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Aileen Stein

Aileen Stein, LCSW

Therapist in California

Experienced LCSW focused on lasting change

Continue with Aileen

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30 years of experience listed

LCSW professional credentials

English languages

  • Psychodynamic focus
  • Mindfulness practices
  • Goal-oriented work

About Aileen

Aileen Stein is a licensed clinical social worker with 30 years of experience helping people cope with stress, anxiety, depression, and self esteem concerns. She emphasizes listening first and works from where a person is. Her style is warm and steady, and she focuses on understanding both the issues someone names and the quieter patterns that get in the way.

Aileen practices psychodynamic approaches alongside client-centered and mindfulness methods. She uses Motivational Interviewing when people are ready to make changes and draws on long experience working with grief, trauma, relationship struggles, and mood disorders. Her practice in California builds on prior work in hospitals, outpatient programs, and counseling centers.

In sessions she aims to build a trusting relationship without judgment. Conversations often begin with what feels most pressing, and over time she helps people identify goals and take manageable steps toward them. Sessions include listening, reflecting, and offering practical suggestions when the client is ready.

Her background includes a Master of Social Work from New York University and decades of practice in clinical and medical settings. That history informs how she supports people facing chronic mental health concerns, domestic violence survivors, and those navigating end-of-life and hospice-related stress.

Sessions are conducted in English and rooted in collaborative work. Prospective clients are encouraged to use the site's matching process to connect and schedule based on therapist availability.

Therapeutic approaches that translate to online work

Aileen uses psychodynamic therapy to help people understand recurring patterns and the emotions behind them. This approach often focuses on how past experiences shape present responses and can help with mood disorders, relationship issues, and long-standing emotional problems.

She also draws on mindfulness therapy, which teaches simple practices to notice thoughts and bodily sensations. Mindfulness work can support stress reduction, anxiety management, and improving emotion regulation by helping people pause before reacting.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each person to identify goals, try approaches that fit those goals, and adjust methods over time. That means testing techniques together and choosing what feels most useful for the individual's needs and preferences.

Confirm the available session formats before booking. Many people find online sessions helpful because they fit more easily into a busy day, allow for shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. Online work also makes it possible to continue care when schedules or locations change. Licensed professionals tailor online sessions so therapeutic work can move forward in ways that suit everyday life.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Also works with

Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesBody imageCommitment issuesCommunication problemsDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingIsolation / lonelinessMood disordersPost-traumatic stressWomen's issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyEmotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

30+ years

Credentials

California

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does she help with?

She works with stress, anxiety, depression, self esteem issues, trauma and abuse, grief, relationship and intimacy-related concerns, career challenges, bipolar disorder, and compassion fatigue among other issues.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

Her approach starts with listening and building trust. She blends psychodynamic, client-centered, mindfulness, and motivational techniques to match what each person needs.

What is her background and experience?

She has 30 years of clinical experience, including work in hospitals, counseling centers, and intensive outpatient programs treating chronic mental health concerns.

What are her credentials and location?

She holds a Master of Social Work from New York University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in California.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Does she accept international clients?

International clients are not currently accepted.

How does pricing work for sessions?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Use the continue button on this profile, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Aileen SteinContinue with Aileen