Steven Osterstrom, LCSW
New York LCSW specializing in trauma and addiction
- Compassion-focused therapy
- CBT ACT DBT experience
- 24 years experience
About Steven Osterstrom
Steven Osterstrom is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in New York with 24 years of experience providing individual and group psychotherapy. He has worked with people facing depression, anxiety, identity questions, relationship and parenting challenges, career concerns, addiction and co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, and those who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. He emphasizes the connection between the stories people tell about their past and their present sense of wellbeing, helping clients identify patterns of belief that interfere with living more fully.
He has taught at two universities for the past 20 years, mentoring social work graduate students as they develop practical skills for clinical practice. He has also volunteered with the Alternatives to Violence Project in prisons in New York and Pennsylvania, leading groups that explore nonviolent approaches to conflict. Those teaching and volunteer experiences inform his work with diverse populations and support a gender-inclusive, anti-racist stance.
Steven brings a warm, interactive, compassion-focused and strengths-based style to therapy. He draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and related methods such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, incorporates mindfulness practices, and uses elements of Rational Emotive Therapy as appropriate. His approach encourages courage in examining vulnerabilities, building resilience, and pursuing a more fulfilling life.
He has taught at two universities for the past 20 years, mentoring social work graduate students as they develop practical skills for clinical practice. He has also volunteered with the Alternatives to Violence Project in prisons in New York and Pennsylvania, leading groups that explore nonviolent approaches to conflict. Those teaching and volunteer experiences inform his work with diverse populations and support a gender-inclusive, anti-racist stance.
Steven brings a warm, interactive, compassion-focused and strengths-based style to therapy. He draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and related methods such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, incorporates mindfulness practices, and uses elements of Rational Emotive Therapy as appropriate. His approach encourages courage in examining vulnerabilities, building resilience, and pursuing a more fulfilling life.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
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 Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Solution-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Steven Osterstrom have?
He has 24 years of professional experience as a psychotherapist.
Is Steven Osterstrom a licensed therapist?
Yes. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). License details: NY LCSW 070801.
In which languages does Steven Osterstrom provide therapy?
He provides therapy in English.
Where is Steven Osterstrom located?
He is located in New York.
How can I work with Steven Osterstrom as my therapist?
You can work with Steven Osterstrom through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Steven Osterstrom work with international clients?
Steven Osterstrom does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Steven Osterstrom cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches for Online Care
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) invites people to clarify their values and take committed action toward a meaningful life, even when difficult thoughts or feelings appear. It often helps with anxiety, depression, and life transitions by shifting focus from symptom control to valued living.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) addresses the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It uses practical strategies to change unhelpful thinking patterns and build new coping skills, making it useful for stress, mood concerns, and relationship problems.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) combines acceptance and change strategies to improve emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. It can be especially helpful for strong emotions, impulsive behaviors, and relationship difficulties.
Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Steven works collaboratively with clients and licensed professionals to tailor methods to each person’s goals, needs, and preferences, adjusting techniques over time as progress unfolds.
Online therapy with video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging offers flexibility for scheduling and access from different locations. These options make it easier to maintain consistent care around work, family, and other commitments while still engaging in evidence-informed therapeutic work.