Peter Jastermsky , LCSW

Peter Jastermsky is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 35 years of clinical experience spanning Employee Assistance Programs, outpatient mental health, and drug and alcohol treatment. He has also worked as a clinical supervisor and trainer for other therapists, bringing depth in both direct care and professional development.

Peter offers individual counseling for adults aged 21 and up who live in California and Pennsylvania, using a supportive, conversational style that starts wherever a person is in their life. He frames his role as a guide who helps clients weigh options, consider the consequences of changing versus remaining the same, and set meaningful, realistic goals.

While he values understanding why people behave as they do, Peter emphasizes practical progress and encourages clients to identify one meaningful action that can begin to shift feeling stuck during stressful or uncertain times. He works collaboratively to support decisions and to move toward clearer choices and improved coping. His practice addresses a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, grief, career concerns, addiction, relationship and family challenges, trauma and abuse, parenting, anger, and self-esteem, with an orientation toward coaching and compassion-focused care.

Therapeutic Approaches Adapted for Online Care

Peter integrates Client-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) into his online practice. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening with empathy, respecting the client as the expert on their own life, and creating a supportive space for exploration - it is useful for building self-awareness, confidence, and decision-making. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and helps clients develop practical strategies to manage anxiety, depression, and unhelpful patterns. Existential Therapy is also part of his approach, helping clients explore meaning, values, and life purpose when facing major transitions or questions about direction.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Peter works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. He tailors techniques and pacing to support meaningful, achievable change.

Online therapy with Peter can take place via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for varied schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, fit sessions into a busy life, and access licensed professionals from different locations when available.