Esmé Stern, LMSW, is a licensed psychotherapist who provides psychodynamically informed, evidence-based treatment to adults navigating a range of presenting concerns, including anxiety, depression, relational difficulties, identity development, and life transitions. She has a particular clinical interest in working with young adults as they move through the complex developmental tasks of emerging adulthood, including value clarification, identity formation, and interpersonal growth.

Esmé received her Master of Social Work from Columbia University and is pursuing advanced clinical training in trauma studies at the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy. Her treatment approach integrates psychodynamic theory with interventions drawn from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based practices, and somatic modalities. Esmé’s trauma-informed lens enables her to remain attuned to how developmental, relational, and systemic factors shape psychological functioning and patterns of relating.

Before entering the field of psychotherapy, Esmé worked in media and journalism, which informs her understanding of narrative, identity, and the unique pressures facing clients navigating creative or public-facing industries. She has clinical experience in both community-based and private practice settings and draws from a professional background in reproductive justice, crisis response, and writing to support a holistic, inclusive, and person-centered practice.