- Mindfulness practice
- CBT techniques
- Values based work
About Steven
Steven Osterstrom is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New York with 24 years of experience. He works with people facing stress, anxiety, addiction, depression, grief, anger, parenting struggles, relationship and intimacy concerns, and identity or career questions.
He describes therapy in straightforward terms: talking through problems, finding patterns that keep things stuck, and learning practical ways to respond differently. He often uses mindfulness and behavior-focused methods to help people notice what they do automatically and try new choices. Sessions aim to build skills people can use between appointments.
Steven has extensive experience leading groups and teaching social work students. That background shapes how he structures sessions and runs skills groups. He has also worked in prison programs focused on nonviolent conflict resolution, which contributed to his perspective on communication and control issues.
His approach blends client-centered listening with techniques drawn from cognitive behavioral work, dialectical behavior methods, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Those methods are used to address things like avoidance, codependency, shame, and difficulty managing emotions such as anger or resentment.
In practice he focuses on clear, manageable steps. Practical exercises, mindfulness practices, and values-based goal-setting are common tools. The aim is not to erase feelings but to give people ways to respond differently when stress, frustration, or old patterns show up.
How his approaches translate to online work
Steven commonly draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. ACT focuses on clarifying what matters to a person and taking committed action toward those values while learning new responses to difficult thoughts or feelings. CBT looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches practical skills to change unhelpful patterns.He also uses client-centered ways of listening that make space for the client's perspective while adding concrete tools like mindfulness exercises or behavior experiments. Choosing an approach is collaborative - he will work with each person to figure out which methods fit their goals and daily life, and adjust as they learn what helps.
The exact online session formats are not specified here, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and let people practice mindfulness or behavioral tasks in their normal routines. Therapists can adapt exercises so they work in remote sessions and help clients carry skills into everyday moments.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
24+ years
Listed in
New York
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma and abuse, relationship and intimacy issues, parenting, anger, grief, career concerns, and related issues such as attachment and shame.
What is his therapy style like?
He combines client-centered listening with practical, skills-based methods. Sessions use mindfulness and behavior-focused exercises alongside values-based goal work.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 24 years of experience as a psychotherapist and has taught social work at universities for two decades.
What credential does he hold and where is he based?
He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in New York and practices from that state.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does he work with clients outside the country?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions arranged and what about cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.