About

I am Henry William Ostendorf. My gender pronouns are He/Him/His. I’m a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in San Francisco, California with over twenty years of experience counseling others to better cope with psychological and social distress. I'm a helper by nature. I consider myself to be respectful, kind, empathetic and resourceful.

I limit my practice to male-identified clients. Cisgender and Transgender males of any sexual orientation.

Please note my schedule is often more open than just the slots shown. If you wish a specific day or time just ask. I will book you anytime if my schedule (and life) allow.

Unfortunately the platform sometimes makes an error and a female subscriber will be matched with me. If you notice this has happened it is easily rectified by clicking on the "change counselor " link where you will see other available counselors to choose from.

I practice Client Centered and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy sometimes known as CBT. This type of counseling has been clinically proven to provide positive therapeutic outcomes. With CBT you may feel better, quicker, and with less financial investment than from other types of talk therapy. There is also evidence that CBT may be as effective as medication in treating anxiety and depression problems,

Psychotherapy is used to facilitate optimal adjustment, either to situations of ongoing stress, such as chronic mental or physical illness or in acutely stressful situations as, for example, following the death of a spouse or loved pet. Such supportive therapy may consist of a number of regular weekly contacts. These sessions may be frequent and brief, or more structured up to 30-45 minutes over a period of time chosen by the participant. It is my sincere goal is to assist you to become self-sufficient and independent as possible.

Our work starts with our identification of your goals, examining and understanding the barriers you face (which may be physical, social and/or psychological) and developing a realistic plan to move forward. This often requires changing old patterns of behavior that no longer works for you and reevaluation of our plan as new information comes forward. An action-oriented focus does not, however, preclude us from taking the smallest of steps -- especially as we begin our work together.

Psychotherapy involves the use of many and varied psychological techniques including:
•Empathy
•Sympathetic Listening
•Confiding Relationship
•Ventilation and Expression of Emotional Material
•Encouragement
•Opportunities for Corrections
•Explanation and Education
•Appropriate Reassurance
•Guidance
•Practical Help
•Behavior Modification


I also specialize in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling and Pet Loss Grief.

Vocational rehabilitation is a process which enables persons with functional, psychological, developmental, cognitive and emotional impairments or health conditions to overcome barriers to accessing, maintaining or returning to employment or other useful occupation. As a Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with the California Department of Rehabilitation I've assisted over 800 disabled job seekers on their path to employment. My clients have included those with mood disorders, depression, anxiety, alcohol and other drug issues, traumatic brain injury, autism spectrum disorders, learning disorders, carpal tunnel and other repetitive strain disorders, and developmental issues. Many of my clients have come from the LGBT+ community.

For over two years I've facilitated a monthly pet loss support group for the Peninsula Humane Society in Burlingame, CA. Loss of a pet is disenfranchised grief. Family, friends and coworkers often don't understand the depth of loss experienced when a pet dies. The inability for others to hear and understand one's grief can prolong or stunt the healing process. I understand and work to provide space to ventilate this sorrow and express the deep love one has for their lost friend.