Marianne Esolen, Counselor in Huntington, 11743

Marianne Esolen, LMSW

Profession(s):
Counseling, Counselling, Coaching
License Status:
I'm a licensed professional.
Primary License:
LMSW - 061085-1

My Approach to Helping

"Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, for as long as you ever can." This quote by John Wesley sums up my professional code. I believe in fostering resiliency in people of all backgrounds and all ages. Always focusing on individual strengths and resources, I know that anything that is wrong in a person's life will NEVER be more powerful than all that is right within you. I believe in building on individual strengths, teaching concrete coping skills, and fostering confidence. As a therapist I am a coach, companion, and gentle guide. My chief goal is to support YOU in identifying and achieving YOUR goals. When working with children,I also partner with parents to offer guidance, support, and resources. I utilize traditional talk therapy, art therapy, play therapy, games and exercises to promote self-discovery and self-confidence.

More Info About My Practice

You are not alone and reaching out for support is the bravest step anyone can take. By visiting this website you've already begun and I would be honored to join you on this rewarding journey. Please email me or visit my website for additional information. I am always happy to offer a FREE phone consultation to see how we might work together.

Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With

My areas of expertise include working with both children and adults around issues of grief, chronic illness, life changes, depression, and anxiety. At its best I believe therapy is a partnership between client and counselor and we all beneift from more support during periods of change, loss, and crisis. Everyone needs and deserves the time to tell their own story, make sense of that story, and create the future they wish for. Working with children and families for over 20 years, my professional experience includes work at the American Cancer Society, New York State Education Department, Comfort Zone Camp for grieving children, and a great many non-profit agencies serving families coping with illness, crisis, and change. My camp and education background bring a twist to all the work I do with both children and adults. While everyone's journey in therapy is different, the magic ingredient of a caring and powerful relationship between counselor and client, of every age, is essential. What I most hear from my clients is that they know I care deeply about them - and I do.

How Psychotherapy Can Help

I believe therapy helps people both by increasing our own self-awareness and understanding, and through the development of new skills and tools to handle the most difficult challenges life throws your way. Just as we hurt in the context of relationships, I also believe we can heal in the context of relationships. Therapy should be a haven and a lifeline during the most difficult times, a bridge to take you from the hurt of a crisis to the hope of what could be.

The Duration and Frequency of Therapy

The decision to begin therapy can be a complicated one and often people worry about being "stuck" in therapy forever. At the onset I find it most helpful to schedule once a week sessions so that we can build a relationship and really dig into the issues that you are facing. Overall, I believe therapy is a dynamic process and it is ever-changing for anyone in therapy. I don't think people belong in therapy forever and am very attuned to providing meaningful support, guidance, and building confidence so that individuals grow and choose to end treatment at their own pace. Counseling can be successful in as short a time as 2 or 3 months and others may choose to continue much longer because it continues to be so helpful. Just as you should be involved in determining YOUR goals, you also must be involved in determining the length of time you remain in therapy. Together we assess how sessions are going, and we can even choose to downshift to less frequent sessions as you begin to end counseling. No matter how long we work together, my door always remains open for people to reconnect in the future.

Services I Provide

Individual Therapy & Counseling
Marriage, Couples, or Relationship Counseling
Family Therapy
Coaching
Consultation
Online Counseling / Phone Therapy
Other

Ages I Work With

Children
Teens
Adults
Elders

Languages I Speak

English

Groups I Work With

Individuals and families coping with chronic illness, divorce, grief, relationship, career, and life transition issues. Play and Art therapy with children ages 5 and up.