Luann Esen

Maybe you’ve been carrying something on your own for a while, or things at home have started to feel harder than they used to. Reaching out is often the toughest part, and I’m glad you’re here. I’m Luann, a licensed clinical social worker, and for 30 years I’ve worked with individuals, couples, and families as they sort through what’s weighing on them. Whether you come in on your own, with a partner, or with family members, my role is to listen closely and help you make sense of what’s happening. I earned my master’s in social work from Adelphi University and completed a three-year post-master’s certificate in psychoanalysis at the Pederson-Krag Institute for Psychotherapy in New York.

I draw from a few approaches and shape them around you. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps us look at how your thoughts, feelings, and actions connect, so you have practical ways to respond when old patterns show up. Object relations therapy explores how our earliest relationships shape the way we connect with people today, which can be especially helpful when the same struggles keep coming up with a partner, family, or friends. My training in psychoanalysis means I also pay attention to what’s beneath the surface: the feelings and patterns that can be hard to see on our own. Some sessions may feel focused and practical, while others give you room to go deeper. Together, we’ll find the balance that works for you.

If you’ve never been to therapy, or it’s been a while, it’s completely normal to feel a little nervous before a first appointment. I’ll ask what’s bringing you in, what’s been going on in your life, and a bit about your background, relationships, and history. You don’t need to have the right words or know exactly what you want to work on. You can share as much or as little as feels okay that day, and we’ll take it at your pace. I’ll also explain how I work and what CBT and object relations therapy look like in practice, and you’re welcome to ask me anything. My goal is for you to leave that first conversation with a clearer sense of what you’re facing and what working together could look like. Over time, I hope therapy becomes a place where you can understand yourself and your relationships more fully and try new ways of handling what’s been hard.