Inspiring Conversations with Linda Esposito of Linda Esposito, LCSW

Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda Esposito

Linda, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
One of my earliest childhood memories is “practicing” pre-emptive anxiety (not that I knew the term back then). Basically, it’s the act of worrying about your worries in the hopes that your obsessive worrying will make the outcome of your worries less catastrophic (!).

As a therapist, anxiety is my favorite therapeutic topic for many reasons…namely, it’s a mental health condition that is highly treatable, but tremendously misunderstood. Especially, post-pandemic. I get it. When we can’t see something, it’s difficult to comprehend the “whys” behind your thoughts, feelings and behaviors.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Becoming a psychotherapist is no easy task. To be clinically incisive, you must possess a thorough understanding of psychodynamics, including the influences of defense mechanisms, childhood patterns, and the unconscious mind, not to mention the inner workings of your own brain. Thankfully, the majority of counseling programs mandate candidate’s undergo therapy prior to earning a master’s or doctorate degree. I was blessed to have a supervisor who was trained in psychoanalysis. She was tough as nails, and her approach wasn’t for everybody, but once the insights and interpretations started to click, it was a game changer!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Linda Esposito, LCSW?
My therapy practice focuses on two niches: anxiety (generalized, social, PTSD, OCD), and high-conflict divorce/contentious co-parenting relationships.

While anxiety is a generalized therapeutic focus (most clinicians treat), there is a lot of misinformation that sadly encourages avoidance and accommodation, which prolongs anxiety. I focus on a holistic approach and don’t spend a lot of time with clients on the “whys,” but how to reduce and recognize negative and unhealthy thought patterns. Key is learning how to emotionally regulate and leave Fly-Off-The-Handle Harry and Hazel behind!

My proudest therapy move: “Forget Co-parenting with a Narcissist. Do This Instead” is an article I wrote several years ago for psychologytoday.com. I still get several referrals a month for court-mandated couples therapy, and from intrepid souls ready to say goodbye to the drama and toxicity, and focus on healing themselves and their child(ren).

Any big plans?
Future plans: continue to service clients who bravely walk into their therapeutic journey. Personal: stay out of the animal shelters for now (we have enough canine rescues), and parent my young adult kid in responsible, meaningful ways.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.southpasadenatherapist.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linda.esposito_lcsw/

Image Credits
Isaiah Bermoy