Esther Torres, LMFT

Esther Torres, LMFT Esther Torres, LMFT
LIC #42086
Private Practice
Offering Virtual sessions for people who live in CA

They weren’t chasing a high — they were managing real pain.Here are 4 myths about opioid addiction we need to stop belie...
06/05/2025

They weren’t chasing a high — they were managing real pain.

Here are 4 myths about opioid addiction we need to stop believing.

"They just want to get high."

Many opioid addictions begin with prescribed medications for pain. The more intense a situation, the stronger the need for opioids, which also reinforces the body’s dependency and create a strong loop to break.

"You can spot an addict by how they look."

Similar to alcohol, opioid addiction has no ‘standard visual.’ Early stages of addiction may not have an exterior visibility, and it may be tale telling once a person crosses a certain threshold of use which is shown in both appearances and behavioral changes.

“It’s their fault — they have no self-control.”

Opioids restructure brain chemistry. It’s not about willpower, it’s about neurobiology.
We need to internalize that addiction is a medical condition, not a moral failing.

“They don’t want help.”

Most people do want recovery — but shame, stigma, and lack of and accessibility to resources make it ever so difficult to reach out. They need support, not judgment.

Compassion is the first step to change.

👉 Follow for more ways to support recovery with empathy.

05/30/2025

Watching someone you love struggle with alcohol can be heartbreaking — especially when they’re still drinking. But there are ways to show up without losing yourself.

Start with compassion, not control. Take a moment to listen without interrupting, and when the opportunity is right, start with ‘I care about you, and I’m here when you want to talk.'

Focus on connection over confrontation. Connect with them via a hang out without an agenda to give reason for them to trust you.

Create a safe, judgment-free environment. Avoid blaming or shaming. When they open up, respond with: ‘Thank you for sharing that — I’m so glad you trust me.’ Creating that safety provides hope for their days moving forward.

Encourage professional help — gently. When the time is right, open the dialogue with ‘If you ever want support—I’ll go with you or help you look.’ This shows that your utmost support by helping them make baby steps towards recovery.

Being there matters more than fixing it.
Share with someone holding space for a loved one.

The younger population is driving a powerful cultural shift that we should pay attention to. Here’s how they’re doing it...
05/24/2025

The younger population is driving a powerful cultural shift that we should pay attention to. Here’s how they’re doing it ⬇️

📉 Gen Z and Millennials are drinking less, prioritizing their mental health and long-term well-being

📈 In contrast, alcohol use among older adults (65+) continues to rise—often as a deeply ingrained coping mechanism

This highlights how our coping habits are shaped by the times we grow up in—and whether we’ve had permission to even question it.

👏 It’s encouraging to see younger generations normalizing healthier conversations and choices.

💭 For others, let’s reflect on our actions:

Am I using alcohol to soothe something deeper? Is there another way to feel supported?

You don’t need to numb in order to get by.

There are other ways to care for yourself—and it’s never too late to reach for support.

Book a call to see how I can support you in your journey. Link in bio 🔗

Group therapy is assumed to be ineffective due to the perception of having nothing to take away. However, most patients ...
05/22/2025

Group therapy is assumed to be ineffective due to the perception of having nothing to take away. However, most patients aren’t taught HOW to utilize these sessions in order to realize how powerful sharing can be. Here’s how:

Shift your mindset: It’s a safe space for you to coexist with others in similar shoes. Come with an open mindset and find spark in comfort.

Focus on one small goal: You don’t have to speak up—especially in your first session. Engaging through active listening to learn or connect with a similar story is a powerful start.

Listen for the moment: With so much being shared, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or distracted—but keeping your one goal in mind helps you stay grounded and present.

Honor your goal: When the moment comes, lean into it — feel it fully, whether you speak, listen, or jot down something that moved you.

Reflect on the experience: First, take a moment to be proud of yourself - to show up is a big step in growth. Check in with yourself to see how you feel and notice if there’s a piece that resonates in which you can carry forward on your journey.

Comment ‘GRP’ for a free goal-generating tip 👇

I’ve been a therapist for over 24 years — and in that time, I’ve sat with many who never thought they’d end up strugglin...
05/21/2025

I’ve been a therapist for over 24 years — and in that time, I’ve sat with many who never thought they’d end up struggling with addiction.

I’ve spent my profession specializing in treating patients with substance addiction by untangling the invisible paths that led there — anxiety, trauma, grief, shame, isolation.

Substance use lies beyond the substance itself. Rather, it’s about how we cope, self-protect, and try to feel better when nothing else works. Real changes begin when we unravel the origins of substance use and work towards addressing that need.

You will find insights that break down common thought patterns and behaviors I’ve seen across years of working in this space — not to judge, but to normalize the conversations.

Let’s make this topic more approachable in the human experience.♥️

Whether you’re here for yourself, for a loved one, or simply to learn — your presence matters.

Address

San Diego, CA

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+16193635069

Website

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