LOS ANGELES, CA | INDIVIDUALS & COUPLES

Esther Son Psychotherapist

I don’t assume I know more about your life than you do. We figure out what your story means together, and along the way your nervous system learns it can settle, first with me and then on its own.

LMFT #161399       LPCC #20332        IN-PERSON & TELEHEALTH       SHE/THEY

What we might work on

Whatever brings you in, I’m curious about what’s underneath it. Psychoanalytic thinking runs through all of my work, alongside more structured approaches like CBT and ERP when they help.

Couples
For two people (or more), in the room together.

Couples therapy
For couples stuck in the same fight, or who’ve drifted apart. Monogamous and non-monogamous.→

Sex therapy & intimacy
For couples who want to talk about sex and desire and haven’t found a way to yet.→

Neurodivergent couples
Often one partner with ADHD, and two different ways of being in the relationship.→

Individuals
For you, on your own.

Depression & anxiety
Getting underneath the patterns that keep you stuck, with CBT tools when they help.→

Trauma & complex PTSD
CPT and trauma-focused CBT, without pushing you to say more than you’re ready to.→

OCD · Identity, race & belonging · LGBTQI+ affirming care · Women in leadership · ADHD & autism

I studied belonging at Oxford before I became a therapist.

My research there looked at what helps people from different groups get along, and I’ve published on how racism affects mental health. That’s a big part of why I pay attention to culture and identity in the room.

I’m a licensed psychotherapist certified in Cognitive Behavior Therapy, trained across CPT, Trauma-Focused CBT, ERP, Emotionally Focused Therapy and psychoanalytic approaches.

With couples, I draw on psychodynamic, attachment-based and EFT approaches, and I also offer sex therapy for couples. I work closely with neurodivergent clients, including ADHD and autism, and with couples where one partner is neurodivergent and the other isn’t.

My practice is LGBTQI+ affirming, and I’m comfortable talking about race and culture when they’re part of what’s going on.

Things I’ve written

One Size Fits All? →

Teens and Distress →

Loss and Grief, A Therapist’s Personal Reflection →

Unpacking From A Psychoanalytic View →

Finding Home in the Fragmentation of a Changing World →

OUTSIDE THE THERAPY ROOM

Notes from the darkroom

“The challenge is in the moment, the time is always now.” - James Baldwin

JAN 6, 2025  |  MEDIUM FORMAT  |  MONTICELLO, CA

estherson photo journal →

Outside the therapy room I’m a photographer. I also love writing, reading, film, ceramics, time in the darkroom, and anything dog-related.

Read my essays →

Let’s talk first.

I’d like to talk about

My practice is currently full, but you’re welcome to join my waitlist or send me a question. I see clients in person in Los Angeles and by telehealth anywhere in California.

Is this a fit?

Many people come to me looking for better coping skills, and that’s a good place to start. Often the work goes further, into what’s underneath the patterns that keep showing up. I bring psychoanalytic depth to every approach I use, including CBT. If you want a short program focused only on skills, another therapist may suit you better. If you’re open to seeing where the work leads, a consultation is a good way to find out whether I’m the right fit.

PRACTICAL DETAILS

FIRST STEPWhen a spot opens, we start with a 15-minute introductory call to see whether we’re a good fit. There’s no charge for it.

SESSIONS55 minutes, for individuals and couples.

WHEREIn person in Los Angeles, or by telehealth anywhere in California.

INSURANCEIn network through Headway with Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Cigna and Curative.

PRIVATE PAYReduced rates may be available. Ask me about fees.

WHO I SEEAdults, on their own or as couples.

REPLIESWithin 1–2 business days, Monday to Friday. Messages aren’t monitored for emergencies; if you need help now, call or text 988, or call 911.

GOOD FAITH ESTIMATEIf you’re not using insurance, you have the right to a Good Faith Estimate of expected charges before your first session. Read the noticeNoticeYou have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your health care will costUnder the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have certain types of health care coverage or who are not using certain types of health care coverage an estimate of their bill for health care items and services before those items or services are provided.You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any health care items or services upon request or when scheduling such items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.If you schedule a health care item or service at least 3 business days in advance, make sure your health care provider or facility gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing within 1 business day after scheduling. If you schedule a health care item or service at least 10 business days in advance, make sure your health care provider or facility gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing within 3 business days after scheduling. You can also ask any health care provider or facility for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service. If you do, make sure the health care provider or facility gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing within 3 business days after you ask.If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more for any provider or facility than your Good Faith Estimate from that provider or facility, you can dispute the bill.For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises/consumers, email FederalPPDRQuestions@cms.hhs.gov, or call 1-800-985-3059.

CURRENTLY FULLJoin my waitlistMy practice is currently full. Join my waitlist and I’ll reach out when a spot opens. If you need support sooner, I’m happy to suggest other therapists.Join the waitlist →

Estherson LMFT #161399 | LPCC #20332 | LOS ANGELES, CA
If you are in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call 911. This site is not monitored for emergencies.