Welcome to Esmay Counseling

A Non-Judgmental Space
to Connect With Your Innermost Self

Individual Mental Health Counseling in Durham, NC
(and across North Carolina and South Carolina)

Do You Feel Like You Hardly Recognize Yourself?

Does this sound like you:

  • Feeling irritable and not even sure why?

  • Being harsh to yourself and others?

  • Having obsessive negative thoughts that you aren’t doing anything right?

  • Feeling ashamed of who you are?

  • Worried if you ever show your real self to the world, you will be left alone?

  • Always feeling on edge and like you’re letting everyone down?

You are used to keeping it together for everyone else — letting everyone else lean on you — but it continues to be more difficult with time.

But what about when you need someone to lean on?

You feel scared to ask for help and don’t know where to start.

You’ve taken the first step by looking up counseling options for yourself.

Meet Your Therapist

Hey there — I’m Ian.

I believe everyone not only deserves a non-judgmental environment to discover themselves, but that this is an innate human need.

I help people with trauma, anxiety, or identity struggles experience healing, increased confidence, and genuine self-acceptance.

We all need support and encouragement to overcome the obstacles of life keeping us from discovering our true selves. If you’ve been feeling alone, misunderstood, and unworthy of love, then you are in the right place.

I have witnessed the life-altering power of individual counseling, from both sides of the couch — or video call.

I strongly believe that therapy can benefit anyone, no matter where they are in life, which is why I want to help you find your safe space to land right now.

My Services

Trauma Therapy

Obstacles are inevitable but not impossible to overcome. Sometimes you feel like nothing will ever get better, everything is your fault, and if you ever show your true self to the world, everyone will reject you. Deep down, you just want to be accepted for who you are. Through therapy, you can stop numbing and accept your true self.

Anxiety Counseling

Facing your fears takes courage, but you don’t have to do it alone. Through counseling, we can learn where these negative thoughts come from and why they impact you so deeply and profoundly, and start to find healthier perspectives to get back to the life you miss and love.

LGBTQ+ Community

The world can be a daunting place right now. Especially for marginalized communities. I want to help you realize you don’t have to make yourself small or change who you are in order to be accepted and happy. In fact, by giving you a welcome and safe place to be your genuine self, you can work towards growth and self-realization.

Get Started Today

Free Consultation

Reach out to schedule your free consultation, or just schedule your first session now. I’m ready to help you explore the depths of your inner self, if you are ready to show up and step outside your comfort zone.

Safe Space

This is a safe place to examine your deepest emotions. Through knowledgeable and genuine support, you can start to explore life in a way that truly helps you reach your goals.

Schedule Now

There is always going to be a lot going on in life, but you don’t have to continue to put yourself last. If you are ready to change, I am ready to help you be your best self. You don’t have to keep feeling alone and like the villain in your story. I can help you accept and love yourself and find some inner peace.

A Word About Online Therapy

I am fully aware that individual counseling can be inaccessible for a variety of reasons, especially if you live in a rural area or have issues with transportation. This is why I offer online therapy for anyone in North Carolina or South Carolina and have flexible evening session times.

Therapy with me is never formal, rigid, or rote. I am very easy-going and will always be direct, genuine, and honest with you.