Counseling and Coaching sessions are online only, and available for men or couples in Illinois and Florida


Counseling - Men and Couples

4th Soil Counseling‍ ‍is a fully online counseling practice in Illinois and Florida. Steve Hess‍ ‍is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida. Steve’s approach is:

  • Built on 20 years of experience working with men, couples, and teens

  • Clinically informed with an eclectic approach that draws from CBT, solution focused therapy, Motivational interviewing, Narrative therapy, family systems theory, and Gottman couples program.

  • Faith based - Explore both the practical and spiritual aspects of your life, always at a pace and depth you choose. If you desire it, I can incorporate prayer into sessions—inviting God’s wisdom, comfort, and guidance into the work we do together. If not, our time will remain focused on your goals through proven therapeutic methods. Either way, you will be supported with respect, encouragement, and grace.

Steve’s Credentials:

  • Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois

  • Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida

  • 20 years counseling men, couples, teens

  • M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield

Coaching - Entrepreneurial & Small Business, Identity & Purpose

4th Soil Coaching‍ ‍is fully online for clients in Illinois and Florida.  Steve utilizes a solution focused approach with Motivational Interviewing, and draws from his 19 years of experience in founding and growing the largest flex league for tennis in the midwest.  Steve will help you:

  • Surface and refine your inner purpose so you can move with clarity and conviction.

  • Establish the behaviors, rhythms, and skills that fuel growth and keep your endeavor moving forward.

  • Maintain your momentum by supporting you as you practice and sustain these commitments.


What’s right for me - Counseling or Coaching?

When Counseling fits best

Choose counseling if you need support with:

  • Emotional distress — anxiety, sadness, overwhelm

  • Past wounds — unresolved pain affecting your present

  • Relationship conflict — patterns you can’t break alone

  • Mental health concerns — symptoms that need clinical guidance

  • Trauma‑related issues — experiences that require careful processing

Counseling focuses on healing, stability, emotional regulation, and understanding the past so you can move forward.

When Coaching Fits best

Choose coaching if you’re ready for:

  • Forward momentum — clarity, direction, and action

  • Breaking patterns — habits, cycles, and behaviors that limit growth

  • Accountability — structure and follow‑through

  • Purpose alignment — living intentionally and fruitfully

  • Spiritual growth — identity, calling, and discipleship

Coaching focuses on your identity and purpose, vision, guiding principles, and the sustained habits and rhythms that will enable you to accomplish your desires.