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Steven Penn

Steven Penn

LCSW

New York

Change-focused licensed social worker

Continue with Steven

At a glance

Credentials
LCSW
License
LCSW, New York / 099245
Experience
9 years
Languages
English
Location
New York

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

    • Motivational interviewing
    • Practical goal-setting
    • LGBT+ affirmative

    About Steven

    Steven Penn is a licensed clinical social worker in New York who helps people manage stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, grief, depression, and major life changes. He practices with respect and sensitivity and aims to create a supportive space for people to explore what feels hard right now. Steven is LGBT+ affirmative and focuses on tailoring his approach to each person's needs and goals.

    With nine years of clinical experience, he draws on several well-known approaches to shape sessions. He often uses Motivational Interviewing to help people find their own reasons for change, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior. Client-Centered and Mindfulness approaches show up in conversations that prioritize the person's perspective and present-moment awareness.

    Sessions are built around clear, practical steps rather than jargon. Steven listens first, then helps set manageable goals and experiments to try between meetings. He pays attention to attachment and communication patterns when relationship or abandonment concerns come up.

    People needing support with guilt, shame, impulsivity, isolation, or midlife transitions will find focused attention on emotion and behavior. He also works with issues like divorce and family strain by helping individuals sort options and make decisions that fit their values.

    Steven frames therapy as a collaborative process. He adjusts pacing and techniques to match each person's readiness for change and personal preferences. If you want to explore whether his style fits your needs, he asks straightforward questions and helps you make a plan.

  2. How therapeutic approaches translate to online work

    Motivational Interviewing focuses on helping people find their own reasons to change. Online conversations using this approach center on listening, open questions, and gentle reflection to boost motivation and clarity. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, delivered remotely, breaks down what people think and do into small experiments and practical exercises to try between sessions. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes the person's perspective and aims to make sessions feel understood and respected regardless of setting.

    Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what feels most useful. Together they decide whether to emphasize motivational methods, thinking-and-behavior exercises, or a more exploratory client-centered focus as sessions progress.

    Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It also makes it possible to keep continuity when schedules or locations change, while still focusing on practical steps and real-life experiments between meetings.

  4. Areas of expertise

    Primary focus

    Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes

    Additional focus areas

    AbandonmentAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityCommunication problemsControl issuesDivorce and separationFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyMen's issuesMidlife crisisMood disordersNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksSelf-loveSexualitySocial anxiety and phobia

    Therapeutic approaches

    Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

    Experience

    9+ years

    Listed in

    New York

    Languages

    English

  5. Frequently asked questions

    What kinds of problems does Steven help with?

    He supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, grief, depression, and coping with life changes. Additional focus areas include attachment, abandonment, communication problems, and midlife concerns.

    How would you describe his therapy style?

    Sessions emphasize listening first and then collaborating on practical steps. He uses a respectful, person-focused style that aims to match pacing and goals to each person.

    What is his clinical background and experience?

    He holds a Licensed Clinical Social Worker credential and has nine years of professional experience in clinical settings. That experience informs his practical, goal-oriented approach.

    Where is he licensed and located?

    He is licensed as an LCSW in New York and practices there.

    Which languages are supported for sessions?

    Sessions are offered in English.

    Does he work with international clients?

    He does not accept international clients at this time.

    How are sessions paid for and what do they cost?

    Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Exact pricing is provided during the sign-up process.

    What do I need to do to start therapy?

    Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist's availability. The matching steps guide you through the next actions.

  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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Steven Penn Continue with Steven