Meet Steven R. Hobbs

MFT and President of Thriving Families

Personal

Greetings! As you consider contacting me to work with your family, it is natural that you might be interested in learning something about me.  

I am a Southern California native, having been born and raised in the San Fernando Valley.  I consider this a blessing because I came to value the beauty of the varied landscape, moderate climate, diverse culture, and abundant opportunities.  For better or worse, I also became accustomed to the high cost of living.  I love traveling, but have a sense that it will be difficult for me to find a place that feels as much like home as Southern California does.

I am married to a wonderfully bright and lovely woman, and, together, we are raising three sons.  Besides my family and work, I enjoy playing the piano, listening to music, reading, writing, exercising, board games, and working on projects around the house.

As a young adult, I graduated with honors from Pierce Community College in Woodland Hills, CA with an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Studies, having focused my studies in music.  I then began my professional career as a musician - performing and teaching, and continued my studies at California State University, Northridge.  I graduated from CSUN with honors, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Industry Studies.  I continued my work as a musician for a number of years, and found that, as I prepared to start a family, I wanted more occupational stability than I found in that profession.

I went back to school to pursue masters-level education in theology, and entered pastoral ministry, working primarily with children and families.  I graduated with honors from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA, earning a Master of Arts Degree in Worship, Theology, and Arts.  As I settled in to this work, I found that working intimately with families in crisis and transition was something I found extremely engaging and rewarding.  Therefore, when the opportunity arose, I went back to school to pursue additional academic and counseling experience in psychology, and moved into a ministerial role of pastoral care, including pastoral counseling.  I graduated with honors from California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, CA with a Master of Science Degree in Counseling Psychology, and completed licensing hours and other requirements to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California.

I have experience in the fields of elementary and music education (classroom and individual), pastoral ministry and counseling, and Marriage and Family Therapy.  Prior to becoming licensed, my experience included traineeships at California Lutheran University’s Community Counseling Center where I worked under the supervision of Antonia Noble-Ludwig, PsyD MFT, and Calvary Community Church’s Care Center where I worked under the supervision of Dainius Banaitis, MFT. I continued my pre-licensed work under Mr. Banaitis’ supervision at the non-profit organization Thriving Families. Since becoming licensed, I became the President of Thriving Families, and led a reincorporation to position the organization for future growth and excellence. I continue to serve as the President and Clinical Director of Thriving Families.

I have undergone specialized training in the field of sexual addiction and Internet Gaming Disorder (technology, internet, phone, social media, screen, and device addiction) through the International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP); I am a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) and a Certified Multiple Addiction Therapist (CMAT).

I have undergone specialized training in the field of trauma and trauma-related disorders through the Parnell Institute. I have completed my EMDRIA-approved EMDR basic training through the Parnell Institute, which specializes in Attachment-Focused EMDR (AF-EMDR).

I enjoy leading workshops and participating in professional and educational presentations related to mental and emotional health. I am a licensed member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT).  I am a licensed member of the Mental Health Professionals of Conejo Valley.

Licensure Information

I am a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) licensed by the state of California to provide psychotherapy services within the state of California. My California Marriage and Family Therapist license is # 107966.

I have completed a master’s level education in the field of counseling psychology, graduated with a master’s degree in psychology, acquired a minimum of 3000 certified hours of supervised clinical experience, passed two exams required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, and completed additional state requirements for licensure. I am current in paying all my license registration fees, completing continuing education requirements, and abiding by all the standards the Board of Behavioral Sciences maintains for licensed MFTs. Therefore, I am able to provide services as an MFT in the state of California.

Approach to Therapy

For some, the terms “psychotherapy” and “therapist” can seem somewhat cold and clinical.  During my graduate work, Dr. Geoffrey Buckley, one of the fine professors I learned from and trained under, commented on this, and said that he sees our role better defined as a “relationship expert.”  I agree with him completely.  You may have heard from so-called “relationship experts” in the media; you may consider yourself or someone you know somewhat of an expert in relationships.  No doubt some individuals merit this title, but many don’t.  I believe that the best MFTs approach their work, at least in part, as true relationship experts, based on their specialized training and experience.

Relationships are a dominant presence in each person’s life; people are meant to be relational.  The relationships we remember from the past, experience in the present, and anticipate in the future are perhaps the most influential force in shaping who we are.  I believe there are three types of relationships that therapy can foster health in - a person’s relationship with himself or herself, a person’s relationships with other people, and, for people of faith, a person’s relationship with God.  For many people, there is no better gift that could be received than a healthier relationship in these areas.  This is why I believe working with an MFT can be an ultimately rewarding and life-changing experience.

I take a theoretically eclectic orientation based on the needs of my clients, often employing systemic, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, strategic, and interpersonal approaches.  I believe in the importance of individual and relational strengths, insight, health, and growth.

Feel free to contact me regarding working together or with general questions about the Thriving Families organization. I may be reached at 805-557-8916 or Steven@ThrivingFamiliesTherapy.com.