Esther Friedman

I am a licensed clinical social worker with a master’s degree in Social Science and Administration from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. I bring extensive experience in treating individuals facing adjustment challenges, anxiety, depression, trauma, personality disorders, psychosis, and substance use disorders. I also have 12 years past military experience and can relate to challenges faced by vets. In addition, I have worked with the LGBTQ+ community.

I utilize a range of evidence-based treatment modalities, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Harm Reduction, Psychodynamic approach, and Motivational Interviewing. My approach is deeply client-centered, tailed at meeting the unique needs and preferences of the individual.

I am dedicated to upholding the integrity of the social work profession and creating a safe, supportive space where clients can process emotions and surpass their therapeutic goals. I work with kids (14+) and adults and have night and weekend availability.

In therapy, I most often use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to support meaningful, lasting change. CBT helps you identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns that may be fueling anxiety, depression, or self-doubt. Together, we explore how your thoughts influence your emotions and behaviors, and practice new ways of thinking that align with your goals. For example, if you’re working toward greater confidence, we’ll challenge negative self-talk and build self-affirming beliefs. If reducing anxiety is your goal, we’ll focus on realistic thinking and coping strategies. CBT is practical, structured, and focused on real-life change.

DBT is especially helpful if you feel overwhelmed by intense emotions or struggle in relationships. It teaches skills in four key areas: mindfulness (staying present and grounded), distress tolerance (navigating crisis moments without making things worse), emotion regulation (understanding and managing big feelings), and interpersonal effectiveness (communicating clearly and setting boundaries). If your goal is to feel more emotionally balanced or improve your relationships, DBT offers tools you can use daily. Both CBT and DBT are collaborative and tailored to your unique needs and pace. Therapy isn’t just about insight—it’s about building skills, shifting patterns, and creating meaningful change

In our first session, we’ll focus on building a strong therapeutic rapport and identifying your goals for therapy. If this is your first time in therapy, we’ll also explore what to expect and how the process can support your growth. Trust is essential, so I prioritize transparency and clear expectations as we collaborate to not only meet—but surpass—your goals.