Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Stafford, 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

Hi, and thank you for being here. I’ve worked in the mental health field since 2012, supporting children, teens, and adults through individual, group, and family therapy. I help people with challenges like anxiety, depression, anger, low self-esteem, ADHD, trauma, and substance use. I'm a National Certified Counselor, Certified DBT Therapist, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor. My goal is to provide a safe space where you feel supported and understood.

I have practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor since 2012 and I also hold the license for Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner.

My path into psychiatry is both professional and personal. I moved to the U.S. alone at 17 while navigating complex PTSD and periods of misdiagnosis, which shaped how I understand mental health today. I began with a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Nankai University, then trained as a nurse and nurse practitioner at Charles R. Drew University and Purdue University.

Over the past 7 years, I’ve worked across medical and mental health settings, developing an approach that balances clinical precision with individualized care. I specialize in anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and complex PTSD, particularly for individuals who feel stuck or haven’t found relief in traditional treatment.

I’m licensed in California, Virginia, New York, Washington, and Oregon, and provide care via telehealth.

I believe therapy works best when clients feel safe, heard, and genuinely supported. I strive to create a warm, nonjudgmental, and collaborative environment where clients can show up as their authentic selves. My approach is compassionate, direct when needed, and focused on helping clients build practical tools for everyday life while also exploring deeper emotional patterns and experiences.

I enjoy working with individuals navigating anxiety, life transitions, relationship concerns, self-esteem challenges, stress, identity exploration, and emotional overwhelm. I am passionate about supporting LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC clients and creating an affirming therapeutic space where clients feel respected and understood.

I understand that starting therapy can feel vulnerable, and my goal is to meet clients where they are while helping them move toward healing, clarity, and meaningful growth.

I'm a licensed clinical social worker who works with individuals navigating trauma, neurodivergence, substance use, relationship and marital challenges, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and LGBTQ+ populations. I use a variety of approaches including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Strengths-Based interventions, and Emotionally Focused Therapy. Therapy is always tailored to meet your unique needs and goals.