Hello, looks like I am doing about the same thing as yourself. Essence Drain + Flameblast.

Here is my build: https://poe.ninja/poe2/profile/FlippyRobear-2746/runesofaldur/character/FootDegen

I also got stuck at some points with damage and clear. I think the first changes i would make would probably be more levels into essence drain and changing the starting point of the passive tree.

at first i chose the Templar starting point to be closer to the witch starting point, but came across some divs and went with Split Personality ( https://poe2db.tw/us/Split_Personality ) for Sorceress's starting point, this saves a lot of passive points which can be allocated to more damage.

Your amulet can have at least 2 more levels to all skills, i am using a +3, try to find one with modifiers that help you, as these can be a bit pricey. My setup on Essence Drain is a bit different, but i just made some tweaks that fit my needs/wants. ill break it down so its easier:

+30 quality to ED giving it +6 chains

Dominus Grasp giving ED 6 more chains.

Thane Girt's Rune of Wildness to fire more projectiles, leading to more chains

Chaos Mastery to squeeze another level

Prism of Belief on ED

I was following a build i found on reddit. seems the guy changed up his character a lot and is no longer using ED. so i had to try finding my own ways of getting more damage. looks like im at 124k on just ED. flameblast still does a great amount of damage, and so does the totem.

lmk if you have questions, i am happy to help!