- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Mindfulness techniques
About Brian
Dr. Brian Esterling is a NC Psychologist (2085) and FL Psychologist (PY9451) with 30 years of clinical experience. He practices in Florida and works with people facing stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, career strain, depression, addictions, relationship and family concerns, grief, anger, and life transitions.
He began his career on the faculty at Duke University Medical Center, seeing clients and supervising psychiatric interns. He later served as Clinical Director for a national managed care organization, overseeing treatment planning and therapeutic practice across diverse settings. He now chairs a graduate psychology program at a major online university in Florida.
Brian uses a client-centered, solution-focused approach. He helps people identify concrete goals and the steps to reach them. Sessions commonly use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness techniques to look at how thoughts, feelings, and actions interact.
In practice he guides clients to build a clear roadmap for change. He blends practical skill work with discussion so people can try new ways of responding and see what works. Motivational Interviewing ideas also appear when people are weighing change or feeling stuck.
Away from clinical work he rows competitively and spends time with his wife and two children. He also enjoys travel, home projects, and restoring a classic sports car.
How his approaches translate to online work
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on the client's priorities and perspective, letting the person identify goals and what matters most. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks problems into thought-feeling-behavior links and uses practical exercises to change unhelpful patterns; it is often used for anxiety, depression, and anger. Mindfulness therapy involves brief exercises that increase awareness of present-moment experience and can help reduce reactivity and rumination.Figuring out which approach fits best is part of the work. He will collaborate with each person to pick methods that match their goals, preferences, and the issues they bring. That discussion usually guides whether sessions lean more toward skill practice, problem-solving, or motivational work.
The original biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, allow a quicker check-in during a lunch break, or reduce travel time to appointments. Licensed professionals commonly use a mix of talk-based sessions and brief exercises that can be done between meetings to support change.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
30+ years
Listed in
Florida, North Carolina
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does he address?
He works with stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, career issues, depression, addictions, relationship and family concerns, grief, anger, and coping with life changes.
What is his general therapy style?
He uses a client-centered, solution-focused style that emphasizes practical steps and collaboration on goals.
How much experience does he have?
He has 30 years of clinical experience, including faculty work at Duke University Medical Center and leadership roles in managed care.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is a NC Psychologist 2085 and FL Psychologist PY9451 based in Florida.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients book sessions?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions billed and how much do they cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.