Esther Kennedy

Practical, empathetic therapy with evidence-informed techniques

LCSW California

Experience: 35 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages: English

About Esther

Esther Kennedy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 35 years of experience offering compassionate, practical support for people facing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship and family concerns, parenting challenges, anger, career issues, and ADHD.

Background and approach

She meets clients where they are and helps them develop skills to manage daily struggles and long-standing patterns. Her work spans outpatient therapy, individual and family sessions, group work, psychosocial assessment, crisis intervention, case management, and advocacy.

Esther blends client-centered listening with evidence-informed techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness approaches, Emotionally-Focused strategies, and Motivational Interviewing to tailor treatment to each person's needs. Known for a warm, nonjudgmental, and culturally sensitive style, Esther emphasizes empathy and practical skill building.

She draws on decades of direct practice with adults, children, and adolescents to support clients in developing adaptive life skills, navigating change, and improving emotional and relational functioning.

Integrating therapeutic approaches for online care

Esther uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors, offering practical tools for anxiety, depression, and stress management. She also incorporates Client-Centered Therapy, which prioritizes empathic listening and collaboration so clients feel understood while exploring their goals and values. When appropriate, she draws on Dialectical Behavior Therapy techniques to teach emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness for intense emotions and relationship strain.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work together. Esther collaborates with each person to assess needs, goals, and preferences, adapting techniques over time so the plan reflects what helps most in real life.

Online therapy with her is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to increase flexibility and access. These options allow clients to fit therapy into busy schedules, maintain continuity during life transitions, and choose the format that feels most comfortable while engaging in skill-building and reflective work with a licensed professional.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist commonly address?

She works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self esteem, depression, coping with life changes, relationship and family issues, parenting, anger, career concerns, and ADHD.

What is the therapist's overall approach and style?

Her approach combines client-centered listening with practical, evidence-informed methods such as CBT, DBT, EFT, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing to help clients build coping skills and process emotions.

How much clinical experience does the therapist have?

She brings 35 years of experience in behavioral health, including outpatient therapy, individual and family work, group facilitation, assessments, crisis intervention, and case management.

What credentials and location are on record?

She is licensed as an LCSW in California with license number CA LCSW 12912 and practices from California.

In which language can clients work with this therapist?

Sessions are offered in English, and she is not currently accepting international clients.

Which session formats are available with this therapist?

Clients can work with her through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on their preference.

How is cost handled for sessions?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What should I do to begin therapy with this clinician?

To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions based on the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Trauma and abuse Self esteem Depression Coping with life changes

Also works with

Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesADHD

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

35+ years

Licensed

California

Languages

English