Conversations with Esther Neissany

Today we’d like to introduce you to Esther Neissany.

Hi Esther, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In college, I heard the quote “be the person you needed when you were young;” this led me to the path of being a licensed marriage and family therapist. I have been practicing since 2019. My internships included seeing clients who were primarily court mandated as well as clients who are high risk due to self-harming behaviors and suicidal ideation. Once licensed, I have been working with adolescents, teens, and young adults regarding family issues, anxiety, depression and so forth.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Easy answer: Do we ever have a smooth road? Long answer: I have experienced challenges since graduate school to the current day. I’ve had a professor suggest that this is not the right field for me. That was not something an optimistic and excited grad student wants to hear. On a more personal note, I have a 7-month-old who has been diagnosed with a developmental disability. As a professional and as a mom, the road has been full of ups and downs.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The quote “meet the client where they are at” speaks so much to me. Whether my client is an 8 year old girl who is engaging in self-harming behaviors or a 40 year old who is learning how to improve dynamics with her husband, I meet the client where they are– that includes goals for treatment, pace of treatment, and modality. However, I am known to also call my client out on negative patterns (in a kind and gentle way), if needed. I am proud that I not only balance the needs of the client, but also provide the push for growth when they are ready for it.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I was born and raised in LA. I love the diversity it offers us- from the people, languages, food, activities! The difficulty with living in a big city is dealing with long lines, traffic and general bureaucracy.

Contact Info:

• Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/1357158