Grief counselors and therapists in Chesapeake, VA

My name is A.J. Esguerra. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and have been working in the mental health field since 2001. I have split my time primarily between working in residential treatment with abused and neglected children, and most recently in a private therapeutic day school for children and adolescents with special needs (which remains my full-time job). However, after COVID, I felt it was part of my purpose and mission to begin providing online therapy part time. My belief is that the world needs connection more than ever, and there are few things more protective or more resilient than a positive relationship with another person

I hold a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and have been working with clients since 2021. I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and identity — the big, tender stuff that often doesn't have an easy answer but always deserves a real conversation.

I work with adolescents and adults but to be honest, my door is open to anyone having a human experience. Which, is all of us.

My approach draws from Person-Centered therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness — but what that looks like in practice is less textbook and more tailored to you. Some people need tools and strategies. Some people just need to feel genuinely heard for the first time in a long time. Most people need both, and we figure that out together.

I show up as a real person. I'm warm, honest, occasionally funny, and always in your corner. You won't find me blank-faced or judgmental. You will find someone who is genuinely invested in your story and rooting for you, every step of the way.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional

(CCTP) providing outpatient therapy for adults. For more than 22 years, I have been dedicated to

supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those facing complex life

challenges, trauma, ADHD, substance use, military-related challenges, women’s health issues,

legal system involvement, and severe mental health concerns.

Having over 30 years of experience and a doctorate in social work, I've enjoyed helping clients work through life's hardest passages- grief, identity, relationships, and carrying heavy burdens. I work with adults and seniors, individuals and couple, and bring a warm, direct, solution-oriented style that clients describe as grounding and refreshingly practical. We develop a rhythm quickly and I invest in understanding both where you have been and where you want to go. Homework often helps progress develop quickly.

I believe prioritizing mental health is key to living a well-balanced, fulfilling, and stable life. Seeking help can be one of the hardest steps, so congratulations on taking that step for yourself. My approach is warm, collaborative, and direct, blending traditional talk therapy with mindfulness and body-based approaches to help clients feel more grounded, connected, and confident. I strive to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel truly seen and understood while also helping them build practical tools for healing, emotional resilience, and lasting growth.

I have a background in science and psychology, which fits my education as a psychologist. I am also a very creative and collaborative person. I want to work with each client to find the best individual treatment for them. I know many techniques and exercises, but only you can tell me what what works best for you. I enjoy helping adults (age 18+) navigate the transitions they face and be able to look forward to the future with hope (even if that feels very far away currently).

The Behavioral Health Outpatient Adult Team at the CSB consists of 132 diverse, talented clinicians who work in partnership with a medical team of nurses and prescribers to provide treatment to more than 5,000 individuals a year across seven locations. It is an honor to work with a team of passionate and person-centered providers.