PuttingFamilyFirst

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CE Portrait of Caitlin Eshelman
Online therapist

Caitlin Eshelman

Compassionate support for complex personal challenges

Credentials
LICSW
Experience
16 years
Licensed in
District of Columbia
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Caitlin

Caitlin Eshelman is a licensed clinical social worker with 16 years of practice in the District of Columbia. She creates a calm, affirming space where people can talk about stress, anxiety, identity, and relationship concerns. Caitlin keeps sessions practical and focused on what matters most to each person.

She uses everyday language and clear steps so parents and caregivers can follow along easily. Her background blends several evidence-based methods. Caitlin uses client-centered techniques to listen and prioritize each person’s goals.

Background and approach

She also draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people spot and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. Solution-focused work is used when people want concrete, short-term steps to feel better faster. Caitlin often supports clients through life transitions like pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, and other major changes.

She also addresses grief, trauma, mood and panic symptoms, and issues with intimacy and self-esteem. Her work includes areas such as attachment, abandonment, communication struggles, and sexual diversity including BDSM and kink when relevant to the client. Sessions are offered in English and use a mix of video, phone, live chat, and text messaging formats.

Caitlin holds a DC LICSW - LC50079854 and brings a practical, compassionate style to each meeting. She aims to help people build coping skills and clearer communication in daily life.

Approaches that translate well to online care

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and following the person’s lead. The therapist offers empathic support and helps clients set goals that feel meaningful to them. This approach is helpful for people who need a patient, nonjudgmental space to sort through identity, relationships, or life transitions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT looks at how thoughts, behaviors, and feelings interact. Sessions often include simple exercises and homework to practice new skills between meetings. CBT is useful for anxiety, panic symptoms, mood concerns, and changing unhelpful patterns that interfere with daily life.

The therapist will work together with each client to find the best mix of methods. Choosing an approach is collaborative and may change over time based on needs, goals, and preferences. Caitlin typically explains options and checks in regularly so the plan fits the person’s life.

Online therapy makes it easier to attend sessions from home or on the go. Video calls let people maintain face-to-face connection, while phone, live chat, and text messaging add flexibility for brief check-ins or when schedules are tight. These formats allow for ongoing work on communication, coping skills, and problem-solving without needing frequent travel.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Solution-Focused Therapy

Rather than examining the problem at length, this looks at what is already working and builds on it. Sessions tend to be practical and forward-looking, with small achievable steps, which translates readily to shorter online conversations.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns can Caitlin help with?
Caitlin helps with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self-esteem, and coping with life changes. She also works with relationship and family-related topics and a wide range of additional concerns listed in her profile.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is collaborative and practical. She listens first, then uses straightforward tools from evidence-based methods to meet the client’s goals.
What is her professional background?
She has 16 years of clinical experience and has worked with people facing a range of emotional and relational challenges. Her work emphasizes affirming and nonjudgmental support.
Where is Caitlin licensed and what are the credentials?
She is licensed in the District of Columbia as an LICSW with license number DC LICSW LC50079854.
Which languages are used for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different schedules and preferences.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin working with her?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.

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