- Emotionally-Focused Therapy
- Attachment-based work
- Mindfulness and CBT
About Stephen
Dr. Stephen Bentley is a Kentucky LPCC with 32 years of clinical experience. He sees adults who face stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, depression, ADHD, grief, relationship concerns, parenting strain, and other life changes. Sessions are conducted in English and he works with clients both inside the United States and internationally.
He draws on Emotionally-Focused Therapy alongside attachment-based and client-centered approaches. He also uses cognitive behavioral and mindfulness techniques when those fit a person's needs. In practice he begins by building a working relationship and helping clients name the problems that feel overwhelming right now.
Bentley has worked in hospitals and community settings, provided group and individual therapy, and done crisis intervention. He has experience supervising and directing services for clinical programs across different organizations. That background informs how he balances practical skills with attention to emotional patterns.
In sessions he focuses on what a client needs in the moment and on how emotions and relationships shape behavior. He will help identify unhelpful thoughts and test new ways of responding, while also looking at attachment patterns that keep problems repeating. Mindfulness tools are used to increase awareness of thoughts and body states when useful.
He has used telehealth for the past few years and views remote work as a practical option for many people. Getting started involves a short matching questionnaire and scheduling a first session, which he helps clients complete so treatment can begin smoothly.
How his approaches translate to online work
Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) focuses on identifying and working with emotions that drive relationship and personal patterns. It helps people recognize emotional responses and practice new ways of relating to those feelings. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early bonds shape current behavior and helps people notice repeated patterns that affect relationships and coping. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes the client's perspective and the therapeutic relationship, offering a respectful listening stance while the client explores concerns.Finding the right approach is part of the work. He will collaborate with each client to decide which combination of EFT, attachment work, CBT, or mindfulness best fits their goals and preferences. That decision is reviewed as progress is made and needs change.
Telehealth has been part of his practice for the past few years and he sees it as a practical way to fit sessions into busy lives. Confirm the session formats offered before booking, since specific options are not listed here. Online sessions can make it easier to attend when schedules are tight, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and avoid travel time so therapy can fit around work or caregiving responsibilities.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
32+ years
Listed in
Kentucky
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he work with?
He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, depression, ADHD, grief, relationship and intimacy issues, parenting strain, and similar concerns.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
He uses a person-centered approach and combines Emotionally-Focused Therapy with attachment-based, cognitive behavioral, and mindfulness methods as needed.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 32 years of experience working in hospitals and community settings and has served as a director and supervisor for clinical programs.
What are his credentials and location?
He is an LPCC licensed in Kentucky and practices from that state.
In which languages can sessions be provided?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the US work with him?
He accepts international clients; anyone outside the US should confirm any regional considerations before starting.
How are session costs arranged?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin therapy?
Click the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session to get started.
Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.