Dr. Esme Ordonez
Being capable does not mean you are not struggling. You may be meeting responsibilities while privately managing anxiety, trauma, relationship pain, or emotional exhaustion. Perhaps symptoms are disrupting your work or daily life, and you are wondering whether further assessment would help. I bring more than 15 years of clinical experience, a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, and a Master’s in Forensic Psychology to my work as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I hold advanced certification in complex trauma (CCTP-II), DBT certification, and domestic violence certification, and I am EMDR trained. My background also includes specialized training and clinical work in inpatient and outpatient eating disorder treatment. I provide care in English and Spanish.
My practice focuses on trauma recovery, anxiety, panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, eating disorders, and relationship betrayal.
I help clients address trauma, anxiety and panic, OCD, depression, eating disorders, and relationship betrayal. Together, we connect present challenges with the patterns behind them, practice skills you can use outside therapy, and make room for difficult conversations without judgment. When appropriate, we explore whether additional assessment or referrals would support your care. My work also includes emotional support through separation and divorce, and helping families navigate conflict, strengthen communication, and explore reconnection when it is safe and appropriate. Each person’s readiness and boundaries guide this process. Through women’s wellness coaching, I help clients manage stress, build sustainable habits, and navigate life transitions with greater confidence. Across these services, my focus is on helping you strengthen boundaries, rebuild self-trust, and move forward with greater clarity. You do not have to keep proving you can handle everything before your needs matter.
First session
In your first session with me, you can expect a warm, compassionate, and safe environment designed to support your journey from the very start. We’ll begin by gently exploring your challenges, experiences, and goals, allowing me to understand your unique story and what brings you to therapy. I will introduce you to the therapeutic methods we might use—such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)—and explain how these approaches can be customized to best meet your needs. My goal is to ensure that the techniques we use resonate with your personal experiences and goals. During our session, I encourage you to ask any questions or express any concerns you might have about the therapy process or my approach. Your comfort and understanding are essential, and I am here to provide clear and empathetic guidance. My commitment is to create a supportive and nurturing space where you can openly share your thoughts and feelings, laying the foundation for a trusting and effective therapeutic relationship. Together, we will embark on a path of self-discovery and healing, focusing on empowering you to achieve your personal growth and well-being.
Strengths
I bring a combination of clinical depth, warmth, and directness. With more than 15 years of experience, a doctorate in Clinical Psychology, and a master’s in Forensic Psychology, I consider both what you are experiencing now and the relationships, circumstances, and patterns that shape it. My advanced certification in complex trauma, DBT and domestic violence certifications, EMDR training, and experience in inpatient and outpatient eating disorder treatment inform an approach that is attentive to safety, pacing, and your individual needs. In sessions, I ask thoughtful questions, help you make connections, and translate insight into practical steps. We can discuss difficult experiences without judgment while also working on skills, boundaries, and choices that support change. I welcome your feedback and adapt our work collaboratively. I offer sessions in English and Spanish. You can expect me to recognize your strengths while taking seriously the struggles others may not see
Ideal clients
My ideal clients may be managing responsibilities while privately struggling with anxiety, trauma, relationship pain, or emotional exhaustion. Others may find that symptoms are disrupting work, relationships, or daily life and want help understanding what they need. I work well with clients navigating complex trauma, panic, OCD, depression, eating disorders, betrayal, and major life transitions, including separation and divorce. I also welcome couples and families seeking healthier communication and boundaries. You do not need to arrive with clear goals or know where to begin. We can start with what feels hardest and work together toward greater stability, self-trust, and connection.
Treatment methods
EMDR
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a structured therapy that helps people work through distressing memories and the feelings or beliefs connected to them. While briefly focusing on a memory, you follow guided eye movements or use alternating taps or sounds. I guide this process at a pace that feels manageable for you. The goal is for the memory to feel less overwhelming—not to erase it—so it has less impact on your daily life.
Trauma Informed Care
I use Trauma-Informed Care to create a safe, supportive environment where clients can explore and heal from past traumas. This approach emphasizes understanding the impact of trauma, promoting safety, and empowering clients, leading to improved emotional well-being and resilience.
Integrative
I use integrative therapy to tailor treatment to your needs, drawing from approaches such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, ACT, and attachment-based therapy. We may work on practical skills to manage distress while exploring how past experiences and relationship patterns affect you today. Together, we choose an approach that fits your goals, comfort, and pace, adjusting as your needs change.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients develop skills in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. DBT is particularly effective for managing intense emotions and improving relationships, leading to greater emotional stability and resilience.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
In my practice, I use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help individuals and couples build emotional awareness, strengthen attachment bonds, and foster empathy. EFT facilitates deeper connections and long-term emotional well-being by addressing negative interaction patterns and promoting open communication.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
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Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 146131