Self Esteem Therapists in Oakland, CA

Photo of Rascal Roubos, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Rascal Roubos
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Oakland, CA 94601
You are not your problems, the problem is the problem! Together we can begin to discern the difference and take action toward change. I am a white, transmasculine therapist dedicated to facilitating personal, interpersonal and collective healing. I specialize in supporting people experiencing issues related to boundaries, self-respect, burnout, anger, social/racial justice, healing trauma, identity development, existential questions, sexuality, gender identity, and life transitions. LGBTQ, poly, and kink identities welcome. I am trained in Attachment Focused EMDR for virtual or in person sessions.
You are not your problems, the problem is the problem! Together we can begin to discern the difference and take action toward change. I am a white, transmasculine therapist dedicated to facilitating personal, interpersonal and collective healing. I specialize in supporting people experiencing issues related to boundaries, self-respect, burnout, anger, social/racial justice, healing trauma, identity development, existential questions, sexuality, gender identity, and life transitions. LGBTQ, poly, and kink identities welcome. I am trained in Attachment Focused EMDR for virtual or in person sessions.
(510) 880-1858 View (510) 880-1858
Photo of Channing Richmond, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Channing Richmond
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I am an African American, cisgender woman, dedicated to nurturing balance, grounded in ancestral strength and wisdom, and empowering intentional living. I have been employed as a Clinician and Clinical Therapist in the Alameda County community humbly serving school aged children and their families. I hope to support children, adults, families, and couples in this empowering work. It would be my pleasure to support you through your journey towards authentic living.
I am an African American, cisgender woman, dedicated to nurturing balance, grounded in ancestral strength and wisdom, and empowering intentional living. I have been employed as a Clinician and Clinical Therapist in the Alameda County community humbly serving school aged children and their families. I hope to support children, adults, families, and couples in this empowering work. It would be my pleasure to support you through your journey towards authentic living.
(510) 662-0483 View (510) 662-0483
Photo of Niki Khanna, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Niki Khanna
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
3 Endorsed
Online Only
Visit my website to Book a Consult directly. I am less interested in "How did that made you feel?" and more interested in "How would you like to feel Instead and how do we get there?" I work with Queer, Trans and Intersex clients virtually in California. I'm interested in helping clients create positive change. I am direct and growth focused while also being warm and friendly. My areas of focus are:Queer Therapy, Feminist Therapy, Liberation Ecology Therapy, South Asian Therapist. Queer and Trans in Tech, Trans Affirming, Kink Ally, Sex Worker Ally
Visit my website to Book a Consult directly. I am less interested in "How did that made you feel?" and more interested in "How would you like to feel Instead and how do we get there?" I work with Queer, Trans and Intersex clients virtually in California. I'm interested in helping clients create positive change. I am direct and growth focused while also being warm and friendly. My areas of focus are:Queer Therapy, Feminist Therapy, Liberation Ecology Therapy, South Asian Therapist. Queer and Trans in Tech, Trans Affirming, Kink Ally, Sex Worker Ally
(415) 886-0547 View (415) 886-0547
Photo of Jackie Brookman, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Jackie Brookman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Are you ready to stop feeling desperate, anxious, confused, stuck and unable to trust yourself to make decisions? Would you like to heal long-held trauma that's interfering with your life? If this sounds like you, help is available! Using an integrative approach of Internal Family Systems (IFS Therapy), Somatic-Attachment and Relational Psychotherapy, I will collaborate with you to gain confidence and skills to support your growth and healing. You'll learn the skills of emotional regulation as you diminish anxiety and panic. As your healing progresses, you'll experience the joy of being present and connected.
Are you ready to stop feeling desperate, anxious, confused, stuck and unable to trust yourself to make decisions? Would you like to heal long-held trauma that's interfering with your life? If this sounds like you, help is available! Using an integrative approach of Internal Family Systems (IFS Therapy), Somatic-Attachment and Relational Psychotherapy, I will collaborate with you to gain confidence and skills to support your growth and healing. You'll learn the skills of emotional regulation as you diminish anxiety and panic. As your healing progresses, you'll experience the joy of being present and connected.
(510) 269-2469 View (510) 269-2469
Photo of Merry Ross, Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Merry Ross
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
4 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
My work ranges from people who have experienced serious trauma, and suffer from depression and anxiety to those who just want to feel better in their lives and their relationships. I love working with couples. I know from my own experience of being married since 1990 that relationships need nurturing and intention. I love helping couples find intimacy that may have been lost. I really see my work as helping individuals and couples live their best life!
My work ranges from people who have experienced serious trauma, and suffer from depression and anxiety to those who just want to feel better in their lives and their relationships. I love working with couples. I know from my own experience of being married since 1990 that relationships need nurturing and intention. I love helping couples find intimacy that may have been lost. I really see my work as helping individuals and couples live their best life!
(510) 969-6005 View (510) 969-6005
Photo of Kelsey Maeve Gustafson, SEP, TCTSY-F, RYT
Kelsey Maeve Gustafson
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
If you’re a sensitive, creative, or neurodivergent person navigating the effects of trauma (whether personal or systemic) you’re not alone. You may feel overwhelmed, disconnected from your body, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve you. Together, we can gently reconnect with your body’s wisdom, build nervous system resilience, and find more ease and choice in daily life. I work best with folks seeking a slower, deeper, body-centered path to healing that honors complexity, intuition, and the full range of your experience.
If you’re a sensitive, creative, or neurodivergent person navigating the effects of trauma (whether personal or systemic) you’re not alone. You may feel overwhelmed, disconnected from your body, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve you. Together, we can gently reconnect with your body’s wisdom, build nervous system resilience, and find more ease and choice in daily life. I work best with folks seeking a slower, deeper, body-centered path to healing that honors complexity, intuition, and the full range of your experience.
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Photo of Georgina M. Nunez-Larraz, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCHT, MSW
Georgina M. Nunez-Larraz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCHT, MSW
Online Only
I also specialized in relationship issues, codependency, low self-esteem , anxiety, depressive disorders, addictions , PTSD and Complex PTSD.
Do you often feel like you are not good enough? Were you traumatized as a child, or did you lack attention and love, leading to anxiety or depression? You might have experienced controlling parents, or toxic relationships. I understand your pain because I am a survivor who has overcome these harmful emotions, and I can help you live a better life. Healing your foundation is essential for moving forward and break these negative patterns so your life can feel good and you can be happy again and make the right decisions.
I also specialized in relationship issues, codependency, low self-esteem , anxiety, depressive disorders, addictions , PTSD and Complex PTSD.
Do you often feel like you are not good enough? Were you traumatized as a child, or did you lack attention and love, leading to anxiety or depression? You might have experienced controlling parents, or toxic relationships. I understand your pain because I am a survivor who has overcome these harmful emotions, and I can help you live a better life. Healing your foundation is essential for moving forward and break these negative patterns so your life can feel good and you can be happy again and make the right decisions.
(510) 807-6849 View (510) 807-6849
Photo of Evelynn Hernandez-Brown, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Evelynn Hernandez-Brown
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Online Only
You've been holding it together, and even holding it together for others too. You are great at figuring things out, but now find yourself feeling distracted and exhausted by all that you're doing, and self-doubt is getting bigger and bigger. Others may not notice that you're struggling, but on the inside, you know that this feeling is impacting your relationships, and you so want to be your best self for yourself and your loved ones. You want a space to untangle all of the thoughts and feelings you're having without feeling like a burden or like you're dumping it on a loved one.
You've been holding it together, and even holding it together for others too. You are great at figuring things out, but now find yourself feeling distracted and exhausted by all that you're doing, and self-doubt is getting bigger and bigger. Others may not notice that you're struggling, but on the inside, you know that this feeling is impacting your relationships, and you so want to be your best self for yourself and your loved ones. You want a space to untangle all of the thoughts and feelings you're having without feeling like a burden or like you're dumping it on a loved one.
(510) 681-2425 View (510) 681-2425
Photo of Charis Khoury, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Charis Khoury
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
Therapy provides a special opportunity to slow down and focus on what's most important to you, with skillful guidance and support. I create a nonjudgmental environment for you to explore the difficulties, heartaches, old wounds, stuck places, or joys and celebrations of your life. This process involves listening to the wisdom of your body and emotions as well as your mind. Collaborating with you, I will support you to develop a more intimate relationship with yourself and your many facets, to expand your capacity to satisfyingly connect with others, and to illuminate and transform what blocks you from living your best life.
Therapy provides a special opportunity to slow down and focus on what's most important to you, with skillful guidance and support. I create a nonjudgmental environment for you to explore the difficulties, heartaches, old wounds, stuck places, or joys and celebrations of your life. This process involves listening to the wisdom of your body and emotions as well as your mind. Collaborating with you, I will support you to develop a more intimate relationship with yourself and your many facets, to expand your capacity to satisfyingly connect with others, and to illuminate and transform what blocks you from living your best life.
(415) 697-3212 View (415) 697-3212
Photo of Leah Oliver, Psychologist, PsyD
Leah Oliver
Psychologist, PsyD
5 Endorsed
Online Only
I work with a diverse clientele and specialize in providing culturally responsive and identity-affirming psychotherapy. The clients I work with often identify as first-gen students, artists, performers, educators, and professionals, as well as those who have experienced trauma in relationships or who have a history of family cycles of addiction and drug use. I use a relational-psychodynamic and liberatory approach to therapy; incorporating mindfulness techniques that support you to build awareness of what is happening between your mind and body.
I work with a diverse clientele and specialize in providing culturally responsive and identity-affirming psychotherapy. The clients I work with often identify as first-gen students, artists, performers, educators, and professionals, as well as those who have experienced trauma in relationships or who have a history of family cycles of addiction and drug use. I use a relational-psychodynamic and liberatory approach to therapy; incorporating mindfulness techniques that support you to build awareness of what is happening between your mind and body.
(415) 967-6516 View (415) 967-6516
Photo of Noelle Gabrielle Allen-Newman, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Noelle Gabrielle Allen-Newman
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
4 Endorsed
Online Only
Are you struggling to feel seen by your friends, community, and family? Do you feel stuck in a spiral that makes you feel further from your sense of self? Have you discovered or questioned something about yourself that you need support in exploring? Should life transitions or demands be this difficult and lonely? Does living in your skin feel foreign or shameful? You've tried therapy, you've tried your bestie, you've tried goat yoga, and it still feels like no one gets it. Here, the room is yours. Take up as much space as you need. When's the last time you honored what you needed? Let's explore and honor your story together.
Are you struggling to feel seen by your friends, community, and family? Do you feel stuck in a spiral that makes you feel further from your sense of self? Have you discovered or questioned something about yourself that you need support in exploring? Should life transitions or demands be this difficult and lonely? Does living in your skin feel foreign or shameful? You've tried therapy, you've tried your bestie, you've tried goat yoga, and it still feels like no one gets it. Here, the room is yours. Take up as much space as you need. When's the last time you honored what you needed? Let's explore and honor your story together.
(909) 371-5569 View (909) 371-5569
Photo of Dolores Antolin Y Muniz, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Dolores Antolin Y Muniz
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Oakland, CA 94618
You might feel stuck in protective patterns that once kept you safe but now keep you small: anxiety in the body, depression, low self-esteem, relationships that don’t feel nourishing.
Together we’ll slow down, and listen for what your emotions and body are asking for now. I work relationally and intuitively, drawing on psychodynamic and humanistic therapy, narrative therapy, parts work (IFS), and mindfulness— through a trauma-informed lens. We’ll build skills that make daily life feel more aligned and sustainable.
You might feel stuck in protective patterns that once kept you safe but now keep you small: anxiety in the body, depression, low self-esteem, relationships that don’t feel nourishing.
Together we’ll slow down, and listen for what your emotions and body are asking for now. I work relationally and intuitively, drawing on psychodynamic and humanistic therapy, narrative therapy, parts work (IFS), and mindfulness— through a trauma-informed lens. We’ll build skills that make daily life feel more aligned and sustainable.
(510) 991-9429 View (510) 991-9429
Photo of Adriana Rodríguez García, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, PPS
Adriana Rodríguez García
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, PPS
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
In my career I have had the privilege of working with children, teens, adults, parents, couples and families, supporting them in their growth process. Therapy is sought out for a variety of reasons. For some of us, life circumstances have impacted us in such a way that effect how we interact with the world and those around us. Life is created by the situations we encounter, and the quality of our lives often depends on the quality of our relationships. Therapy provides an intentional space to explore our relationships with others, ourselves, and the dance that takes place between the layers and intersections of these dynamics.
In my career I have had the privilege of working with children, teens, adults, parents, couples and families, supporting them in their growth process. Therapy is sought out for a variety of reasons. For some of us, life circumstances have impacted us in such a way that effect how we interact with the world and those around us. Life is created by the situations we encounter, and the quality of our lives often depends on the quality of our relationships. Therapy provides an intentional space to explore our relationships with others, ourselves, and the dance that takes place between the layers and intersections of these dynamics.
(510) 405-1282 View (510) 405-1282
Photo of Craig Metz, Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Craig Metz
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Oakland, CA 94602
I help people to live the life they dream of living.
I help people to live the life they dream of living.
(510) 880-3490 View (510) 880-3490
Photo of Christina Martinez, Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Christina Martinez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
4 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
I would describe myself as a heart-centered therapist who works from a “bottom-up” perspective, driven by a passion for universal truth, human connection, congruence, and nurturance of self-worth and core wounds.
To live is to feel pain in its various expressions. Our relationships with our family systems are often the blueprint by which we respond to the experience. Certain responses can result in experiences of depression, anxiety, or the habitual urge to numb ourselves. The ability to experience, hold space for, and then release our pain is the path to healing, where your heart and mind stop fighting and arrive together, finding acceptance, peace, and understanding. "The climb might be tough and challenging, but the view is worth it. There is a purpose for that pain; you just can’t always see it right away." – Victoria Arlen.
I would describe myself as a heart-centered therapist who works from a “bottom-up” perspective, driven by a passion for universal truth, human connection, congruence, and nurturance of self-worth and core wounds.
To live is to feel pain in its various expressions. Our relationships with our family systems are often the blueprint by which we respond to the experience. Certain responses can result in experiences of depression, anxiety, or the habitual urge to numb ourselves. The ability to experience, hold space for, and then release our pain is the path to healing, where your heart and mind stop fighting and arrive together, finding acceptance, peace, and understanding. "The climb might be tough and challenging, but the view is worth it. There is a purpose for that pain; you just can’t always see it right away." – Victoria Arlen.
(650) 582-2483 View (650) 582-2483
Photo of Shanna LoPresti, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Shanna LoPresti
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
You can thrive, feel more freedom and peace, and you don't have to do it alone. Relationship challenges, confusing emotions, and transitions can leave us feeling shaky. Somatic (body-centered) therapy can help you create a peaceful center in yourself while healing past hurts. Every relationship you have had with others and society influences your well-being. I can help you navigate relationships with self, loved ones, and the wider world with confidence and ease. You possess tremendous inner strength, courage, and determination. If you are willing to work, you can have the change you desire. You deserve to experience your best self.
You can thrive, feel more freedom and peace, and you don't have to do it alone. Relationship challenges, confusing emotions, and transitions can leave us feeling shaky. Somatic (body-centered) therapy can help you create a peaceful center in yourself while healing past hurts. Every relationship you have had with others and society influences your well-being. I can help you navigate relationships with self, loved ones, and the wider world with confidence and ease. You possess tremendous inner strength, courage, and determination. If you are willing to work, you can have the change you desire. You deserve to experience your best self.
(415) 528-3513 View (415) 528-3513
Photo of Mazu Master, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Mazu Master
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Online Only
I have over 20 years of clinical experience and have come to believe that fostering a trusting and compassionate therapeutic relationship can help us feel empowered and confident in our own healthy sense of self. As a South Asian/Indian woman who identifies as a person of color and within the LGBTQIA+ community, I recognize a need for folks to have a therapist who understands these issues. My approach is collaborative, client-centered, strength-based, and solution-focused. Mazu Master, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
I have over 20 years of clinical experience and have come to believe that fostering a trusting and compassionate therapeutic relationship can help us feel empowered and confident in our own healthy sense of self. As a South Asian/Indian woman who identifies as a person of color and within the LGBTQIA+ community, I recognize a need for folks to have a therapist who understands these issues. My approach is collaborative, client-centered, strength-based, and solution-focused. Mazu Master, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
(209) 719-3867 View (209) 719-3867
Photo of Kat Tan, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Kat Tan
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Online Only
Life can be overwhelming. It can feel like a rollercoaster with stressful ups and downs. I can support you in finding your resilience and strength to navigate it all. The core belief of my work is: You already hold all the answers. My role is to help you tune into that inner knowing so you can move through life with more confidence, ease, and self trust. Whether we’re exploring relationship dynamics, life direction, parts work, healing, recovering from breakups, trauma, practicing boundaries, or something else, I work with you to find strategies that feel effective and authentic to who you are.
Life can be overwhelming. It can feel like a rollercoaster with stressful ups and downs. I can support you in finding your resilience and strength to navigate it all. The core belief of my work is: You already hold all the answers. My role is to help you tune into that inner knowing so you can move through life with more confidence, ease, and self trust. Whether we’re exploring relationship dynamics, life direction, parts work, healing, recovering from breakups, trauma, practicing boundaries, or something else, I work with you to find strategies that feel effective and authentic to who you are.
(510) 956-6423 View (510) 956-6423
Photo of Lawanda Jackson - Lawanda Jackson - Virtual EMDR & Somatic Therapy, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Lawanda Jackson - Virtual EMDR & Somatic Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
3 Endorsed
Online Only
Many of my clients are successful professional women who appear to have it all together on the outside, but inside feel overwhelmed, anxious, or emotionally exhausted. They are often used to being the strong one for everyone else, prioritizing work, family, and responsibilities while their own needs fall to the bottom of the list. Despite their accomplishments, they may struggle with self doubt, harsh inner criticism, or the feeling that they are somehow not enough. Deep down, they want to feel more connected to themselves, trust their worth, and experience greater peace in their lives.
Many of my clients are successful professional women who appear to have it all together on the outside, but inside feel overwhelmed, anxious, or emotionally exhausted. They are often used to being the strong one for everyone else, prioritizing work, family, and responsibilities while their own needs fall to the bottom of the list. Despite their accomplishments, they may struggle with self doubt, harsh inner criticism, or the feeling that they are somehow not enough. Deep down, they want to feel more connected to themselves, trust their worth, and experience greater peace in their lives.
(707) 895-8619 View (707) 895-8619
Photo of Kara L Bunting, Psychologist, PhD
Kara L Bunting
Psychologist, PhD
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
In my practice I emphasize depth work, including insight and emotional experiencing, that may allow for problems that have not responded to more solution focused methods to resolve. My focus is particularly appropriate for people seeking more fulfilling relationships and rich inner lives in addition to the resolution of a concern.
In my practice I emphasize depth work, including insight and emotional experiencing, that may allow for problems that have not responded to more solution focused methods to resolve. My focus is particularly appropriate for people seeking more fulfilling relationships and rich inner lives in addition to the resolution of a concern.
(510) 726-7269 View (510) 726-7269

See more therapy options for Oakland

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.