Psychotherapy & Somatic Therapy for Individuals

Tele-Therapy and Web-based Psychotherapy Available via Doxyme.com.  HIPPA Compliant and Confidential.

Licensed in Virginia, D.C, and Maryland.

Able to Provide Teletherapy to Florida Residents.

Sometimes we just need a safe space to collect our thoughts, name our hurts, explore our desires and work through our fears. I can offer you a space of hope and reprieve. Together, you and I, will work through the anxiety and sadness that is overshadowing your life, which is not allowing you to live the full and authentic life that you desire. 

Lenée N. Essig, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received her Masters of Social Work from Florida State University. She also holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Art Education. She has worked extensively with families facing issues related to death and dying and with survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Her expertise extends to depression, anxiety, trauma, transitional loss, as well as primary and secondary crime victim recovery. 

Ms. Essig works with individuals and family members of all ages from a client centered, cognitive-behavioral, and somatic (body-centered) perspective. Additionally, she incorporates mindfulness practice techniques and eastern philosophy throughout the therapeutic process. This includes using breath work, sound and the use of asana (positions) to help clients, who are experiencing anxiety or depression, to cope better.  Please scroll to "More" on the menu page to read about Somatic Experiencing and Life Force Yoga, which is used by Ms. Essig when teaching people how to re-work trauma and self regulate. 

Additional professional interests include spirituality and health, and sexual health education and advocacy.

Trust in myself. I have learned to listen to my gut instead of listening to others (particularly the boyfriend which was causing the trouble in the first place). I expected clearer answers where someone would tell me that 'I should do X' - in fact, the solution was to learn on my own what techniques work best, and trust myself to believe that my wishes are valid as well.  

-M.D.

​

​

I didn’t expect to have therapy to be such a useful way to prepare for many of the stressful situations that I have had to deal with in the past year with my family. It made me much calmer and prepared to handle seeing my Mom at holidays, as well as at a family wedding. It also has allowed me to play out situations to determine if they are actually beneficial and what the unintended consequences could be. I also didn’t realize that I would want to bring so many other aspects of my life into therapy. It has been helpful for stuff going on at work, with friends, with significant others, and overall stress in my life. I also have found therapy to make me much more aware of what is going on around me and how I am feeling/handling situations.  

-B.V.

​

The first time I called to schedule an appointment, Lenée was willing to talk with me for a few minutes on the phone, to allow me to share my story so I could determine if I thought this would be a good fit. I felt immediately at ease because she was willing to take the time with me, and I didn't expect that I could feel such an immediate connection, so immediately understood, by one short phone conversation. This phone call really set the stage for such a positive and productive therapeutic relationship.  

-A.P.

What was the most significant part of working with Lenée?

Being able to open myself up completely, sharing even the negative experiences and bad thoughts, without worry about being judged - by being open I was able to shine light on the dark parts of my life and heal that space within.  

-M.D. 

​

The overall sense of peace in a very unsettling situation has been the most significant part of therapy. Even though there is a lot of conflict around me, and a lot of unrest with my relationship with my Mom, therapy has given me a sense of peace that I am doing what I need to be to doing to handle the situation and stay emotionally healthy while trying to figure out the best outcome for myself. I know that therapy has helped me stay calm in many stressful situations.  

-B.V. 

​

Working with Lenée was my most successful therapeutic experience. I gave her a call after driving by her office and was really pleased to hear that she accepted my health insurance. I remember calling many offices only to find out they didn't take any insurance. My finances were tight and it helped a lot that therapy didn't add to the burden. When our sessions began, I remember feeling at ease with her.  Therapy sessions before that had always felt so clinical, but with Lenée, I felt like we had a conversation rather than an interrogation session. I had not expected her to be so friendly and that made it very easy to talk to her - especially when we talked about the hard or embarrassing things. She never judged me, and in fact encouraged me not to be so hard on myself which I've always struggled with. When my world seemed darkest, Lenée helped to remind me where the light at the end of the tunnel was and guide me out. Most of all, she helped me to recognize the progress that I'd made, to celebrate it. I'd happily recommend her to anyone who's in need of someone to talk to.  

-K.K. 

​

During the times when I feel it's most difficult to articulate my thoughts and feelings, Lenée seems to intuitively bring to light the core issue(s). Sometimes it is hard to put my finger on things, and there's such a relief when she seems to be able to zero in on the point I'm trying to make.  

-A.P.

What was the most significant part of working with Lenée?

I love that Lenée asks the hard questions, and knows how to phrase these questions so that they are helpful and not hurtful. The key is that by spending concentrated time asking the questions, eventually you will get to the heart of the problem, even if it's difficult.  

-M.D. 

​

​

Lenée has a very calming presence about.  She is very good at listening and also give very good feedback. Lenée makes me recognize positives in stressful situations and are always very supportive. She does a very good job of recalling instances from past appointments and connecting them to current situations. She also does a great job at making me talk situations out to be prepared or to figure out what the most beneficial outcome is.  

-B.V.