Linda Esposito, LCSW: The Psychotherapist

Hi. I’m Linda. I grew up in a predominantly unremarkable family where half-assing most endeavors was frankly, just fine. Sometime after graduating college I decided there must be more to life than perpetually giving it the “old community college try.”

When I finally got my shit together, I decided that a Master’s Degree in Social Work was in order. As a psychotherapist for the past 12 years, I’ve worked for the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, community-based agencies, schools, and in private practice. I’ve also trained and supervised a fair amount of Master of Social Work interns.

My last one, Mirtha said I should be a social work professor at the University of Southern California (USC). Not to be immodest, but she’s right– I would kick some major clinical ass teaching young, impressionable minds. There’s just one problem, I swear too much. But because I’m classy like that, I try to keep it clean here. Even if this is my own website.

This next paragraph is me being excessively politically correct:

TalkTherapyBiz was primarily created for those anxious and intrepid “therapist-less” souls who would like to feel better, but do not know where to begin. It’s truly daunting how much emotional pain people endure; yet many will never seek help. The traditional 1:1 therapy model is not for everyone, but every body can benefit from information that teaches active problem-solving techniques for dealing with anxiety.

In September 2011 I decided to divorce depression and embrace anxiety on this blog (but the brick-and-mortar biz still serves both). It was a tough decision, especially since depression and anxiety overlap. Who knows…maybe we’ll get back together. But for now, you’ll find advice on anxiety and that godforsaken job of parenting.

Why choose anxiety? Because at the end of the stressed-out day, we get the job done, baby. I especially love working with teens—the more obnoxious, the better, I say. Speaking of which, check out my silent partners below.

The Whatevers: Part-Time (Disgruntled) Mental Health Consultants

Talking about your feelings is sooo stupid.

I’m Julia. I spend the majority of my non-sleeping hours, texting, sulking, and discovering innovative ways to avoid my family. My BFF says I can be semi-insightful and inspirational when I want to. I would prefer if you did not contact me before 12:00 p.m., and I’m currently only accepting new client referrals from Facebook, Twitter, and youtube.

I don’t talk anymore.

Julian is going through a bit of a “dark” phase. It’s hard to understand why – he used to be so loving, humorous, and carefree. Maybe a haircut would help him see the light… Julian favors the color black, the word irony, and his iPod. When not engaged in all things morose, he is remarkably tech-savvy. Julian prefers if you never contact him, unless your name is the iTunes store or The Sisters of Mercy.

The Not-So-Silent-Partners: Full-Time Inspiration and Occasional Quality Control

Various loved ones, a few detractors, and many friends, colleagues, mental health practitioners, school social workers, counseling interns, and most importantly, clients.