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PJ Portrait of Peter Jastermsky

Peter Jastermsky

Experienced LCSW guiding practical change

LCSW California

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

About Peter

Peter Jastermsky is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 35 years of experience working across settings such as employee assistance programs, outpatient mental health, and substance use treatment.

Background and approach

He has also served as a clinical supervisor and trainer of therapists, bringing extensive practical knowledge to individual counseling for adults. Peter holds active licenses in California and Pennsylvania and offers care for adults aged 21 and up who reside in those states.

His manner is supportive and conversational, beginning therapy from whatever point a person currently occupies in life. He frames his role as a guide who helps people weigh choices, consider consequences, and set practical goals.

While exploring background and meaning can be part of the work, Peter emphasizes forward movement and practical steps toward change, helping clients identify one actionable change that can break a sense of being stuck. Clients can expect a collaborative process that respects their perspective and builds on their strengths.

He integrates approaches such as cognitive behavioral strategies, client-centered listening, and solution-focused planning to match the needs of each person seeking help with stress, anxiety, grief, addiction, relationship concerns, work issues, and related life challenges.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online care

Peter routinely uses cognitive behavioral techniques to help clients identify and shift unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, stress, and coping with life changes. He also draws on client-centered methods that prioritize active listening and respect for the client's experience, creating space for people to set their own goals and lead the pace of work. Finally, solution-focused ideas are used to map small, practical steps toward change and to build momentum when someone feels stuck.

Finding the right combination of methods is part of the collaborative process. Peter works with each person to determine which approaches fit their goals, values, and preferences, and adjusts the plan as progress unfolds so therapy remains practical and personally meaningful.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for different schedules and needs. These options make it easier to access consistent support, maintain continuity between meetings, and use brief check-ins or longer conversations depending on what works best for the client.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Peter commonly address?
He works with a broad range of issues including stress, anxiety, grief, depression, addictions, relationship and family problems, work and career concerns, and coping with life changes.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
His approach is supportive and conversational, blending practical goal-setting with exploration of choices and consequences to help clients move forward.
What is his professional background?
Peter brings 35 years of experience in clinical settings including EAP, outpatient mental health, and drug and alcohol treatment, and has served as a clinical supervisor and trainer.
What credentials and location are listed?
He is an LCSW with licenses CA LCSW 26699 and PA LCSW CW013081 and practices with connections to California.
Does he provide services in other languages or to international clients?
Services are offered in English and he is not accepting international clients at this time.
Which session formats does he use?
Sessions can be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on client preference and availability.
How are costs and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin working together?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Also works with

AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCoachingCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesCaregiver issues and stressCommunication problemsControl issuesFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsGuilt and shameIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

35+ years

Licensed

California, Pennsylvania

Languages

English