Henry Ostendorf , LPCC

Henry Ostendorf is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) practicing in San Francisco, California, with more than 20 years of experience helping people navigate psychological and social distress. His pronouns are he/him/his, and he describes himself as respectful, kind, empathetic, and resourceful. He limits his practice to male-identified clients - both cisgender and transgender men of any sexual orientation - and brings a long history of vocational and grief-focused work to his psychotherapy practice.

Henry works from a blend of client-centered approaches and cognitive behavioral techniques. He explains LPCC as a professional clinical counseling license that authorizes him to provide mental health services across a range of concerns. He highlights that cognitive behavioral strategies can often produce measurable change efficiently, and notes that such approaches are commonly used for mood and anxiety challenges.

Sessions are organized around each person’s goals. Initial work focuses on identifying what the client wants to change, mapping physical, social, or psychological barriers, and creating a realistic, action-oriented plan. Progress often requires shifting patterns that no longer serve the individual, and Henry emphasizes small, manageable steps in the early stages of therapy as well as periodic re-evaluation of the plan.

Psychotherapy in his practice can support adjustment to ongoing stressors such as chronic illness or disability, and can also provide focused help after acute losses like the death of a loved one or a pet. Session formats vary - from brief frequent contacts to more structured 30 to 45 minute meetings - with frequency and length selected by the participant.

In addition to general clinical work, Henry has specialized experience in vocational rehabilitation and pet loss grief. As a Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with the California Department of Rehabilitation, he has assisted over 800 disabled job seekers with diverse challenges including mood disorders, traumatic brain injury, developmental differences, and substance issues. He has also led a monthly pet loss support group for the Peninsula Humane Society in Burlingame, California, offering space to process disenfranchised grief and the deep sorrow that can accompany the loss of a companion animal.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Henry Ostendorf

Henry offers client-centered therapy, which emphasizes a respectful, nonjudgmental relationship where the therapist supports the client's own process of discovery and growth. This approach is useful for people seeking empathetic listening and support while exploring values, identity, relationships, or life transitions.

He also uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a practical method that helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and patterns and develop skills to change behaviors and emotional responses. CBT is often used for conditions such as anxiety, depression, stress management, and problems that benefit from structured skill-building.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Henry works with each person to assess needs, preferences, and goals, and he tailors interventions so the therapeutic style fits the individual. Together they will test what works, adjust the plan as new information arises, and focus on steps that move the client toward greater independence and coping ability.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions by video call and phone, as well as live chat and text-based messaging, allow people to engage in consistent care from different locations and at varied times. These options can make it easier to maintain momentum, fit therapy into a busy life, and access licensed professionals when in-person visits are not possible.