Henry Ostendorf , LPCC

Henry William Ostendorf is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) based in San Francisco, California, with more than twenty years of experience helping people manage psychological and social distress. He presents as respectful, kind, empathetic, and resourceful, and his practice focuses on male-identified adults - both cisgender and transgender men across sexual orientations. Henry explains that his LPCC credential indicates state authorization to provide clinical counseling and psychotherapy.

Henry emphasizes a practical, goal-oriented approach that begins with clear identification of the client’s goals, an exploration of physical, social, and psychological barriers, and the development of a realistic plan to move forward. He blends client-centered listening with cognitive behavioral strategies, encouraging small, achievable steps while remaining open to reassessing the plan as new information emerges. Sessions may be brief and frequent or more structured, often ranging around 30-45 minutes, depending on the client’s needs and preferences. His intention is to help people gain the skills and independence needed to manage ongoing stressors or acute life events.

Henry also brings 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 in returning to or maintaining employment. He has facilitated a monthly pet loss support group for the Peninsula Humane Society in Burlingame, California, offering space for the expression and processing of disenfranchised grief. Across his work, Henry uses empathy, active listening, encouragement, education, behavioral guidance, and practical problem-solving to support recovery and adjustment.