Steven Jahnke, MA, LPC

Phone: 616-426-9034, ext. 631
Email: sjahnke@secondstorycounseling.com

Masters Degree in Counseling and Educational Psychology - Marquette University

Throughout my educational journey, the path to my life's calling unfolded unexpectedly during my senior year of high school. An elective course, chosen simply because the word "Psychology" sounded intriguing, became the catalyst for my unwavering dedication to the field. From that moment, I knew counseling was not just a career but a lifelong pursuit.

My professional journey has traversed various realms of the counseling world, encompassing individual and couples counseling, crisis stabilization, inpatient facilities, and even teaching at the college level.

Away from work, I embrace the joy and chaos of #DadLife with my four children, the youngest two being under four years old. Much of my time is devoted to their world of play, Bluey adventures, and all the delightful aspects of parenting young kids. Beyond that, I find fulfillment in running and exercise, having completed the Riverbank multiple times, along with two triathlons and marathons. On a lighter note, my 18-year stint in a fantasy football league has granted me the dubious honor of securing 2nd place nine times.

My Approach

I primarily use a Person-Centered approach coupled with a strong focus on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in counseling. You are the expert in your life, and it would not feel authentic for me to simply come into a session with an agenda on what you need to do to make life better. My goal is to work with you, integrating CBT strategies, to help identify why certain obstacles and barriers in your life have been so impactful while you are likely experiencing successes in many other areas of your life.

What you can expect

You can expect to be in the room with a person who believes in the best version of you and what you are capable of. I believe action creates change, and I'm going to ask you to be willing to take action steps outside of our time together. I'm going to be your advocate. We're going to lament and learn from the defeats. We're also going to celebrate the victories. Lastly, you can expect to be in the room with somebody who values your feedback and will use that to help guide our time together.