Esther Boykin is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, keynote speaker, author of Beyond Self-Care, CEO of Group Therapy Associates, and founder of the Compassion Collective. As a TEDx speaker, trusted mental health advocate, and celebrity therapist, Esther works tirelessly to be a catalyst for transformative growth – for individuals, organizations, and her community.

A luminary in her field, Esther’s influence extends far beyond her therapy chair.  She is a compassionate leader modeling the skills she teaches to other executives and organizations within her own mental health company.  Esther has worked with leading corporations such as Verizon, Vonage, and Deluxe Media and non-profit organizations like Tigerliy Foundation to help them create more compassionate and emotionally healthy organizational cultures.

Her core belief is that sustainable success, in life and career,  is rooted in self-compassion and a genuine understanding of the human experience.  Esther combines more than two decades of expertise in systemic and relationally based therapy with a deep dedication to inclusivity, innovation, and culturally relevant mental health.

Esther currently serves as President of NAMI DC where she works alongside the full Board of Directors to advocate for and provide programs to support better mental health care for individuals and families. Her 2023 keynote address at AAMFT’s Systemic Family Therapy Conference and 2021 commencement address at Lewis and Clark College, coupled with an honorary doctoral degree in Human Letters, highlight her commitment not only to serving individuals and organizations but also to being a key influencer in the future of modern mental health care.

Esther’s passion resonates as a speaker, consultant, meditation teacher, therapist, and retreat facilitator, amplifying the message that self-compassion is not just a luxury but a necessity. Her focus on self-compassion as a remedy for burnout, particularly among high-achieving Black professionals, addresses a critical need in today’s demanding world. 

Outside of her professional life, Esther can be found brewing the perfect French press coffee, searching for her latest favorite wine, or cooking for her family and friends.  She is a mom to 2 adult children and 2 rescue dogs. She lives and works in Washington, DC and loves spending time in NYC and LA whenever she can.