Self Esteem Therapists in Berkeley, CA
Gina Polesetsky
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94708
I am passionate about the resiliency of the human spirit in healing from trauma, forming and healing relationships, & finding our way through life’s transitions. I view therapy as a tool to create a safe space to show up authentically and work toward living the life you seek. I work with children (8 & up), teens, adults, & couples who are addressing trauma, issues of identity or self-esteem, anxiety, recovering from narcissistic, sexual, or intimate partner abuse, having difficulty with dating/relationships, & working through divorce, separation, co-parenting, & blending families. Otis, my office dog, usually joins me for sessions.
I am passionate about the resiliency of the human spirit in healing from trauma, forming and healing relationships, & finding our way through life’s transitions. I view therapy as a tool to create a safe space to show up authentically and work toward living the life you seek. I work with children (8 & up), teens, adults, & couples who are addressing trauma, issues of identity or self-esteem, anxiety, recovering from narcissistic, sexual, or intimate partner abuse, having difficulty with dating/relationships, & working through divorce, separation, co-parenting, & blending families. Otis, my office dog, usually joins me for sessions.
Caitlin Torres Graham
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94703 (Online Only)
Life can feel like a big knot of different colored threads that can include overcoming trauma, life transitions, relationship issues and identity. My goal is to work with you to untangle that knot to improve your sense of wellbeing, insight, self-compassion and coping techniques. I understand that doing this self work can be overwhelming, so I value a transparent, trusting and collaborative relationship with my clients. I have extensive experience working with trauma, intergenerational family dynamics, ethnic identity issues, self esteem, body image issues, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, and life transitions.
Life can feel like a big knot of different colored threads that can include overcoming trauma, life transitions, relationship issues and identity. My goal is to work with you to untangle that knot to improve your sense of wellbeing, insight, self-compassion and coping techniques. I understand that doing this self work can be overwhelming, so I value a transparent, trusting and collaborative relationship with my clients. I have extensive experience working with trauma, intergenerational family dynamics, ethnic identity issues, self esteem, body image issues, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, and life transitions.
The world can always feel like it's changing. It's scary to be in transition or feel insecure about decisions whether it be about school, work, or relationships. We know that living with uncertainty leaves us feeling uncomfortable. Our emotional mood and ability to manage anxiety and stress plays a crucial role in our ability to function on daily basis. Therapy is learning to prioritize, communicate needs, feel more secure, make adjustments, think differently, be less self-critical, and boost self-esteem. It’s also about being present, grounded and balanced. Not so easy, especially doing it on our own! It's okay to ask for help.
The world can always feel like it's changing. It's scary to be in transition or feel insecure about decisions whether it be about school, work, or relationships. We know that living with uncertainty leaves us feeling uncomfortable. Our emotional mood and ability to manage anxiety and stress plays a crucial role in our ability to function on daily basis. Therapy is learning to prioritize, communicate needs, feel more secure, make adjustments, think differently, be less self-critical, and boost self-esteem. It’s also about being present, grounded and balanced. Not so easy, especially doing it on our own! It's okay to ask for help.
Gina Li
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94704 (Online Only)
For the longest time, maybe you've taken pride in the fact that you've been able to prove to others and to yourself that you could overcome whatever obstacles were thrown your way. More than just a source of pride, being able to overcome obstacles thrown your way has helped you to survive up until this point. At the same time, a part of you has felt exhausted from this constant push to persist; exhausted from being as independent as you've become so accustomed to being. You wish others took notice of this more. You're not sure they'd still stick around at all if you were less independent. It's a painful possibility to even consider.
For the longest time, maybe you've taken pride in the fact that you've been able to prove to others and to yourself that you could overcome whatever obstacles were thrown your way. More than just a source of pride, being able to overcome obstacles thrown your way has helped you to survive up until this point. At the same time, a part of you has felt exhausted from this constant push to persist; exhausted from being as independent as you've become so accustomed to being. You wish others took notice of this more. You're not sure they'd still stick around at all if you were less independent. It's a painful possibility to even consider.
Hi, I’m Katherine, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor at Foresight–Florida. I want to help you achieve your goals, increase insights, build on your strengths, challenge your negative thought patterns, and learn effective communication skills to improve your self-esteem and relationships. I work with adults and seniors, and my specialty areas include trauma, anxiety, depression, women’s issues, grief/loss, and coping skills. I will help you navigate through life transitions and stress by using strengths-based approaches and therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
Hi, I’m Katherine, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor at Foresight–Florida. I want to help you achieve your goals, increase insights, build on your strengths, challenge your negative thought patterns, and learn effective communication skills to improve your self-esteem and relationships. I work with adults and seniors, and my specialty areas include trauma, anxiety, depression, women’s issues, grief/loss, and coping skills. I will help you navigate through life transitions and stress by using strengths-based approaches and therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
Josh Freund
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705
If you are feeling stuck in your life, if you want to try something radically different from typical talk therapy, with the possibility of profound and rapid results, I can offer you Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). KAP is used effectively for treatment of depression, addiction, PTSD, chronic pain, and other psychiatric diagnoses as well as for existential, psychological and spiritual crises and growth. Working with KAP, you may experience shifts in your sense of self, a decrease in negative/repetitive ways of thinking, greater hope, self esteem, and self-compassion. Let's chat and find out if I can be the therapist for you.
If you are feeling stuck in your life, if you want to try something radically different from typical talk therapy, with the possibility of profound and rapid results, I can offer you Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). KAP is used effectively for treatment of depression, addiction, PTSD, chronic pain, and other psychiatric diagnoses as well as for existential, psychological and spiritual crises and growth. Working with KAP, you may experience shifts in your sense of self, a decrease in negative/repetitive ways of thinking, greater hope, self esteem, and self-compassion. Let's chat and find out if I can be the therapist for you.
Alexandra A Phillippe
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94704
If you are suffering from traumatic life events, painful memories, anxiety, fears, or feeling stuck, allow me to help. I will work quickly and efficiently to teach individualized skills such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that help you control unwanted thoughts and fears. Using EMDR therapy, I assist my clients to process the root causes of their problems, enabling permanent resolution of painful memories, traumas and phobias. I am direct and solution focused, using up to date evidence based psychotherapy, within a warm, compassionate and nurturing therapeutic environment.
If you are suffering from traumatic life events, painful memories, anxiety, fears, or feeling stuck, allow me to help. I will work quickly and efficiently to teach individualized skills such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that help you control unwanted thoughts and fears. Using EMDR therapy, I assist my clients to process the root causes of their problems, enabling permanent resolution of painful memories, traumas and phobias. I am direct and solution focused, using up to date evidence based psychotherapy, within a warm, compassionate and nurturing therapeutic environment.
Stephanie Wise
Marriage & Family Therapist, MSCP, LMFT
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94704 (Online Only)
When is the last time things felt light and playful and fun with your partner? Where it felt like you guys were trying to understand each other and serious talks meant feeling closer instead of ending up in a fight? Now it seems like even small stupid things turn into ugly fights... it's feeling like a losing battle to try and connect. And sex? Things are way too stressful in life and between the two of you for that to feel as easy as it once did. If you feel like you can't get on the same page with your partner, but you want to reconnect and feel close again, you want to feel enthusiastic about being together, reach out today!
When is the last time things felt light and playful and fun with your partner? Where it felt like you guys were trying to understand each other and serious talks meant feeling closer instead of ending up in a fight? Now it seems like even small stupid things turn into ugly fights... it's feeling like a losing battle to try and connect. And sex? Things are way too stressful in life and between the two of you for that to feel as easy as it once did. If you feel like you can't get on the same page with your partner, but you want to reconnect and feel close again, you want to feel enthusiastic about being together, reach out today!
I work with clients of all ages to find a unique path through the difficulties they are seeking help with and in their efforts to live fully. My approach is relational, depth-oriented, playful, and based in compassion. Psychotherapy can be a deeply personal and enlivening process, through which you may notice an emerging sense of self and find greater internal freedom. With adults, this involves creating a space where you feel recognized, understood, and safe enough to explore the depths and complexity of your emotional experiences as well as the forces (internal and external) impacting the areas of life most concerning to you now.
I work with clients of all ages to find a unique path through the difficulties they are seeking help with and in their efforts to live fully. My approach is relational, depth-oriented, playful, and based in compassion. Psychotherapy can be a deeply personal and enlivening process, through which you may notice an emerging sense of self and find greater internal freedom. With adults, this involves creating a space where you feel recognized, understood, and safe enough to explore the depths and complexity of your emotional experiences as well as the forces (internal and external) impacting the areas of life most concerning to you now.
I have a holistic approach to therapy which allows me to guide clients on their own unique journey of growth and healing, honoring the wisdom of the mind, body, and spirit. My approach is depth-oriented, relational, mindfulness-based, somatic, and trauma-informed. I integrate traditional talk therapy with the use of mindfulness practices, somatic (body-oriented) awareness, practices for calming the nervous system and processing trauma, breathwork, self-compassion, guided imagery, parts-work, and the expressive arts (using symbolism, visual art, poetry, music, movement, & sandtray, when interested) to deepen the healing process.
I have a holistic approach to therapy which allows me to guide clients on their own unique journey of growth and healing, honoring the wisdom of the mind, body, and spirit. My approach is depth-oriented, relational, mindfulness-based, somatic, and trauma-informed. I integrate traditional talk therapy with the use of mindfulness practices, somatic (body-oriented) awareness, practices for calming the nervous system and processing trauma, breathwork, self-compassion, guided imagery, parts-work, and the expressive arts (using symbolism, visual art, poetry, music, movement, & sandtray, when interested) to deepen the healing process.
Raquelle A Smartt
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94702 (Online Only)
Many of us are fumbling through life figuring out things along the way. You may have learned that the test of life is often given before the lesson, but what if there was another way? At Manifest Realities Happiness Coaching, I will provide you with the skills and strategies we all were never taught, but could definitely all use to create the fulfilling lives we want. Within the needs of Belonging & Love, Esteem, and Self-Actualization (from Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs), clients will be given assessments, skills training, and lifework to choose their realities.
Many of us are fumbling through life figuring out things along the way. You may have learned that the test of life is often given before the lesson, but what if there was another way? At Manifest Realities Happiness Coaching, I will provide you with the skills and strategies we all were never taught, but could definitely all use to create the fulfilling lives we want. Within the needs of Belonging & Love, Esteem, and Self-Actualization (from Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs), clients will be given assessments, skills training, and lifework to choose their realities.
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David L. Raughton
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94704 (Online Only)
My work is practical, eclectic, and deep. I am gentle and caring, yet focused and effective. I utilize mindfulness, cognitive therapy, and psychodynamic understanding to help clients make the changes they want. I look to see the goodness and strength of each person I meet. My interest in psychotherapy began with my own healing as a young man, and I have continued to grow as a person and a therapist.
My work is practical, eclectic, and deep. I am gentle and caring, yet focused and effective. I utilize mindfulness, cognitive therapy, and psychodynamic understanding to help clients make the changes they want. I look to see the goodness and strength of each person I meet. My interest in psychotherapy began with my own healing as a young man, and I have continued to grow as a person and a therapist.
Sheila Rubin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RDT, BCT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705
I am a leading authority on healing shame. I co-created the Healing Shame – Lyon/Rubin method and am the Co-Director of the Center for Healing Shame, a continuing education provider that offers workshops to therapists and other helping professionals. In my private practice, I developed therapy techniques integrating somatic and expressive processes to work with the all-pervasive shame and trauma that underlie toxic family dynamics, depression and eating disorders. I integrate Emotionally Focused Therapy and AEDP with Drama Therapy, Hakomi, Focusing and Expressive Arts. I work with the imposter syndrome and voracious inner critics.
I am a leading authority on healing shame. I co-created the Healing Shame – Lyon/Rubin method and am the Co-Director of the Center for Healing Shame, a continuing education provider that offers workshops to therapists and other helping professionals. In my private practice, I developed therapy techniques integrating somatic and expressive processes to work with the all-pervasive shame and trauma that underlie toxic family dynamics, depression and eating disorders. I integrate Emotionally Focused Therapy and AEDP with Drama Therapy, Hakomi, Focusing and Expressive Arts. I work with the imposter syndrome and voracious inner critics.
Adriana Portillo
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC, SEP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705 (Online Only)
Therapy at its core is about self-discovery. I collaborate with men, women and couples that want to overcome the obstacles towards a more fulfilling life, through a process of self-knowledge. My approach is eclectic, incorporating different theories and techniques to support your process: psychodynamic, relational, somatic, mindfulness-based and CBT. Through our work together, I hope to inspire curiosity and a space of warmth genuine respect. I also believe in being active in supporting you to make changes in your life, not just focusing on deep issues but also on the practical matters when needed.
Therapy at its core is about self-discovery. I collaborate with men, women and couples that want to overcome the obstacles towards a more fulfilling life, through a process of self-knowledge. My approach is eclectic, incorporating different theories and techniques to support your process: psychodynamic, relational, somatic, mindfulness-based and CBT. Through our work together, I hope to inspire curiosity and a space of warmth genuine respect. I also believe in being active in supporting you to make changes in your life, not just focusing on deep issues but also on the practical matters when needed.
I help people as they’re making changes in their life, big and small. A significant factor in making a change is our relationship to ourselves. Unfortunately, a build-up of traumatizing or painful experiences can lead us to constantly question our abilities and self-worth. We may struggle with decision-making, seal away parts of our identity, or find ourselves trapped in cycles of anxiety and self-loathing. Of course, if we don't trust there's a safe home to come back to, trying something new or different feels very out of reach.
I help people as they’re making changes in their life, big and small. A significant factor in making a change is our relationship to ourselves. Unfortunately, a build-up of traumatizing or painful experiences can lead us to constantly question our abilities and self-worth. We may struggle with decision-making, seal away parts of our identity, or find ourselves trapped in cycles of anxiety and self-loathing. Of course, if we don't trust there's a safe home to come back to, trying something new or different feels very out of reach.
Institutional and systemic oppression, intergenerational trauma, and interpersonal harms can leave us feeling battered and broken. Isolation, community degradation, and cut off from the body and the natural world can leave us unsupported and under-resourced. In my work I seek to help people regulate their nervous systems, overcome the shame of having been harmed, and re/connect with a broader network of support. I'm passionate about accompanying people through their journey of identity development, whether that be gender, sexuality, neurodivergence, or whatever identity is emerging. I hope to help you step into your authentic self.
Institutional and systemic oppression, intergenerational trauma, and interpersonal harms can leave us feeling battered and broken. Isolation, community degradation, and cut off from the body and the natural world can leave us unsupported and under-resourced. In my work I seek to help people regulate their nervous systems, overcome the shame of having been harmed, and re/connect with a broader network of support. I'm passionate about accompanying people through their journey of identity development, whether that be gender, sexuality, neurodivergence, or whatever identity is emerging. I hope to help you step into your authentic self.
I work with adults and couples of all ages wanting a safe and confidential environment, with an experienced therapist. We all want to feel happy, connected to people we love, who love us in return, and/or connected to the work we do. These basic parts of life can bring tremendous fulfillment, but if not actualized, can evoke loneliness, depression, anxiety, anger or resentment. Sometimes the behaviors we turn to help us feel better in the moment, but create even more problems and suffering. I believe in my work and my client's desire to move out of anxiety, despair or suffering, and into a more satisfying and fulfilling life.
I work with adults and couples of all ages wanting a safe and confidential environment, with an experienced therapist. We all want to feel happy, connected to people we love, who love us in return, and/or connected to the work we do. These basic parts of life can bring tremendous fulfillment, but if not actualized, can evoke loneliness, depression, anxiety, anger or resentment. Sometimes the behaviors we turn to help us feel better in the moment, but create even more problems and suffering. I believe in my work and my client's desire to move out of anxiety, despair or suffering, and into a more satisfying and fulfilling life.
Jody Roberts
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, 37412
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94707 (Online Only)
I custom-tailor the therapeutic process to suit your individual needs. Together, we will set goals for your healing. I will encourage you to draw upon your own strengths and life experience by learning to trust yourself and your intuition.
I custom-tailor the therapeutic process to suit your individual needs. Together, we will set goals for your healing. I will encourage you to draw upon your own strengths and life experience by learning to trust yourself and your intuition.
David Thanos Heliotis
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94703
I believe great therapy is all about us finding a strong connection together. As your therapist, it’s my goal to co-create an environment where we can be direct and real with one another, and where we can use concrete tools—like mindfulness and body awareness—to talk about what’s happening between us. Like two musicians playing a duet, therapy works best when we’re deeply in sync. I’m really responding to you, and you’re going to feel that.
I believe great therapy is all about us finding a strong connection together. As your therapist, it’s my goal to co-create an environment where we can be direct and real with one another, and where we can use concrete tools—like mindfulness and body awareness—to talk about what’s happening between us. Like two musicians playing a duet, therapy works best when we’re deeply in sync. I’m really responding to you, and you’re going to feel that.
Sekayi Edwards
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94704 (Online Only)
As a geek or gamer, creative or artist, or spiritual seeker, you aspire to reach your full potential, forge timeless bonds with others, and embody an unshakeable purpose in the 'real world' as you do in the inner realms of your passions. The 'real world,' however, roils with social stigma, responsibilities, and traumatic events that leave you feeling helpless, isolated, and aimless within your home, work, school, or social life. Your passions only provide momentary relief as unresolved problems continue to grow, and unless this cycle is broken, the weight of these problems will only accumulate, perpetuating the cycle of struggle.
As a geek or gamer, creative or artist, or spiritual seeker, you aspire to reach your full potential, forge timeless bonds with others, and embody an unshakeable purpose in the 'real world' as you do in the inner realms of your passions. The 'real world,' however, roils with social stigma, responsibilities, and traumatic events that leave you feeling helpless, isolated, and aimless within your home, work, school, or social life. Your passions only provide momentary relief as unresolved problems continue to grow, and unless this cycle is broken, the weight of these problems will only accumulate, perpetuating the cycle of struggle.
