Couples therapists in Virginia Beach, VA

Hi there! I'm Dr Esmie, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and PhD, Research Psychologist with more than three decades of professional and lived experience. I've lived much of my life in England and California and now currently reside in the DMV state of Virginia. I bring a broad multicultural perspective to my work.serving individuals, couples, and families from diverse cultural, social, and spiritual backgrounds.

My clinical practice integrates evidence-based approaches, including trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and strengths-based interventions. I have worked extensively with clients navigating trauma, life transitions, relational conflict, stress, and emotional challenges, helping them move toward healing and personal growth.

I believe meaningful change occurs when people feel genuinely seen, heard, and respected. I strive to create a safe, supportive therapeutic environment where clients can explore their experiences without judgment. Through collaboration, practical tools, and compassionate guidance, I help clients develop insight, strengthen resilience, and build healthier patterns of thinking, feeling, and behavior.

Above all, I value human dignity and authentic connection. I believe credentials may open doors, but character, empathy, and genuine care sustain lasting transformation.

What does it take to be the hero of your own story? Difficulties don't have to be insurmountable barriers, but opportunities for growth. Learn from the more trying times, adapt to changes and persist despite the odds. Resilience shapes your character and sets a precedent for future challenges. It can be hard to adopt a proactive mindset when life is happening nonstop around you but I would like to build an authentic connection with you to explore making some positive and lasting changes.

My practice is eclectic in nature and is informed by many different modalities to include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, solutions-focused therapy, play therapy but always trauma-informed and person-centered. I will meet you where you are, and together, we will create a plan for your treatment that is evidenced-based and celebrates your personal triumphs.

I have experience working with all ages, from 3yo to end of life concerns. I have focused my career on crisis intervention and debriefing traumatic events so that extreme or critical incidents in life don't develop into psychiatric disorders that become debilitating in nature. Prevention, proactivity, collaboration and building or strengthening connections in a therapeutic environment can help you get you to where you want to be.

I have spent most of my life helping people be the best versions of themselves, in one capacity or another. As a trauma-responsive counselor, I have several years of professional experience working with adults dealing with a variety of mental health issues (e.g., anxiety, depression, addiction, loss, life transitions, relationship issues, etc.). What is most important to my client is most important to me. I strive to help clients feel safe, heard, and empowered to navigate whatever life handles them.

I am Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a Masters degree in Clinical Counseling and a Bachelors in Psychology and Criminal Justice. I am a Virginia CIT instructor and a clinician vetted through VALEAP. My experience includes post critical incident debriefs and peer support.

My clinical background includes working in emergency behavioral health settings, where I help individuals stabilize during some of life’s most challenging moments.

I have a particular passion for working with individuals impacted by critical incidents, acute stress, adjustment to change, and those navigating anxiety, depression, and overwhelming life stress.

Currently accepting clients in WA, VA, GA & MO.

I work with adults and children who feel stuck in anxiety, worry, overthinking, or feeling easily overwhelmed. For adults, this can look like burnout, overanalyzing, and repeating patterns that are hard to break. For adults, this can look like burnout, overanalyzing, and repeating patterns that are hard to break. For children, this often shows up as big emotions, shutdowns, defiance, school struggles, or not being able to explain what’s wrong. I have over 6 years of experience working with youth, including engaging kids ages 5–11 in telehealth (yes, even the ones who don’t want to talk). My style is warm, direct, and down-to-earth.

Currently offering a variety of appointment times, including late evenings and some Saturdays.

I am a licensed clinical social worker and NY licensed creative arts therapist with over 10 years of experience in the mental health field. As a clinical social worker, I am licensed in New York, Connecticut, Maryland and Virginia. I have a Master in Social Work from Fordham University, a Master of Science in Dance/Movement Therapy from Sarah Lawrence College and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from New York University. I have worked in various mental health settings including inpatient psychiatric hospitals, school settings, nursing homes, residential treatment center and outpatient mental clinic. I am certified in Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT), Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) and is a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP). I am currently pursuing a certification in Somatic Experiencing (Advanced Level), TF-CBT, and AEDP therapist (ES Level 1). I have experienced working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples.

As your therapist, I create a space where you can slow down and reconnect with yourself. My style is warm, collaborative, and grounded in belief that meaningful change begins within. Whether you’re managing anxiety, relationship challenges, identity shifts, or past experiences that still affect you, we move at your pace with practical tools and honest conversation.