Dr. Anthony Schefstad, LCSW

Dr. Anthony Schefstad helps people who are feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, addiction, grief, or big life changes. He is a Florida licensed clinical social worker with 30 years of experience and aims to create a respectful, compassionate space for straightforward work.

He focuses on practical strategies that reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning. He uses cognitive behavioral ideas to identify unhelpful thoughts and habits, and client-centered listening to understand each person's priorities. Hypnotherapy and motivational interviewing are also part of his toolbox when they fit the client's goals.

Sessions are tailored to what a person needs right now. That might mean setting small, concrete goals, practicing new coping steps, or revisiting painful memories at a manageable pace. He emphasizes collaboration so people leave with skills they can use between appointments.

Dr. Schefstad brings long experience working with addictions, trauma and abuse, post-traumatic stress, panic, and process addictions such as gambling or problematic sexual behavior. He also addresses career stress, compassion fatigue, smoking and vaping cessation, and multicultural concerns.

He works with people affected by first responder and veteran issues, and with those who have personality disorder challenges or legal system histories. Every plan is adjusted to the person's situation and goals. The aim is steady progress and clearer options for moving forward.

How his approaches translate to online therapy

Dr. Schefstad commonly draws on cognitive behavioral approaches and client-centered work when meeting online. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going and replacing them with practical alternatives that reduce anxiety and improve mood. Client-centered therapy centers the person's own goals and experiences, with the therapist listening deeply and shaping sessions around what matters most.

He also uses hypnotherapy selectively to help people access focused relaxation and strengthen motivation for change. Hypnotherapy can be useful for addressing habits, cravings, and some trauma-related symptoms when a person is comfortable trying it.

Finding the right mix of methods is a collaborative process. He will talk through options and tailor the plan to the client's needs, goals, and preferences rather than applying one fixed approach. That way sessions feel relevant and doable.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video calls let people work face to face and practice skills in real time. Phone sessions can be a lower-bandwidth option and easier to fit into a work break. Live chat and text messaging support brief check-ins, homework, or step-by-step planning between longer sessions. These options make therapy more flexible for different schedules and needs.