I am Steven Osterstrom, a clinical social worker licensed in New York State with over 30 years of experience working as a psychotherapist in individual and group counseling . I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, identity questions, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, addiction and co-occurring mental health/substance abuse disorders. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. I believe there is a strong connection between what we tell ourselves about our past and our present sense of wellness.
I have also been teaching at two universities for the past 20 years helping Social Work graduate students develop skills needed to become effective professionals. I have also been fulfilled through my work as a volunteer in the prison system through a program called Alternatives to Violence Project. I worked in groups with inmates from several prisons both in New York State and Pennsylvania exploring ways to use transforming power to seek nonviolent solutions to conflicts. I believe these experiences have strengthened my ability to work with diversity on many levels moving toward a more anti-racist, gender-inclusive stance.
My therapy style is warm and interactive. I use a Compassion-Focused approach that emphasizes our strengths and potential in facing obstacles interfering with success. I believe in treating people with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Although I believe we can learn from experts in the field of psychology, social work, and medicine, I strongly hold that the answers to our problems are within each of us. I draw from Cognitive Behavior Therapy with a focus on several methods that fit under that umbrella of treatment including Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, and Rational Emotive Therapy. Mindfulness practices are a key part of most of these methods. My approach is to gently allow ourselves to identify patterns of belief that get in the way of living our best life. Entering into therapy means being brave and using that courage to explore our own truths. As Brene' Brown would say, we can find whole-hearted living through examining our vulnerabilities and finding our resilience.
It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you.
Additional areas of focus:Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, Abandonment, Attachment issues, Avoidant personality, Co-morbidity, Codependency, Communication problems, Control issues, Dependent personality, Divorce and separation, Family of origin issues, Fatherhood issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Men's issues, Midlife crisis, Personality disorders, Self-love, Social anxiety and phobia
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Steven Osterstrom. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Steven has been a great addition to me in my life. Has been very thoughtful and attentive, listening and understanding, supportive and reliable. I would highly recommend him to anyone. Thank you for your help!
Written on Oct 30, 2025 after therapy with Steven for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
He makes me very comfortable talking about whatever I need to. I don’t feel pressure or judgements. I’m very pleased to be working with him.
Written on Aug 19, 2025 after therapy with Steven for 3 weeks on issues concerning lgbt, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and grief
Kind caring and thoughtful. Has a gentle candor but honest to help me with my issues.
Written on Aug 06, 2025 after therapy with Steven for 3 years and 2 months on issues concerning relationship issues, and career difficulties
Spot on expertise and advice.
Written on Jul 30, 2025 after therapy with Steven for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, and anger management
My therapist is knowledgeable and respectful.
Written on Jul 11, 2025 after therapy with Steven for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Plain and simple, Steven is an empathetic and compassionate therapist with years of experience. Highly recommended!
Written on Mar 16, 2025 after therapy with Steven for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, and grief
Still in the beginning stages of therapy with Steven but I will say the sessions I have had with him have been very enlightening and validating. He gives me the space to speak freely without judgement and is very calm and understanding towards my many different perspectives and keeps up with my tangents. He always follows through on things he believes will be of good help. He checks in with me through out the week sends me things that may help me find more healthier ways to understand myself better. He is a genuine compassionate soul whose intentions are really to help others. I look forward to my future sessions with Steven.
Written on Jan 30, 2025 after therapy with Steven for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and compassion
Finding Steven on Betterhelp was a huge surprise and relief. I've had poor luck finding a therapist who has both the intelligence and experience to really understand my situation, help me diagnose it, and create tactical remedies. He is present, attentive, thoughtful, and insightful. He doesn't just phone it in; he listens, remembers, and maintains momentum in the process. He probes carefully without uncomfortable pressure or judgement. He intuitively knows when I need to rant and lets me do so, while still finding ways to guide my thought processes and arrive at conclusions - and action. He constantly offers resources outside of therapy so I can further my own exploration and growth, but without pressure or shame if I don't lean in.
100% A+++ 10/10
Written on Oct 29, 2024 after therapy with Steven for 3 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, coaching, and compassion fatigue
Steven does a great job being available for me in whatever direction I take the conversation in. He offers good solutions and tools that I can use in my every day life and relationships. I am comfortable bringing up any topic and have faith Steven will help me work through it.
Written on Apr 15, 2023 after therapy with Steven for 7 months on issues concerning anger management
Steven has helped me heal on so many levels. His experience and empathy is unmatched. Im very grateful that I was matched him for my therapy.
Written on Feb 01, 2023 after therapy with Steven for 1 year and 1 month
Steven is an incredible human inside and out. He has such a big heart and the ability to truly listen. He provides excellent resources and books to help on your particular journey. He is extremely smart, thoughtful, and a wonderful thereapist!
Written on Jan 31, 2023 after therapy with Steven for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Steven is a pleasure to work with and i cannot thank him enough for the help and support he has given me, his diligence and work ethic is beyond admirable, the personalised care he provides is nurturing and supportive beyond measure.
Written on Jan 30, 2023 after therapy with Steven for 1 year and 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping disorders, anger management, coaching, and adhd
Has been amazing and help me see things I would of never thought. AmaIng
Written on Dec 15, 2022 after therapy with Steven for 3 months on issues concerning relationship issues
I am very thankful to have found BetterHelp and my therapist. For years the cost and effort to find the right help held me back, and now BetterHelp has solved that problem!
Written on Nov 28, 2022 after therapy with Steven for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, and coping with life changes
Steven is patience, knowledgeable and he does make me feel comfortable to share my demons without been judge
Written on Nov 24, 2022 after therapy with Steven for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, and adhd
Steven helped me through a rough patch in my life seamlessly. He is a genuinely caring therapist with a keen interest in finding what works for you.
Written on Sep 27, 2022 after therapy with Steven for 9 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and grief
LOVE <3
Written on Sep 01, 2022 after therapy with Steven for 6 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, and anger management
Absolutely a pleasure to work with. Very compassionate but also makes you deal with the tough issues. He is very warm and has gone above and beyond to help me get better.
Written on Jul 08, 2022 after therapy with Steven for 2 weeks on issues concerning lgbt, relationship issues, grief, anger management, and coping with life changes
Steven is great. Very helpful, understanding and a great listener. I'm very satisfied.
Written on Jun 21, 2022 after therapy with Steven for 4 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, self esteem, career difficulties, and adhd
I’ve sought therapy on several occasions but none have been quite s as impactful as the help in receiving from Steven! In the time we’ve been working together he’s already began to understand me as I am and see’s the goal I wish to achieve. He always gives me positive affirmations that truly impact me and helps me see things from different perspectives. He truly is one a kind and i am beyond lucky to be able to work with him!
Written on Jun 13, 2022 after therapy with Steven for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and adhd
Steven listens very well and is calm and easy to talk to.
Written on Jun 09, 2022 after therapy with Steven for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, and coaching
Steven is such a beautiful soul. I am so grateful for our conversations.
Written on Jun 05, 2022 after therapy with Steven for 5 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, depression, self esteem, family conflicts, coping with life changes, and anger management
Thank you Steven for your work! This is my first time joining therapy and it’s been a wonderful experience. I’m getting to know myself with a different perspective and I’m so grateful.
Written on May 27, 2022 after therapy with Steven for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Steven is a great listener, supportive, and helps me process life events to make better decisions.
Written on May 20, 2022 after therapy with Steven for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and self esteem
Steven seems to have an extreme amount of awareness and compassion in extending a therapeutic experience (at least for me).
Steven does not appear to be very person-centered in his language and approach.
I find Steven to be one, who listens before he speaks, as well as appears to have an evidenced & strength based practice.
Steven allows me space to ponder, work, and explore my own solutions, along with providing tools for contemplation and growth.
I would recommend Steven, as a therapist, to those that have not ever been in therapy as well as persons, who may feel like they know too much to be in therapy / those who have doubts whether therapy is even necessary.
Written on May 12, 2022 after therapy with Steven for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Excellent stuff after only a few sessions. Steven is a delightful man, compassionate, intelligent and clearly well versed in what he does. I've really been enjoying our chats and I always finish with plenty to consider.
Written on May 07, 2022 after therapy with Steven for 2 weeks on issues concerning intimacy-related issues, and addictions
He made me feel comfortable from day 1, which helped me open up easily. I’m thankful for that.
Written on May 03, 2022 after therapy with Steven for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd
Steve is very in touch with me. I feel very comfortable telling him everything about myself. He quickly gets to the issues and begins working to give me tools and coping skills.
Written on Apr 17, 2022 after therapy with Steven for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, and anger management
I haven’t been with Steven very long but he has been a great listening ear and has helped give me concrete ways to improve the issues and concerns I’ve raised. Would recommend to those who need some compassion and understanding in difficult times.
Written on Apr 07, 2022 after therapy with Steven for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Just awesome. Best ever, easy to talk to
Written on Mar 28, 2022 after therapy with Steven for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and coaching
Steven is a great listener and tries hard to understand how I feel, that alone makes me feel much better
Written on Mar 05, 2022 after therapy with Steven for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
He is a good person, and he has helped me in my darkest moments. He is a supportive being who will be there for you. Therapy isn’t someone there to hear your problems, anyone can do that, but it takes a true therapist to understand your problems and help you. Who also remind you of who you are. You could trust him. I did.
Written on Dec 30, 2021 after therapy with Steven for 1 week on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, and coaching
Thank you for all your help and understanding, Steven!
Written on Dec 28, 2021 after therapy with Steven for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and compassion fatigue
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