Renee Echartea-Steckert

Welcome—I’m glad you’re here. Choosing to seek support is an act of courage, and your future self will thank you for showing yourself kindness today. My name is Renee. I graduated from University of Southern California School of Social Work in 2014. I specialize in working with individuals carrying the weight of significant trauma, addictions, unresolved grief, and painful life experiences that can feel isolating or overwhelming. I support those who struggle with trust after unhealthy relationships, major life transitions, or who have turned to alcohol or other substances to cope with emotional pain.

I also work with individuals healing from addiction, substance use, and mental health challenges, and I have experience supporting military families as they navigate the unique barriers of having a loved one in the military, as well as serving Veterans. My goal is to offer a supportive space for healing, connection, and meaningful change.

My therapeutic approach is grounded in building genuine rapport and trust, recognizing that feeling safe and understood is essential to meaningful change. I work from a trauma-informed, person-centered, and strength-based perspective, meeting each individual where they are with empathy, respect, and support. I integrate motivational interviewing to explore readiness for change, solution-focused and problem-solving strategies to create forward movement, and cognitive behavioral therapy to help identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns. I also incorporate components of Dialectical Behavior Therapy to build skills in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and effective coping, always honoring each person’s unique experiences, goals, and capacity for growth.

My goal is to offer a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can be heard, supported, and met exactly where you are. Together, we can create room to breathe, heal, and move toward a life that feels worth living. You don’t have to do this alone. Let’s talk.