Self Esteem Therapists in Berkeley, CA
![Photo of Sarika Bahl, PsyD, MEd, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/90623100-c5e2-4062-9342-e9bb3119b710/1/320x400.jpeg)
Feeling anxious or a decrease in self esteem? Is your child/teen struggling or having problems in school? Looking for support to live the life you want? Psychotherapy can help you form a better relationship with yourself, your family, and others. I work collaboratively with clients, establishing a warm, empathic environment that feels safe and free of judgement. I provide individual psychotherapy and family therapy across the lifespan, and have training and experience working with children, adolescents, parents, and individual adult clients. I offer office (Berkeley), walk & talk (East Bay) and virtual (anywhere in CA) appts.
Feeling anxious or a decrease in self esteem? Is your child/teen struggling or having problems in school? Looking for support to live the life you want? Psychotherapy can help you form a better relationship with yourself, your family, and others. I work collaboratively with clients, establishing a warm, empathic environment that feels safe and free of judgement. I provide individual psychotherapy and family therapy across the lifespan, and have training and experience working with children, adolescents, parents, and individual adult clients. I offer office (Berkeley), walk & talk (East Bay) and virtual (anywhere in CA) appts.
![Photo of Karen Yu, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4303ea08-1c3b-4e2b-a3ad-6cef95651b0e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you feeling challenged to be understood by your parents and this creates awkwardness around setting boundaries with them so that you are treated like an adult? Sometimes, if you have not resolved your conflict with your parents, your personal relationships can be impacted as well. It is easy to feel overwhelmed when your love ones seem to rub you the wrong way. As a first generation Chinese American raised in the Bay Area, I am culturally sensitive to support you healing yo childhood wounding that occurred when you felt neglected by your parents. Learn tools to return to self-approval and release guilt about not being enough.
Are you feeling challenged to be understood by your parents and this creates awkwardness around setting boundaries with them so that you are treated like an adult? Sometimes, if you have not resolved your conflict with your parents, your personal relationships can be impacted as well. It is easy to feel overwhelmed when your love ones seem to rub you the wrong way. As a first generation Chinese American raised in the Bay Area, I am culturally sensitive to support you healing yo childhood wounding that occurred when you felt neglected by your parents. Learn tools to return to self-approval and release guilt about not being enough.
![Photo of Bryan B. Port, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f214219-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed psychologist providing supportive treatment for individuals and couples. I specialize with those dealing with self-criticism, loneliness, anxiety, sadness, low self-esteem, and substance abuse. Discover your potential.
I am a licensed psychologist providing supportive treatment for individuals and couples. I specialize with those dealing with self-criticism, loneliness, anxiety, sadness, low self-esteem, and substance abuse. Discover your potential.
![Photo of David Gumpert, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/03620b84-1d0c-4ab8-bc06-9894d54be814/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have worked with a variety of clients dealing with depression, anxiety, life transitions, and other life challenges, primarily in community mental health with marginalized and underserved communities. I see people seeking support for many difficulties, including imposter syndrome, self-esteem, boundaries, communication skills, and more. Reducing self-judgment and increasing curiosity about yourself will help you to make better decisions that are aligned with your core values. This will ultimately unhook you from negative thoughts or worries so you are more fully available for all the important things in your life.
I have worked with a variety of clients dealing with depression, anxiety, life transitions, and other life challenges, primarily in community mental health with marginalized and underserved communities. I see people seeking support for many difficulties, including imposter syndrome, self-esteem, boundaries, communication skills, and more. Reducing self-judgment and increasing curiosity about yourself will help you to make better decisions that are aligned with your core values. This will ultimately unhook you from negative thoughts or worries so you are more fully available for all the important things in your life.
![Photo of Claire-Elizabeth DeSophia, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d6150da-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Claire-Elizabeth DeSophia
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94705 (Online Only)
Working with individual adults and couples, I have 35 years experience supporting men and women who want to heal and grow. Stress, depression and anxiety often stem from relationship and workplace concerns. My couples counseling focuses on communication skills. To help heal childhood pain, I use varied modalities, including trauma work, Adult Children (ACA) work, and parent/adult child conversations . Another specialty area is adults with addictions, family members with addicted loved ones, and codependency. I support the changes that come with each decade of life, along with retirement , aging and end-of-life issues.
Working with individual adults and couples, I have 35 years experience supporting men and women who want to heal and grow. Stress, depression and anxiety often stem from relationship and workplace concerns. My couples counseling focuses on communication skills. To help heal childhood pain, I use varied modalities, including trauma work, Adult Children (ACA) work, and parent/adult child conversations . Another specialty area is adults with addictions, family members with addicted loved ones, and codependency. I support the changes that come with each decade of life, along with retirement , aging and end-of-life issues.
![Photo of Luba Palter, MS, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cb1c312-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Luba Palter
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705 (Online Only)
I have experience working with addiction, depression, self sabotage, disordered eating, identity questions, trauma, sexuality, codependency, and self esteem.
Perhaps you have felt you do not fit in somehow in your family, your community, or the larger world. Perhaps you have been navigating multiple cultural identities inside. Perhaps you have felt like your spirit is tender and the struggles of your life are too much to bare. Perhaps you have felt that other people have figured it out and you have been comparing your insides to other people's outsides. And you have felt alone, maybe scared, and confused. And now you want someone to help you be with it all. Now you want a compassionate heart and a steady presence to navigate these emotional terrains.
I have experience working with addiction, depression, self sabotage, disordered eating, identity questions, trauma, sexuality, codependency, and self esteem.
Perhaps you have felt you do not fit in somehow in your family, your community, or the larger world. Perhaps you have been navigating multiple cultural identities inside. Perhaps you have felt like your spirit is tender and the struggles of your life are too much to bare. Perhaps you have felt that other people have figured it out and you have been comparing your insides to other people's outsides. And you have felt alone, maybe scared, and confused. And now you want someone to help you be with it all. Now you want a compassionate heart and a steady presence to navigate these emotional terrains.
![Photo of Dr. Monica Baines, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b8d24197-3f2b-4a43-a467-748989cced58/1/320x400.png)
Struggling with feeling inadequate, overthinking, or living too much in your head? If doubts and harsh self-criticism weigh you down and perfectionism steals your joy, you’re in the right place. Imagine a life where anxiety isn't a burden, allowing you to thrive at work, cherish time with loved ones, and relax without guilt—even with a mile-long to-do list. If you're ready to embrace joy, relaxation, meaningful connections, and self-worth, I'd be honored to help you get there.
Struggling with feeling inadequate, overthinking, or living too much in your head? If doubts and harsh self-criticism weigh you down and perfectionism steals your joy, you’re in the right place. Imagine a life where anxiety isn't a burden, allowing you to thrive at work, cherish time with loved ones, and relax without guilt—even with a mile-long to-do list. If you're ready to embrace joy, relaxation, meaningful connections, and self-worth, I'd be honored to help you get there.
![Photo of Jessica Youseffi, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d6562513-9655-4efb-a036-b5b68f8546f0/2/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Mary Ann Kassier - Mary Ann Kassier, LCSW, CGP, LCSW, CGP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c5cce40-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mary Ann Kassier, LCSW, CGP
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CGP
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94704
It is my belief that everyone navigates his or her way through their family of origin and early environment by developing strategies and coping techniques, essentially doing the best one can in the circumstances. Later, these ways of handling relationships and stressors can become limiting. Members of couples and families can also develop entrenched ways of relating that become partially based on assumptions. Frustration, anxiety, disappointment and resentment can result. Psychotherapy enables you to understand the evolution of these patterns and develop more choices in how you respond and relate to others.
It is my belief that everyone navigates his or her way through their family of origin and early environment by developing strategies and coping techniques, essentially doing the best one can in the circumstances. Later, these ways of handling relationships and stressors can become limiting. Members of couples and families can also develop entrenched ways of relating that become partially based on assumptions. Frustration, anxiety, disappointment and resentment can result. Psychotherapy enables you to understand the evolution of these patterns and develop more choices in how you respond and relate to others.
![Photo of Joshua Cross, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e6814c1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Joshua Cross
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94707 (Online Only)
Do you know what you want?
Do you want to be free? Happy? Relaxed in your body? Content? Passionate and sexy? Courageous in the face of fear? More connected to your partner or to the Divine?
How do you get in the way of living the life you want?
Do you constantly judge yourself? Noticing all the ways you "fail" to live up to way you "should" be.
Or do you tend to direct that criticism outwards? Blaming others, feeling envy, or always waiting for external circumstances to line up just right so you can finally live how you want.
Do you know what you want?
Do you want to be free? Happy? Relaxed in your body? Content? Passionate and sexy? Courageous in the face of fear? More connected to your partner or to the Divine?
How do you get in the way of living the life you want?
Do you constantly judge yourself? Noticing all the ways you "fail" to live up to way you "should" be.
Or do you tend to direct that criticism outwards? Blaming others, feeling envy, or always waiting for external circumstances to line up just right so you can finally live how you want.
![Photo of Dean Herman, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/76e6114c-4cf2-4657-a6e5-df57ad030ab3/1/320x400.jpeg)
I support my clients in three key areas: (1) effectively navigating career and workplace challenges; (2) improving their confidence and self-esteem; and (3) enhancing their relationships. As both a therapist and executive coach for 20+ years, I've intensively studied many approaches to psychotherapy and human development to be as helpful and effective as I can. Which of these approaches we'd use will depend on your unique needs and what we decide together best fits for you. I’m focused on significant progress in the short term and even more change and development over time. My approach overall is warm, accepting and personal.
I support my clients in three key areas: (1) effectively navigating career and workplace challenges; (2) improving their confidence and self-esteem; and (3) enhancing their relationships. As both a therapist and executive coach for 20+ years, I've intensively studied many approaches to psychotherapy and human development to be as helpful and effective as I can. Which of these approaches we'd use will depend on your unique needs and what we decide together best fits for you. I’m focused on significant progress in the short term and even more change and development over time. My approach overall is warm, accepting and personal.
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![Photo of Kim C. Stevens, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6ce21354-fa17-43d9-811b-ddcb35887e64/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kim C. Stevens
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94710
With compassion, presence and warmth, I am here to be your partner and guide on your growth journey. I partner with you to heal emotional trauma and gain self-acceptance through my specialized mind-body approach. I support you through healing limiting beliefs about yourself, developing excellent boundaries, and connecting with your inner-wisdom. You are unique and so is your therapy process, so we tailor our work together to your specific needs and goals. I serve empaths and highly sensitive people, supporting you in coming home to who you really are. Internal Family Systems. LGBTQ+. Somatic. Psychedelic integration.
With compassion, presence and warmth, I am here to be your partner and guide on your growth journey. I partner with you to heal emotional trauma and gain self-acceptance through my specialized mind-body approach. I support you through healing limiting beliefs about yourself, developing excellent boundaries, and connecting with your inner-wisdom. You are unique and so is your therapy process, so we tailor our work together to your specific needs and goals. I serve empaths and highly sensitive people, supporting you in coming home to who you really are. Internal Family Systems. LGBTQ+. Somatic. Psychedelic integration.
![Photo of Rachel Newman, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46c21d45-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
When psychological suffering feels unbearable, seeking a therapist to help you find your way is a great act of courage. Psychotherapy is an active collaboration in which we tend to your inner life, bringing care and curiosity to the deepest parts of you. Profound change is possible in a therapeutic relationship based on trust. From your most disturbing and shame inducing symptoms to your greatest strengths--every part of you belongs here. I have been successful in treating individuals/couples with: anxiety, depression, self-esteem, trauma, relationship troubles, sex, cultural identity issues, perinatal mood disorders, problem drinking, infidelity and grief.
When psychological suffering feels unbearable, seeking a therapist to help you find your way is a great act of courage. Psychotherapy is an active collaboration in which we tend to your inner life, bringing care and curiosity to the deepest parts of you. Profound change is possible in a therapeutic relationship based on trust. From your most disturbing and shame inducing symptoms to your greatest strengths--every part of you belongs here. I have been successful in treating individuals/couples with: anxiety, depression, self-esteem, trauma, relationship troubles, sex, cultural identity issues, perinatal mood disorders, problem drinking, infidelity and grief.
Patricia Hecht
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94701 (Online Only)
As a San Francisco therapist, I work with adults, young children and adolescents. I provide marriage therapy, couples counseling and individual psychotherapy. I have over 20 years of experience, and am expert in helping my patients understand their thoughts, behaviors and emotions. I have helped people facing a diverse, wide variety of challenges in their lives. I use my expertise to provide a safe atmosphere where you can explore solutions for your problems. I use an interactive approach to help you develop improved ways of coping with issues. My goal is to help improve the quality of your life.
As a San Francisco therapist, I work with adults, young children and adolescents. I provide marriage therapy, couples counseling and individual psychotherapy. I have over 20 years of experience, and am expert in helping my patients understand their thoughts, behaviors and emotions. I have helped people facing a diverse, wide variety of challenges in their lives. I use my expertise to provide a safe atmosphere where you can explore solutions for your problems. I use an interactive approach to help you develop improved ways of coping with issues. My goal is to help improve the quality of your life.
![Photo of Larisa Blum, MA, MFT, JD, CMT-SE, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b335e3e7-d356-49a9-b5b3-b3010c8c9e5a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Larisa Blum
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, JD, CMT-SE
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705
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.
![Photo of Nicole Arkin, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/19c2fdf9-1df4-4989-9233-2a4dde4491af/1/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Liz Tong, MPH, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50ad1ea9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
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).
![Photo of Shannon Knorr, AMFT, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c250dbbc-ac72-4401-927f-7a1e8b5f89c1/2/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Juliet Small Ernst, LPCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d3dba348-bf00-4684-a48a-71d5fdf411bd/2/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Rachel Claflin, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d75b639d-6c06-4c54-a2f2-43a3b46e9ad6/5/320x400.jpeg)
Rachel Claflin
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94720 (Online Only)
Do you have a voice in your head constantly telling you that you aren't good enough? Do you feel like you're hiding your true self? Are you struggling with burnout and lack of purpose? Do you isolate to cope with anxiety? Are you longing to change but don't know how? Therapy can help! I am passionate about supporting clients in lessening anxiety, improving self-esteem, establishing boundaries, deepening communication in relationships, and identifying purpose and values to live a more authentic life.
Do you have a voice in your head constantly telling you that you aren't good enough? Do you feel like you're hiding your true self? Are you struggling with burnout and lack of purpose? Do you isolate to cope with anxiety? Are you longing to change but don't know how? Therapy can help! I am passionate about supporting clients in lessening anxiety, improving self-esteem, establishing boundaries, deepening communication in relationships, and identifying purpose and values to live a more authentic life.
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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.