraduate and graduate students.

In sessions he draws from several approaches, including cognitive behavioral ideas, psychodynamic perspective, mindfulness practices, existential questions, and solution-focused steps. Sessions tend to focus on identifying patterns, testing new coping strategies, and tracking small changes over time. The tone is collaborative and direct, inviting clients to try things that fit their life.

Dr. Hurley has experience with complex issues such as dual diagnosis, domestic violence, dissociation, and family of origin problems. He also addresses more specific concerns like body image, commitment and communication problems, abandonment, and adoption or foster care issues. His work often blends short-term problem solving with longer-term exploration.

He holds the Illinois psychologist credential IL Psychologist 071007009 and practices in Illinois. Prospective clients can expect a straightforward, pragmatic approach that emphasizes action while making space to reflect.

Approaches you can use online and how they help

Dr. Hurley often draws on cognitive behavioral therapy to spot and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, which can help with anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and addiction-related routines. He also uses mindfulness therapy to teach simple attention and breathing practices that reduce reactivity and improve focus. Psychodynamic ideas are used to notice repeating life patterns and how past relationships shape current reactions; this can help with intimacy, self-esteem, and family of origin issues.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. He will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what feels most useful. Together they decide whether to emphasize skills, present-focused problem solving, or deeper exploration, and the plan can shift as progress is made.

Confirm current session options before booking, as the biography does not list specific formats. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, avoid travel time, or have a shorter check-in when schedules are tight. Therapists generally adapt exercises and homework so people can practice skills between sessions and track small changes in everyday life.