Esther Riggs

(she/her)

LMFT, 1 year of experience
No reviews yet

I am an educator and a licensed therapist with over 20 years of clinical experience, where I’ve worked with adolescents, individuals and couples dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions. I bring a flexible, client-centered approach, drawing from CBT, Interpersonal Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Art Therapy depending on each person's unique needs. I see therapy as a collaborative process where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

The first session is all about getting to know each other and laying a strong foundation. We’ll start by reviewing informed consent and going over the limits of confidentiality, so you know what to expect and feel safe asking any questions. From there, we’ll spend time getting acquainted—I want to hear what brought you in, what’s been on your mind, and what you’re hoping to get out of therapy. We'll begin identifying the issues you'd like to work on and explore what your goals might look like, knowing that those can evolve over time. Just as importantly, you'll get a feel for who I am and how I work. I believe it’s essential that you feel comfortable and supported, and I encourage you to decide whether it feels like the right fit for you.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

My greatest strength as a therapist is my relational style. I believe that building a therapeutic relationship based on trust, mutual respect, and positive regard creates a strong foundation for the work we do together. I am dedicated to meeting clients where they are in the moment, rather than using a 'one size fits all" approach to care.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

My ideal clients are individuals and couples who are ready to explore their patterns and work toward meaningful change. You may be navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship challenges, and seeking not just relief, but deeper understanding and connection. You are willing to be open to reflection, emotionally honest conversations, and creative or integrative approaches. Whether you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, you're willing to show up and engage in the process—even if you’re not sure where to begin.

Specialties

Top specialties

Anxiety

Depression

I identify as

Serves ages

Licensed in

Accepts

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

CBT helps you understand how your thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected. When anxiety shows up, it often brings negative thoughts or worst-case-scenario thinking. In CBT, we work together to notice those patterns and gently shift them. You’ll learn practical tools to challenge anxious thoughts, manage stress, and respond more calmly in tough moments.

Couples Counseling

With seven years experience working with couples, I rely on primarily on Emotionally Focused Therapy to help couples improve their communication and connection.

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

EFT helps you understand the deeper emotional patterns that play out in your relationships. When we feel hurt or afraid of losing connection, we might react in ways that push others away—even if we don't mean to. EFT gently guides you to recognize these patterns, express your emotions in a clearer and more connected way, and rebuild a sense of safety and closeness. Whether you're working on a romantic relationship or your connection with family or friends, EFT helps create more trust, empathy, and understanding.

Grief Therapy

In therapy, you’re not expected to “move on” or have all the answers. Instead, you’re gently supported as you move through the grief, at your own pace. A therapist can help you explore your emotions, honor your loss, and find meaning in your healing. Over time, therapy can guide you toward a place where your memories bring comfort instead of pain, and where you can begin to reconnect with life in a way that feels genuine and hopeful.

Gender-affirming therapy

As a gender-affirming therapist, I provide a safe, supportive space for clients to explore and express their gender identity without judgment. I help individuals navigate a wide range of gender-related concerns, including identity development, coming out, social and medical transitions, and the impact of societal or familial pressures. My approach is grounded in respect, validation, and collaboration, honoring each person’s unique experience.

No reviews yet
This provider hasn’t received any written reviews yet. We started collecting written reviews January 1, 2025.