Steven Osterstrom

LCSW

New York

Compassionate LCSW blending practical methods

Continue with Steven

At a glance

Credentials

LCSW

License

LCSW, New York / 070801

NPI

1245243575

Experience

24 years

Languages

English

Location

New York

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.

1. • Motivational focus
   • Mindfulness practice
   • Values based work

   About Steven

   Steven Osterstrom is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) practicing in New York. He brings 24 years of clinical experience to conversations about stress, anxiety, addiction, depression, relationship concerns, parenting struggles, and life transitions.

   His work often centers on helping people notice the stories they tell about past events and how those stories shape day-to-day life. Sessions are described as warm and interactive, with an emphasis on compassion and practical steps people can try between meetings. Mindfulness practices are used regularly to help ground attention and manage strong emotions.

   Steven draws on approaches such as Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and client-centered therapy. He frames therapy as a collaborative process that focuses on strengths and small, doable changes rather than blaming or pathologizing the person.

   In addition to clinical work, he has two decades of university teaching experience helping social work graduate students build practical skills. He has also volunteered in prison programs related to violence prevention, which informs his understanding of working with people from diverse backgrounds.

   People who choose Steven can expect a respectful, down-to-earth approach that encourages courage and curiosity. He supports clients in naming patterns that limit them and in developing new ways of responding that fit their values and goals.

2. How therapy approaches translate to online work

   Motivational Interviewing helps people clarify their own reasons for change and build internal motivation. Online sessions using this approach focus on open questions, reflective listening, and setting small goals to support practical shifts in behavior.
   
   Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, teaches people to notice thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them while identifying personal values to guide action. In remote sessions ACT techniques often include values clarification and short experiential exercises that clients can try between meetings.
   
   Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will work collaboratively to decide which methods fit a person's goals, needs, and preferences. That collaborative decision-making helps tailor each session so exercises and tools feel relevant and doable.
   
   Because session formats are not specified here, confirm current online options before booking. Many people find that remote therapy makes it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, reduces travel time, and supports continuity when life gets hectic. Some formats may be better for check-ins while others allow deeper skill practice, so ask about the session types offered when you schedule.

4. Areas of expertise

   Primary focus

   Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseDepression

   Also works with

   Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue

   Additional focus areas

   AbandonmentAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDivorce and separationFamily of origin issuesFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisPersonality disordersSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobia

   Therapeutic approaches

   Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused Therapy

   Experience

   24+ years

   Listed in

   New York

   Languages

   English

5. Frequently asked questions

   What kinds of concerns can be addressed in sessions?

   He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, parenting and career concerns, grief, trauma and many related matters such as codependency, attachment issues, and life purpose.

   How would you describe the therapist's approach and style?

   The style is warm and interactive, focused on compassion and strengths. Sessions use mindfulness and practical strategies drawn from several therapeutic approaches.

   What is Steven's clinical background and experience?

   He has 24 years of clinical practice and two decades of university teaching experience mentoring social work graduate students, plus volunteer work in prison-based violence prevention programs.

   What credentials and region are represented here?

   This profile lists Steven Osterstrom as an LCSW licensed in New York and practicing in New York State.

   Which languages are supported for sessions?

   Sessions are offered in English.

   Can people outside the United States work with this therapist?

   International clients are not currently accepted.

   How are fees handled?

   Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

   What are the steps to begin therapy?

   Use the Start Therapy button, complete a brief matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

6. Online talk therapy is not emergency or medical care. Stopping or cutting down alcohol or other drugs can be unsafe without medical advice. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers

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