About Steven Osterstrom
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!