Holistic Jungian therapist specializing in trauma and relationships
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!
Licensed · Professional · Cancel Anytime
Steven Osterstrom is a New York State licensed clinical social worker with 24 years of experience offering individual and group psychotherapy in New York. He works with people facing a wide range of concerns and brings a clinical perspective shaped by many years of direct practice.
His work has addressed depression, anxiety, questions of identity, relationship difficulties, parenting challenges, career concerns, addiction and co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. He has also supported many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. Steven sees a strong connection between the stories we tell about our past and our present sense of well-being.
For the past 20 years he has taught at two universities, helping graduate social work students develop the skills needed for effective professional practice. He has also volunteered in the prison system through the Alternatives to Violence Project, leading groups in several prisons in New York State and Pennsylvania to explore nonviolent approaches to conflict. Those teaching and volunteer experiences have informed his work with diverse populations and contributed to a more anti-racist, gender-inclusive stance.
Steven’s approach to therapy is warm and interactive, grounded in a compassion-focused framework that highlights strengths and resilience when facing obstacles. He values respect, sensitivity, and a collaborative partnership; although he draws on expertise from psychology and social work, he believes clients hold important answers within themselves. His clinical methods include cognitive behavioral therapy and several evidence-based approaches that fit under that umbrella, such as dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and rational emotive therapy, with mindfulness practices integrated throughout.
In sessions he gently guides people to identify belief patterns that interfere with living fully and encourages the courage it takes to explore personal truths. He echoes the view expressed by Brene Brown that wholehearted living grows from examining vulnerability and finding resilience. For those ready to pursue a more fulfilling life, Steven offers support and practical empowerment and looks forward to working with new clients.
Many people wonder whether talking with a therapist online can make a real difference. For common concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or navigating life changes, online therapy has been shown to be just as effective as traditional in-person sessions.
One major advantage is flexibility. People can connect in the format that works best for them – video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or in-app messaging – which can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule.
All therapists offering online care are licensed professionals, and clients have the option to change therapists if they prefer a different fit. Online therapy can be a practical and effective way to access professional support for many everyday mental health concerns.
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