LA/CA

Estherson
Psychotherapist


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Esther Son,
she/they

Los Angeles, CA
LMFT #161399
LPCC #20332




Experienced licensed psychotherapist with specific training in cognitive therapies and diversity research.

I am a licensed mental health therapist, certified in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) with extensive training in a range of therapeutic techniques, including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT), Managing Adaptive Practices (MAP), Psychoanalytic framework, Emotionally Focusted Therapy (EFT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). My educational journey led me to the United Kingdom, where I dedicated several transformative years to research. I spent my post-graduate experience at the University of Oxford as a researcher, focusing on intergroup contact, diversity, and their effects on social cohesion. This period not only honed my research skills but also culminated in publications that contribute to the field's understanding of these complex dynamics.

Throughout my career, I have remained committed to addressing and understanding the nuanced ways in which racial oppression affects mental health, leading to significant contributions in this area through both research and publication. My clinical practice is informed by these insights, alongside a tailored approach to training that encompasses sensitivity towards LGBTQI+ issues, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive therapeutic environment. With couples I use a psychodynamic, attachment, and EFT focused approach.

My professional experience encompasses working with clients dealing with a spectrum of mental health concerns, from depression and anxiety to complex PTSD and OCD. This diverse clinical exposure allows me to provide empathetic, evidence-based care that addresses the unique challenges and needs of each client.

Therapy for Women in Executive Leadership

I provide psychotherapy for C-suite executives and senior leaders — with particular depth of experience working with women in male-dominated industries. My clients are often navigating self-esteem struggles that persist despite external success, major professional and life transitions, and the psychological weight of high-stakes decision-making at the top of their organizations. Together, we work through the internal barriers to advocating for yourself — whether that's negotiating pay, setting boundaries, or trusting your own authority in rooms where you're often the only woman.

By integrating rigorous academic research with practical clinical applications, I strive to foster healing and growth in individuals and communities, leveraging my deep understanding of psychological resilience and social dynamics to support my clients' journeys towards recovery and well-being.

Beyond my clinical professional endeavors, I am a photographer and my personal interests include writing, reading, film, ceramics, meditating in the photographic darkroom, and anything dog related.