Therapist Steven Osterstrom Photo

Steven Osterstrom, LCSW

Stress, Anxiety Addictions LGBTQ+ Trauma, Abuse Depression
Video Phone Live Chat Messaging

About me

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.

I look forward to working with you!

Professional experience

22yrs in practice
Stress, Anxiety Addictions LGBTQ+ Trauma, Abuse Depression

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, Avoidant Personality, Co-morbidity, Codependency, Dependent Personality, Family of Origin Issues, Fatherhood Issues, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Men's issues, Midlife crisis, Personality Disorders

Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy

Services offered

Video
Phone
Live Chat
Messaging

License information

NY LCSW R070801

Reviews

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 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