Every goal has steps. Every person has a stage.

Every goal has steps. Every person has a stage.

The People Behind Your Care

Licensed therapists. Real experience. A genuine commitment to your growth.

WHO WE ARE

Steps and Stages LLC is a private psychotherapy practice built on the belief that meaningful
change is possible for everyone — at any age, and at any stage of life.
Founded and led by Benjamin Steinig, LMHC/LPC, our team of licensed and associate
therapists provides evidence-based, client-centered care through secure telehealth sessions.
We work with children, adolescents, adults, and families across New York, New Jersey,
Connecticut, Minnesota, and Florida.
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all therapy. We believe in showing up for each person as an
individual — understanding where they come from, what they’re carrying, and where they want
to go.

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Years of combined clinical experience
Licensed therapists on our team
Major insurers accepted in-network
States served via telehealth
OUR APPROACH

How We Work

Our approach is collaborative, honest, and practical. We take the therapeutic relationship seriously — because trust isn’t something you can shortcut. Before anything else, we focus on building a connection where you feel safe enough to be real. From there, sessions are guided by your goals. We draw on evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, and narrative therapy — adapting to what works best for you.

Client-First

Your goals lead the work.

Non-Judgmental

You’ll never feel shamed or managed here.

Evidence-Based

We use approaches that are clinically proven to work.

licensed therapist New York

Benjamin Steinig, LMHC, LPC-ACS — Clinical Director

Ben has spent over 20 years helping children, young adults, and families navigate the challenges that matter most. After earning his M.S. in Mental Health Counseling from Touro College in 2010, he built his practice working across non-profit agencies throughout the New
York area.

Licensed as a Mental Health Counselor in New York and a Professional Counselor in New Jersey (with Approved Clinical Supervisor status), Ben leads the Steps and Stages team with a clear philosophy: get to know the person first, then challenge them with compassion.
“I aim to provide client-centered psychotherapy by getting to know you and letting you take the lead. I believe that building a trusting relationship is key to helping clients become reflective and
motivated to better their future.”

Melodie - licensed therapist New York

Melodie Badillo, MHC-LP — Associate Therapist

Melodie brings a rare combination of educational and clinical experience to her work with
adolescents and young adults. Holding a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Mental Health
Counseling from Alfred University and an M.Ed. in School Counseling from Lehman College,
she understands how school environments shape mental health — from the inside out.
Her sessions are collaborative and judgment-free, drawing on CBT and mindfulness to help
clients build coping skills, explore their values, and navigate life transitions with greater
confidence. Supervised by Ben Steinig.

Ben - licensed therapist New York

Benjamin Steinberg, LAC — Associate Therapist

Ben Steinberg brings a diverse clinical background to Steps and Stages, including work with
adolescents and families in home-based settings and specialized experience in trauma
informed care. He holds an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bellevue University.
His approach balances immediate symptom relief — using cognitive restructuring, mindfulness,
and behavioral tools — with deeper exploration of the emotional patterns that keep people
stuck. Supervised by Ben Steinig, LPC.

Melissa Banafsheha, MHC-LP — Associate Therapist

Melissa earned her M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University and
holds her MHC-LP in New York. She works with a wide range of concerns — depression,
anxiety, mood challenges, and life transitions — using a blend of psychodynamic, person
centered, and CBT approaches. Her sessions are warm, supportive, and honest.

Jonathan (Donniel) Weiss, MHC-LP — Associate Therapist

Jonathan brings over two decades of counseling experience to Steps and Stages, beginning
with post-9/11 trauma assessment work through Project Liberty in lower Manhattan. He holds
an M.A. from NYU Steinhardt and an Advanced Certificate from Alfred University.
Drawing on psychodynamic, existential, Gestalt, and narrative approaches, Jonathan meets
each client with curiosity and depth. Supervised by Ben Steinig.

Sara Jacob — Administrative Manager

Sara is the first voice many clients hear at Steps and Stages — and she brings real warmth to
that role. Currently pursuing her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling at Bellevue University,
her background in case management and youth mentorship gives her a grounded
understanding of what clients need when they first reach out.

Book Your Free Consult

Ready to Meet Your Therapist?

Finding the right fit matters. Book a free consultation and we’ll personally match you with the
therapist best suited for your needs and goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who are the therapists at Steps and Stages?

Steps and Stages is a team of licensed therapists led by Benjamin Steinig, LPC-ACS, LMHC. Our team includes experienced professionals who specialize in working with children, teens, adults, and families.

2. What makes your therapy approach different?

Our approach is client-centered, collaborative, and practical. We focus on building a strong therapeutic relationship while helping clients develop real-life coping strategies for long-term improvement.

3. What types of clients do you work with?

W.e work with children, adolescents, adults, and families dealing with anxiety, depression, behavioral challenges, relationship issues, and life transitions

4. Are your therapists licensed?

Yes, all therapists at Steps and Stages are licensed or working under licensed supervision. We provide therapy services in compliance with state regulations across NY, NJ, CT, MN, and FL.

5. Do you offer online therapy only?

Yes, we specialize in secure and confidential online therapy sessions, making mental health support accessible and convenient for clients across multiple states.

6. Is therapy confidential?

Yes, all therapy sessions are strictly confidential and conducted through secure platforms that protect your privacy.

7. What Steps and Stages Help With?

 

  • Anxiety and stress management
  • Depression and emotional struggles
  • Child and adolescent behavioral challenges
  • Family and relationship issues
  • Life transitions and adjustment difficulties

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