Profile / United States
Dr. Brian Esterling, NC Psychologist 2085, FL Psychologist PY9451
Florida
Dr. Brian Esterling - Psychologist, Stress and Anxiety
See online therapy options- CBT and mindfulness
- Solution-focused steps
- Motivational interviewing
About Brian
Dr. Brian Esterling is a NC Psychologist (NC Psychologist 2085) and a FL Psychologist (FL Psychologist PY9451) with 30 years of professional experience. He works with people dealing with stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, career concerns, depression, addictions, relationship and family strain, grief, anger, and life changes. He is based in Florida and practices in English.
He began his career on the faculty at Duke University Medical Center, where he saw clients and supervised psychiatric interns during outpatient rotations. He later served as Clinical Director for a national managed care organization, overseeing treatment planning and therapeutic practice across many settings. He currently chairs a graduate psychology program at a major online university in Florida.
In sessions he uses client-centered and solution-focused methods alongside Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness techniques. He helps people map what they want to achieve and then breaks those goals into concrete steps. He looks at how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact and uses exercises to test different ways of responding.
He also draws on motivational interviewing to support people who are ready to change habits or struggling with addictive patterns. Sessions often include practical skills, short experiments between meetings, and straightforward feedback about progress. The emphasis is on clear goals and measurable steps rather than open-ended discussion.
Outside work he lives in south Florida, rows competitively, and spends time with his wife and two children. He also enjoys travel, home projects, and maintaining a classic sports car.
How his approaches translate to online work
Dr. Esterling uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice unhelpful thought patterns and try different behaviors. CBT involves setting concrete goals, testing small changes, and tracking what works for everyday problems like anxiety, depression, and career stress.He also draws on client-centered methods that focus on the client’s priorities and on motivational interviewing to support people who want to change habits or reduce addictive behaviors. Client-centered work means listening closely and building a plan based on what matters most to the person. Motivational interviewing uses questions and reflection to strengthen motivation for change.
Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. He will collaborate with each client to decide which methods to start with, adjust techniques as progress is tracked, and set practical steps between sessions. This helps keep sessions focused and goal-oriented.
The original biography does not list specific online session formats, so confirm available options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit meetings into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and let people use exercises in the settings where problems occur. Licensed professionals and therapists often adapt homework and skills practice to suit remote sessions, helping clients test changes in real life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
30+ years
Listed in
Florida, North Carolina
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he work with most often?
He works with stress, anxiety, self-esteem issues, career problems, depression, addictions, relationship and family strain, grief, anger, and coping with life changes.
How would he describe his therapy style?
His style is client-centered and solution-focused, using clear goals and practical steps that clients can try between sessions.
What is his professional background?
He has 30 years of experience, began on the faculty at Duke University Medical Center, was a clinical director for a national managed care organization, and now chairs a graduate psychology program.
What credentials and location are listed?
He is listed as NC Psychologist 2085 and FL Psychologist PY9451 and is based in Florida.
Which languages are supported and can he work with international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and he does not accept international clients.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not specify session formats; confirm current session options before booking.
How are fees and payment handled?
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 the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe, use the crisis numbers.