Self Esteem Therapists in Encino, CA

As a psychotherapist, I see individuals, couples and families who are in pain or conflict, and who want to increase their peace of mind and quality of life. My training, experience and intuition help me "zero in" on the patterns and issues that keep people blocked. Gentle, warm yet direct, I strive to help those I am privileged to treat grieve losses, resolve traumas, improve self-esteem, strengthen relationships, reduce depression and anxiety, and develop communication, stress management and coping skills. Understanding problem areas and expanding strengths, we work in a spirit of collaboration, with mutual respect, toward meaningful change.

Many of us have stories running through our head that dictate how we live our lives. I work with people to identify their stories and teach them to challenge how they’ve always thought, and how they’ve always done things. Indeed, I frequently tell my clients that I’m not in the relief and comfort business. Rather, my purpose is to provide people with the tools to experience joy and happiness.

Do you feel like life is "too much?" Do you worry, feel anxious, ruminate or sometimes feel paralyzed, frozen or numb? Do you feel panicked, or find yourself drifting off from the task at hand? Do you find it hard to stay present? Or, do you have issues with self esteem ? Do you feel insecure, inadequate, doubt yourself, feel "not good enough" or like you don't "measure up?" Or, is your relationship in a "rut", less than fulfilling, or in a "total mess?" For over 30 years, I have been helping people to discover themselves and to grow.

Today's life can be chaotic. We have all become overwhelmed, confused and unsure about how to handle situations in life, whether they be responsibilities, schedules, family, work, personal time, that are all vying for our attention. How we respond to current situations may be influenced by how we were viewed by other people in our life. We may have incorporated their views about us without realizing those views weren't our own. Yet, we have behaved or reacted to situations as if those views were our own.

Do circumstances and situations get in the way of living the life you really want? I will help you identify the challenges in your life, find creative solutions, and define your most heartfelt dreams. Then, together we'll craft a plan of action to achieve your preferred life. Our work will result in strong tools to manage your feelings and beliefs, giving you a deep understanding of who you really are and what you really want. Also, I have particular expertise in helping adults, couples, and families deal with depression, self-esteem issues, anger management issues, and relationship challenges.

All of a sudden you remember that you have to do this. That thing that is so important to get to, that you have yet to do. The thing that you don’t really want to do. If only you could put it off your head. So now you’re keeping yourself busy to avoid doing it. But the more you avoid doing it the worst you feel. Why can’t you just make yourself do it! And just like that you’re on edge again. The uneasiness will follow all day long now. Then the negative thoughts come. “Everyone will know” “I cannot fail” “What is wrong with me”. The more you think about it, the worst it gets, the worst you feel. You used to handle it on your own.

If you don't like the road you're walking, let's pave a new one together! I work with women, young adults, and teens who are having difficulty maneuvering through life changes to help them achieve the life they envision. Together, we work on issues surrounding anxiety, self-esteem, depression, and outside pressures from society, family, culture, media and more. I approach my clients with a compassionate, direct, and non-judgmental lens. I am relatable and always honest. My clients learn to embrace confidence, be more assertive, manage emotions and relationships, and succeed in academics, career, and intimate relationships.

Often, life gets away from us before we realize how quickly things have changed. Life is a process of personal growth and evolution. It is also a process of building and maintaining relationships with people in a world that is constantly in flux. In my Individual Therapy and Family Therapy practice, I focus on partnering with you to explore challenges around interpersonal relationships, behavioral problems, sexual identity and behaviors, self-esteem, core beliefs/values, and many other aspects of life.

Depression, anxiety, phobias, PTSD, self-esteem and relationship problems can cause enormous pain. I understand and am a dedicated, compassionate therapist who can help you resolve the underlying issues causing your pain and guide you in your journey to strength, stability and emotional well-being. I provide a safe, supportive atmosphere for individuals, couples and families to do deep personal work. I use traditional therapeutic approaches as well as Voice Dialogue, EMDR, and mind/body work. Couples will learn how to spot processes that create misunderstanding and pain, clearing the path to true intimacy and love.

You're unhappy and you're trying to do something about it. Anxiety is stressing you out. It can make you feel depressed and experience low self-esteem. You want to feel good about yourself and the direction you're taking in life. However, you may feel hopeless, helpless and alone. But you aren't! We can discover what's not working for you and find different ways of thinking that open up new possibilities. A shift in your perspective can make all the difference in the world. Therapy can help you gain a greater sense of freedom and joy.

Counseling helps people (adults, teenagers, couples and families) deal with emotional, social, developmental, and other life concerns. I utilize an integrative approach of Cognitive Behavioral, Solution Focused, and Hypnotherapy interventions to help my clients manage adjustment to life-altering events.

I take an active approach in assisting children, adolescents, adults, and families improve the quality of their lives by fostering and promoting emotional growth, empowerment, healthy relationships and a positive self-image. We all experience difficult times in our lives; I am here to be a support so that you do not have to endure the process alone. I will assist you in learning and implementing effective ways to manage the challenges life presents to you. Together, we will work towards enhancing the quality of your life, your relationships, and your self-esteem.

How healthy and joyful are your relationships? How strong do you feel verbalizing your needs to your loved ones? I work with people who want to improve their relationships and enhance communication with family (parents, children), children of divorcing parents, friends, sexuality, romantic/intimate partners. I treat various relationships, trauma, intimacy and sexuality issues, and body positivity. I help resolve conflicts due to life's challenges that may impact your happiness and well-being by causing negative emotions, affecting your physical and emotional health, which may lead to low self-esteem, and poor self-image.

Perhaps, the essence of all your mental and emotional pain lies in your inability to love yourself. Thus, it's important to uncover all barriers within yourself that prevent you from achieving this. I highly value creating a safe space for improving self-worth. There are no easy answers, only profound opportunities to explore the unresolved questions. I'm interested in understanding what continues to hold you back in life and invested in guiding you towards greater balance, meaning, creativity, and authenticity.

For more than ten years, I have been working with clients to manage their anxiety and depression, shame and self-esteem struggles, relationship challenges, parenting issues, career and life transitions, as well as trauma and loss. My goal is to help my clients gain insight into their behavior and the behavior of others, teach them to better manage their emotions and facilitate the development of tools that leave them feeling more empowered. I know that change is possible - in ourselves, in our relationships and in our lives.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker having earned my Master of Social Work Degree from University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from California State University Northridge. Psychotherapy is both a helping relationship and a process of change, which overcomes problems and increases happiness. I provide psychotherapy to adolescents and adults with concerns related to depression, anxiety, adjustments/life transitions, relational problems, school/work difficulties, women’s issues, grief and loss, self-esteem issues, parenting difficulties, and family conflict.

Our only job as parents is to make sure that our children are provided with all they need to achieve their dreams and become successful human beings. Sometimes what they need spans far beyond basic necessity and digs deep into emotional and mental well-being. In my practice, I work collaboratively with children and their families to help identify and solve challenges or obstacles that get in the way of achieving life's aspirations and feelings of happiness. The beauty is that children's minds are malleable, helping them to discover who they are through their inner strength is the greatest gift one can take away from therapy.

I believe we all have the capacity to change. We often feel judged by the world around us and the people in our lives. My philosophy is that in a safe nonjudgmental environment we can explore and understand ourselves and our relationships. This awareness is the first step towards change. My goal is to provide that safe space for clients. Collaboratively I strive to help clients deal with issues such as low self esteem , depression, anxiety, communication skills and life's most challenging issues.

Dr. Kim Boykin-Johnson treats adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, physical abuse, combat trauma, relationship issues, self-esteem issues, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Dr. Boykin-Johnson focuses on helping patients to develop a realistic, adaptive coping routine, which can help them adjust to life’s challenges. She has a holistic approach that uses cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, supportive psychotherapy, and mindfulness. Dr. Boykin-Johnson pursued a career in psychology because she feels it provides unlimited support in a way Western medicine cannot.