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HO Portrait of Henry Ostendorf

Henry Ostendorf

Practical, empathic counseling for complex life challenges

LPCC California

Experience
20 years in practice
Focus areas
LGBT, Grief, Career
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages
English

About Henry

Henry Ostendorf is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) based in California with two decades of experience helping people navigate grief, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy concerns, addictions, stress, and career and workplace challenges.

Background and approach

He brings a practical, empathic style to counseling and emphasizes identifying goals, mapping obstacles, and developing action-oriented plans that address emotional, social, and physical barriers. His approach combines client-centered listening with cognitive behavioral techniques and solution-focused strategies to help clients change unhelpful patterns while building coping skills.

Sessions can be structured or brief depending on needs, and Henry aims to support gradual steps toward greater independence and self-sufficiency. He also has focused experience with issues such as chronic pain and illness, HIV/AIDS, traumatic brain injury, process and sex-related addictions, and compassion fatigue.

Henry has served in vocational rehabilitation roles and has led pet loss support groups, bringing added experience with workplace reintegration and bereavement related to companion animals. He communicates with straightforward warmth and seeks to tailor therapy to each person’s priorities and life circumstances.

Practical therapy approaches for online care

Henry uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Client-Centered Therapy in online work, describing each in plain terms so clients know what to expect. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, stress, and many mood or addiction-related concerns. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathic listening and creating a supportive space so clients can explore emotions, build insight, and develop their own solutions.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Henry will work with clients to clarify goals, try different techniques, and adjust methods based on what fits the person's needs, goals, and preferences rather than assuming one single path is best.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to maximize flexibility. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into work and life schedules, maintain continuity during transitions or illness, and access care from wherever the client is located in California. The variety of formats also allows for brief check-ins or longer, more structured sessions depending on what the client and therapist decide together.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Henry address?
He works with a broad range of issues including LGBT concerns, grief, career and workplace problems, depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship and intimacy-related issues, self-esteem, bipolar and other mood disorders, and coping with life changes.
What is Henry's therapeutic style and focus?
His style blends empathic, client-centered listening with practical, action-focused interventions. He emphasizes goal setting, behavior change, and coping skills tailored to each person.
How much clinical experience does he have?
Henry brings 20 years of counseling experience, including roles in vocational rehabilitation and facilitating support groups for pet loss.
What credentials and location information are provided?
He is credentialed as an LPCC and is listed with the California designation CA LPCC 223. He practices in California.
Can Henry work with speakers of other languages or international clients?
He provides services in English and is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can be conducted via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.
How are fees and subscriptions handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin therapy?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

LGBTGriefCareer difficultiesDepression

Also works with

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

Chronic pain, illness, and disabilityEmptinessHIV / AIDSIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMood disordersProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Sex addictionTraumatic brain injuryWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Solution-Focused Therapy

Experience

20+ years

Licensed

California

Languages

English