Esther Kennedy, LCSW - Therapist in California

About Esther

Esther Kennedy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who focuses on family and parenting concerns alongside related issues. She writes plainly and meets people where they are, offering steady support when life feels overwhelming. Parents often turn to her for help with stress, anxiety, behavior concerns, and managing family relationships.

She explains options clearly and works together with caregivers to set realistic goals. Esther brings 35 years of experience in behavioral health to her sessions.

Background and approach

Her work has included outpatient therapy, individual and family meetings, group work, and psycho-social assessments. She has supported adults, children, and adolescents through crises, substance misuse, adaptive life skills, and case management when needed. Her clinical toolkit includes Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), and mindfulness techniques.

She uses these approaches to teach practical skills for managing emotions, reducing anxiety, and improving communication at home. Esther emphasizes a non-judgmental, culturally aware style. She aims to be warm, caring, and an active listener while helping parents develop new coping strategies.

Sessions are collaborative and focused on small, achievable steps. Based in California, Esther offers a straightforward path toward change. She encourages families to try concrete tools and evaluates progress together, adjusting plans so therapy fits each household’s needs.

Therapeutic approaches you can use online

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening without judgment and following the person’s lead. It helps when parents need a safe space to talk through worries and figure out what matters most to their family.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, teaches practical skills to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It is useful for anxiety, low mood, and improving daily coping strategies.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, DBT, adds skills for managing intense emotions and improving relationships. It is helpful when strong reactions or recurring conflicts get in the way of family life.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Esther will collaborate with each parent to choose methods that fit their goals, needs, and preferences. She checks in and adjusts the plan as progress is made.

Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, respond quickly when concerns arise, and practice skills between meetings. Many families find the range of formats helpful for keeping therapy consistent while managing school, work, and daily routines.

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.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Concrete skills for riding out strong emotion, tolerating distress, and handling relationships without things escalating. The skills are practised in daily life, so between-session support by message or phone fits naturally.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns can be addressed in sessions?

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

What is her general therapy style like?

Her style is non-judgmental and warm, with an emphasis on listening and practical skills. She combines client-centered work with CBT, DBT, EFT, and mindfulness techniques.

How long has she practiced?

She has 35 years of experience in behavioral health, including work in outpatient settings, group and family therapy, and crisis intervention.

What credentials and location are listed?

She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, licensed in California with license number CA LCSW 12912 and practices in California.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

What session formats are available?

Sessions can be done by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

How is cost handled?

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

What are the steps to begin therapy?

To begin, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

ADHD
Anger management
Career difficulties
Coping with life changes
Depression
Family conflicts
Parenting issues
Relationship issues

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 35 years
Licensed: California
Languages: English

Next step

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