Steven Penn, LCSW

Steven Penn is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, grief, depression, and major life changes. He works with people who are dealing with attachment and abandonment concerns, communication and control struggles, feelings of guilt or shame, and issues like jealousy and isolation. He is LGBT+ affirmative and approaches each person with respect and sensitivity.

He keeps sessions focused on the person in front of him. Conversations and any plan are shaped around the client’s needs and goals. People can expect a calm, nonjudgmental tone and practical ideas to try between meetings.

Steven draws on several therapy styles to fit different problems. He uses client-centered methods to listen and reflect what matters most to the client. He may use cognitive behavioral techniques to spot unhelpful thoughts and try new behaviors. Mindfulness tools can help with stress and mood regulation.

He also brings elements of psychodynamic thinking to look at patterns that repeat over time, and motivational interviewing to help people find what drives change. With nine years of experience as an LCSW in New York, he balances short-term problem solving with deeper work when that fits the client’s goals.

Steven’s approach emphasizes collaboration. He supports people as they take steps toward more satisfying relationships and a steadier emotional life. If you want to explore changes, he helps set clear next steps and adjusts the plan as you go.

How this therapist uses approaches in online work

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening closely and reflecting what matters to the client. It helps people feel heard and clarifies what they want to change. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at thought patterns and behaviors to reduce anxiety and lift mood by practicing different ways of thinking and acting.

Choosing an approach is usually a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, try methods that fit those goals, and adjust the plan over time. This means you and the therapist decide together whether to focus on skills practice, exploring patterns, or a mix of both.

Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. It can also let someone use less bandwidth or opt for a simpler setup when full video is difficult. Licensed professionals can adapt exercises and homework for use between meetings so progress continues outside sessions.