Self Esteem Therapists in Oakland, CA

Photo of Tamar Cohen, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Tamar Cohen
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609  (Online Only)
I see youth, teens, adults, and partners, and I have a particular passion for work with emerging adults and individuals who identify as Neurodivergent. I focus on a wide range of issues including identity exploration, self-esteem, navigation of relationship dynamics, anxiety, professional growth, and decisions centered around having children and parenting. I find great joy in supporting my clients to cultivate a better understanding of their emotional experiences in the pursuit of greater fulfillment and connection.
I see youth, teens, adults, and partners, and I have a particular passion for work with emerging adults and individuals who identify as Neurodivergent. I focus on a wide range of issues including identity exploration, self-esteem, navigation of relationship dynamics, anxiety, professional growth, and decisions centered around having children and parenting. I find great joy in supporting my clients to cultivate a better understanding of their emotional experiences in the pursuit of greater fulfillment and connection.
(510) 694-4184 View (510) 694-4184
Photo of Dr. Miguel Frank, PsyD, Psychological Associate
Dr. Miguel Frank
Psychological Associate, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94612  (Online Only)
In a world not created for our comfort or success, the challenges of Black, Latine/a/x, Indigenous, Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI), and People of Color often go unnoticed by others. Are you constantly feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and unable to prioritize yourself? Do you feel as though your relationships are one-sided? Have you experienced microaggressions, felt marginalized, or like an impostor in predominantly White spaces? Are you ready to level up and reclaim your power?
In a world not created for our comfort or success, the challenges of Black, Latine/a/x, Indigenous, Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI), and People of Color often go unnoticed by others. Are you constantly feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and unable to prioritize yourself? Do you feel as though your relationships are one-sided? Have you experienced microaggressions, felt marginalized, or like an impostor in predominantly White spaces? Are you ready to level up and reclaim your power?
(415) 842-4408 View (415) 842-4408
Photo of Sukhpreet Kaur, APCC
Sukhpreet Kaur
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
Welcome! My name is Sukhpreet Kaur, and I am a first generation American. I believe that we are the key to our own healing, therefore it is important to me to hold a space for you that is safe, collaborate, and empowering for healing and exploration.
Welcome! My name is Sukhpreet Kaur, and I am a first generation American. I believe that we are the key to our own healing, therefore it is important to me to hold a space for you that is safe, collaborate, and empowering for healing and exploration.
(510) 892-4399 View (510) 892-4399
Photo of Juliet Small Ernst, LPCC, Counselor
Juliet Small Ernst
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
I provide compassionate therapy for adults, children, adolescents, and pairs. I'm committed to helping adults explore what's at the root of their persistent dissatisfaction, enhance their self-awareness, and find more freedom in their work and relationships. With children & teens, I specialize in helping them navigate anxiety, low self-esteem, family conflict, and big or overwhelming emotions. I create a nurturing space where young clients can build their confidence through play, creativity, and conversation.
I provide compassionate therapy for adults, children, adolescents, and pairs. I'm committed to helping adults explore what's at the root of their persistent dissatisfaction, enhance their self-awareness, and find more freedom in their work and relationships. With children & teens, I specialize in helping them navigate anxiety, low self-esteem, family conflict, and big or overwhelming emotions. I create a nurturing space where young clients can build their confidence through play, creativity, and conversation.
(510) 781-9568 View (510) 781-9568
Photo of Jessica Libbey, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Jessica Libbey
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
Do you struggle with negative self-talk, confidence, difficult emotions or interpersonal relationships? Are you a parent whose child struggles with anxiety, intense emotions or behavioral issues and you're ready to seek help for them (and you)? If any of these are true, I may be able to help. I work with individual adults, as well as with children (and their parents) who are struggling with these issues. I can help you explore patterns, process difficult emotions and traumatic experiences, learn new skills, develop better communication and build healthier relationships.
Do you struggle with negative self-talk, confidence, difficult emotions or interpersonal relationships? Are you a parent whose child struggles with anxiety, intense emotions or behavioral issues and you're ready to seek help for them (and you)? If any of these are true, I may be able to help. I work with individual adults, as well as with children (and their parents) who are struggling with these issues. I can help you explore patterns, process difficult emotions and traumatic experiences, learn new skills, develop better communication and build healthier relationships.
(510) 953-4749 View (510) 953-4749
Photo of Adrianne Thomas, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Adrianne Thomas
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611  (Online Only)
No one comes to a therapist because they need a lecture. You're here because you need a partner on your personal journey to healing. Good therapy is an invitation into a dialogue, not a monologue where someone "thera-splains" yourself to you. It's my passion to help my clients with self-esteem, depression, anxiety, parenting and finding enjoyment in daily life. Working together, we can help you re-write personal narratives, identify and tackle goals, process trauma, change destructive patterns and master tools to navigate life's challenges with grace.
No one comes to a therapist because they need a lecture. You're here because you need a partner on your personal journey to healing. Good therapy is an invitation into a dialogue, not a monologue where someone "thera-splains" yourself to you. It's my passion to help my clients with self-esteem, depression, anxiety, parenting and finding enjoyment in daily life. Working together, we can help you re-write personal narratives, identify and tackle goals, process trauma, change destructive patterns and master tools to navigate life's challenges with grace.
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Photo of Molly Mulanax, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Molly Mulanax
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611  (Online Only)
I specialize in treating women struggling with anxiety, depression, codependency, history of family dysfunction, history of family substance use, perfectionism and /or low self esteem. My goal as a therapist is to help you reach a greater understanding and compassion for yourself, heal from painful experiences and to find new ways of coping with stress and interacting with others. I am committed to learning about who you truly are and working with you to make long lasting changes
I specialize in treating women struggling with anxiety, depression, codependency, history of family dysfunction, history of family substance use, perfectionism and /or low self esteem. My goal as a therapist is to help you reach a greater understanding and compassion for yourself, heal from painful experiences and to find new ways of coping with stress and interacting with others. I am committed to learning about who you truly are and working with you to make long lasting changes
(510) 858-2597 View (510) 858-2597
Photo of Larisa Blum, MA, MFT, JD, CMT-SE, Marriage & Family Therapist
Larisa Blum
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, JD, CMT-SE
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
I am a somatic therapist who focuses on relational, attachment and childhood trauma issues. I work with individuals and couples to address relationship ambivalence, anxiety, major life transition, depression, stuckness, poor communication and conflict, among other issues. I help with building awareness of one's thoughts, feelings and physical sensations to develop greater insight and uncover new choices.
I am a somatic therapist who focuses on relational, attachment and childhood trauma issues. I work with individuals and couples to address relationship ambivalence, anxiety, major life transition, depression, stuckness, poor communication and conflict, among other issues. I help with building awareness of one's thoughts, feelings and physical sensations to develop greater insight and uncover new choices.
(510) 924-0161 View (510) 924-0161
Photo of Georgina M. Nunez-Larraz, LCSW, CCHT, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Georgina M. Nunez-Larraz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCHT, MSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609  (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Gina Nuñez. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Therapist and a Complex PTSD therapist. Complex PTSD stems from trauma over a long period, i.e., child abuse/neglect. Trauma is a mental and physical imprint caused by extreme stress. Your fight, flight or freeze response is often activated if you live with trauma. Your body, mind, and emotions remain on high alert. When trauma goes untreated, it can lead to low self-esteem and a negative outlook on life, yourself, and others. I can help you overcome your negative past to build a positive future. My email page on the website stopped working, so email me.
Hello, my name is Gina Nuñez. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Therapist and a Complex PTSD therapist. Complex PTSD stems from trauma over a long period, i.e., child abuse/neglect. Trauma is a mental and physical imprint caused by extreme stress. Your fight, flight or freeze response is often activated if you live with trauma. Your body, mind, and emotions remain on high alert. When trauma goes untreated, it can lead to low self-esteem and a negative outlook on life, yourself, and others. I can help you overcome your negative past to build a positive future. My email page on the website stopped working, so email me.
(909) 340-3735 View (909) 340-3735
Photo of Shannon Knorr, AMFT, Pre-Licensed Professional
Shannon Knorr
Pre-Licensed Professional, AMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611  (Online Only)
I enjoy in working with; self esteem & worth, trauma healing & recovery, body image & body positivity, disordered eating & relationship to body, belonging as our birthright, transforming deep shame into liberation, body & sex shame, relationships and boundaries, anxiety, stress & hyper-vigilance, nervous system imbalances, life transitions & identity, honoring grief, loss & death, life threatening illness, cancer, auto-immune disease, rites of passage, aging, adolescence, menopause, women's empowerment, highly sensitive people & empaths, people pleasers, intergenerational trauma & ancestral healing, mothering & the mother wound.
I enjoy in working with; self esteem & worth, trauma healing & recovery, body image & body positivity, disordered eating & relationship to body, belonging as our birthright, transforming deep shame into liberation, body & sex shame, relationships and boundaries, anxiety, stress & hyper-vigilance, nervous system imbalances, life transitions & identity, honoring grief, loss & death, life threatening illness, cancer, auto-immune disease, rites of passage, aging, adolescence, menopause, women's empowerment, highly sensitive people & empaths, people pleasers, intergenerational trauma & ancestral healing, mothering & the mother wound.
(510) 983-4457 View (510) 983-4457
Photo of Margaret Kuhn, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Margaret Kuhn
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610  (Online Only)
Depression, social (and general) anxiety, low self-esteem, people pleasing, body issues, trouble in school, trouble with peer and romantic relationships, queer identity, ADD, procrastination.... These are just some of the issues that I've personally worked through or that will be a lifelong challenge for me. I've been there, not as you, but as me, meaning I have empathy for anyone with similar experiences.
Depression, social (and general) anxiety, low self-esteem, people pleasing, body issues, trouble in school, trouble with peer and romantic relationships, queer identity, ADD, procrastination.... These are just some of the issues that I've personally worked through or that will be a lifelong challenge for me. I've been there, not as you, but as me, meaning I have empathy for anyone with similar experiences.
(510) 405-0672 View (510) 405-0672
Photo of Julian Dodd, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Julian Dodd
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618  (Online Only)
Interests include: intimacy/attachment issues, substance use and behavioral process addictions, anxiety, depression and self esteem.
I view psychotherapy as a collaborative process between therapist and client, where the relationship is part of the healing process. My style is active, creative, and holistic. I will meet you where you are, not-judging, engaged and curious. I work with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, shame, relationship distress, life transitions, and existential dilemmas (questions about the meaning of life, questions about dying and death). I also have experience working with individuals struggling with dual diagnosis (addiction and mental health issues combined).
Interests include: intimacy/attachment issues, substance use and behavioral process addictions, anxiety, depression and self esteem.
I view psychotherapy as a collaborative process between therapist and client, where the relationship is part of the healing process. My style is active, creative, and holistic. I will meet you where you are, not-judging, engaged and curious. I work with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, shame, relationship distress, life transitions, and existential dilemmas (questions about the meaning of life, questions about dying and death). I also have experience working with individuals struggling with dual diagnosis (addiction and mental health issues combined).
(415) 304-8603 View (415) 304-8603
Photo of Christie Lee, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Christie Lee
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Hello, and welcome. You may have arrived here because you've done everything the "right way" but that hasn't led to happiness. You wonder, what do people mean when they say "go with the flow"? Or, you can't shake that feeling you've somehow missed important life milestones, and you need a little clarity. I offer warm, empathic engagement in a safe space, where we can assess your needs, comfort level and tolerance to create a plan unique to you.
Hello, and welcome. You may have arrived here because you've done everything the "right way" but that hasn't led to happiness. You wonder, what do people mean when they say "go with the flow"? Or, you can't shake that feeling you've somehow missed important life milestones, and you need a little clarity. I offer warm, empathic engagement in a safe space, where we can assess your needs, comfort level and tolerance to create a plan unique to you.
(510) 939-7329 View (510) 939-7329
Photo of Katherine D Czesak, PhD, Psychologist
Katherine D Czesak
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
My approach is to understand you deeply and individualize our work by finding what is most effective for you. All people are unique and their life circumstances are particular to who they are. Through collaboration, we figure out what is what is most beneficial for your wellbeing and also what is realistic for your lifestyle. I look forward to meeting you and exploring what you wish to change through an initial free half hour phone consultation. My two offices, downtown San Francisco and on Piedmont Avenue in Oakland, are accessible by public transportation.
My approach is to understand you deeply and individualize our work by finding what is most effective for you. All people are unique and their life circumstances are particular to who they are. Through collaboration, we figure out what is what is most beneficial for your wellbeing and also what is realistic for your lifestyle. I look forward to meeting you and exploring what you wish to change through an initial free half hour phone consultation. My two offices, downtown San Francisco and on Piedmont Avenue in Oakland, are accessible by public transportation.
(415) 237-6065 View (415) 237-6065
Photo of Jessica Youseffi, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jessica Youseffi
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
28 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
Do you feel stuck in the same loops, repeating old patterns, and self-defeating behaviors? Through a mindfulness-based, somatic, and trauma-sensitive approach, I support you to break these cycles, let go of limiting beliefs and be free to live the life you want. I specialize in supporting individuals who struggle with issues related to anxiety, perfectionism, low self-esteem and depression. My style is warm, authentic and direct - I'm here to help you feel more grounded and self-assured so that you can better navigate relationships, life transitions, and daily stressors.
Do you feel stuck in the same loops, repeating old patterns, and self-defeating behaviors? Through a mindfulness-based, somatic, and trauma-sensitive approach, I support you to break these cycles, let go of limiting beliefs and be free to live the life you want. I specialize in supporting individuals who struggle with issues related to anxiety, perfectionism, low self-esteem and depression. My style is warm, authentic and direct - I'm here to help you feel more grounded and self-assured so that you can better navigate relationships, life transitions, and daily stressors.
View
Photo of Nicole Arkin, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Nicole Arkin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
I find it important to examine the societal context of individual suffering, particularly themes related to oppression and injustice, and tend to be the most well suited for working with sensitive and creative individuals as well as those who struggle with depression, anxiety, self esteem, loss/grief, pregnancy/postpartum and chronic/ terminal illness.
It isn't difficult to feel scared, vulnerable and not good enough in our complex world, let alone if you have a history of being abused or neglected. Therapy can help you slowly make sense of the past so that you can encounter the present moment with more awareness and vigor. I am psychotherapist with an abiding love of the arts and often work with sensitive and creative individuals, many of whom have histories of abuse/neglect and are struggling to make sense of their past and present lives in order to find a greater sense of freedom/comfort within their own skins.
I find it important to examine the societal context of individual suffering, particularly themes related to oppression and injustice, and tend to be the most well suited for working with sensitive and creative individuals as well as those who struggle with depression, anxiety, self esteem, loss/grief, pregnancy/postpartum and chronic/ terminal illness.
It isn't difficult to feel scared, vulnerable and not good enough in our complex world, let alone if you have a history of being abused or neglected. Therapy can help you slowly make sense of the past so that you can encounter the present moment with more awareness and vigor. I am psychotherapist with an abiding love of the arts and often work with sensitive and creative individuals, many of whom have histories of abuse/neglect and are struggling to make sense of their past and present lives in order to find a greater sense of freedom/comfort within their own skins.
(510) 878-4958 View (510) 878-4958
Photo of Maggie Novotny, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Maggie Novotny
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94619  (Online Only)
Hello! Thank you for visiting! I’m Maggie. Are you struggling with negative or anxious thoughts, feeling “stuck” in your life, or having difficulty keeping up with the day-to-day without it impacting your sleep, relationships, and self-esteem? Are you frustrated, irritable, feeling unheard and struggling to cope?
Hello! Thank you for visiting! I’m Maggie. Are you struggling with negative or anxious thoughts, feeling “stuck” in your life, or having difficulty keeping up with the day-to-day without it impacting your sleep, relationships, and self-esteem? Are you frustrated, irritable, feeling unheard and struggling to cope?
(925) 526-7487 View (925) 526-7487
Photo of Liz Tong, MPH, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Liz Tong
Marriage & Family Therapist, MPH, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612
My style of therapy is warm, attentive, & engaged. I believe we all need to be heard, understood & truly seen for who we are; for this is where a sense of self-trust can deepen & self-esteem can strengthen. One of my goals is to help you feel less burdened & less alone in your struggles and also provide coping strategies when you are feeling overwhelmed. I honor the uniqueness of each individual & work in a way that meets your current needs (whether you are moving through a crisis situation, having relationship issues, needing help managing anxiety & depression, or healing from trauma).
My style of therapy is warm, attentive, & engaged. I believe we all need to be heard, understood & truly seen for who we are; for this is where a sense of self-trust can deepen & self-esteem can strengthen. One of my goals is to help you feel less burdened & less alone in your struggles and also provide coping strategies when you are feeling overwhelmed. I honor the uniqueness of each individual & work in a way that meets your current needs (whether you are moving through a crisis situation, having relationship issues, needing help managing anxiety & depression, or healing from trauma).
(415) 969-3459 View (415) 969-3459
Photo of Jennie Beuhler, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Jennie Beuhler
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
Do the “shoulds” dictate your every move? Are you a “people pleaser” putting the needs and wants of others before your own? Do you constantly take care of others at the expense of yourself? Do you frequently second guess or doubt yourself? Doing these things means you ignore your own wants, needs and values. Living out of alignment with yourself leads to feeling lost, discontent, anxious, low self-esteem, disconnected, unfulfilled, regret, resentment, or grief. Let's find ways for you to live more in alignment with who you truly are so you can experience relief and feel more confident, grounded and fulfilled.
Do the “shoulds” dictate your every move? Are you a “people pleaser” putting the needs and wants of others before your own? Do you constantly take care of others at the expense of yourself? Do you frequently second guess or doubt yourself? Doing these things means you ignore your own wants, needs and values. Living out of alignment with yourself leads to feeling lost, discontent, anxious, low self-esteem, disconnected, unfulfilled, regret, resentment, or grief. Let's find ways for you to live more in alignment with who you truly are so you can experience relief and feel more confident, grounded and fulfilled.
(628) 209-6422 View (628) 209-6422
Photo of Bradlisia Dixon, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Bradlisia Dixon
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94607  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with black women who have checked many of the boxes in life but have found themselves in a challenging relationship. One day it’s all good and the next week it's all bad. You argue all the time and feel the relationship could be fixed if you just knew what to do and what to say. Anytime you want to communicate, it just ends with more fighting. Even though you’re constantly explaining yourself, you’re not being heard. You feel alone, isolated…like you can’t talk to anyone about what’s going on. And sharing your experience with family or friends means being judged and receiving unhelpful advice to "just leave."
I specialize in working with black women who have checked many of the boxes in life but have found themselves in a challenging relationship. One day it’s all good and the next week it's all bad. You argue all the time and feel the relationship could be fixed if you just knew what to do and what to say. Anytime you want to communicate, it just ends with more fighting. Even though you’re constantly explaining yourself, you’re not being heard. You feel alone, isolated…like you can’t talk to anyone about what’s going on. And sharing your experience with family or friends means being judged and receiving unhelpful advice to "just leave."
(424) 414-0292 View (424) 414-0292
Self Esteem Therapists

When should a person seek therapy for low self-esteem?

When self-esteem problems begin to disrupt the healthy daily functioning of an individual, it may be a good time to look into therapy. If a person finds that they are not engaging with friends for fear of being judged, not completing work assignments because they don’t think they’re capable, or not finding romantic love because they don’t feel they’re worthy of it, a therapist may be able to help.

What are the signs of low self-esteem?

Low self-esteem is a common issue that can affect a person's mental and emotional well-being. Some common signs of low self-esteem include negative self-talk, perfectionism, social anxiety, difficulty making decisions, an inability to set boundaries, people-pleasing, and others. A lack of belief in oneself or one’s abilities and a feeling of not being worthy or deserving underlie most of these characteristics.

What causes low self-esteem?

Feelings of low self-worth can begin in childhood or adulthood. Being raised by a highly critical parent or growing up feeling constant disapproval can stay with a person well into adulthood. Specific issues in adulthood may also be a cause of low self-esteem. An unhappy relationship, a dysfunctional work or school experience can impact a person’s feelings of self-worth.

How can therapy improve self-esteem?

Therapists can help identify negative thought patterns that keep the client stuck in a loop of destructive self-talk and develop coping skills to change the voice in their head. A therapist can help with goal-setting, so that clients are better able to stay on task and build confidence from successfully completing work they’re proud of. Coaching a client on how to better communicate can improve relationships. These skills can result in someone with low self-esteem feeling empowered and living with less fear.