Self Esteem Therapists in Oakland, CA
Currently offering Virtual Sessions only. I keep things very friendly & casual by using relatable language, questioning ideas about being 'broken' or needing 'fixing' & avoid certain buzz words that can alienate others. By including humor & other non-traditional approaches in my work, I am a good fit for those looking for someone who is not very 'therapist' like but still has all the experience, therapeutic skills & insight to help create positive change. I am often able to connect with children & adults that have previously not enjoyed or benefited from counseling. I do not see couples or really young children due to telehealth.
Currently offering Virtual Sessions only. I keep things very friendly & casual by using relatable language, questioning ideas about being 'broken' or needing 'fixing' & avoid certain buzz words that can alienate others. By including humor & other non-traditional approaches in my work, I am a good fit for those looking for someone who is not very 'therapist' like but still has all the experience, therapeutic skills & insight to help create positive change. I am often able to connect with children & adults that have previously not enjoyed or benefited from counseling. I do not see couples or really young children due to telehealth.
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.
Do you feel depleted by constantly having to show up for others? Despite having achieved a lot of success, you still feel like it’s not enough. You are constantly receiving messages about who you “should” be, and you often find yourself second guessing yourself and feeling like there are parts of you you have to hide in order to "fit in" and be respected. You often feel the pressure of attending to the needs of others. You are left feeling misunderstood, unseen, and unappreciated. Your needs often come last, and when you are able to focus on yourself you are left feeling guilty and overwhelmed by the thought of it.
Do you feel depleted by constantly having to show up for others? Despite having achieved a lot of success, you still feel like it’s not enough. You are constantly receiving messages about who you “should” be, and you often find yourself second guessing yourself and feeling like there are parts of you you have to hide in order to "fit in" and be respected. You often feel the pressure of attending to the needs of others. You are left feeling misunderstood, unseen, and unappreciated. Your needs often come last, and when you are able to focus on yourself you are left feeling guilty and overwhelmed by the thought of it.
I help people to live the life they dream of living.
I help people to live the life they dream of living.
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.
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.
It can be vulnerable to start therapy; it takes courage. I believe it can be very rewarding and is one of the most powerful paths of transformation. Being in therapy is an opportunity to look at your life, and to learn new ways of relating to yourself, to others, and to your circumstances. This process can ease the pain of whatever difficulty you may be going through. It is an opportunity to not have to be alone with your pain, but to have the support and guidance of someone who is familiar with the terrain of the human psyche.
It can be vulnerable to start therapy; it takes courage. I believe it can be very rewarding and is one of the most powerful paths of transformation. Being in therapy is an opportunity to look at your life, and to learn new ways of relating to yourself, to others, and to your circumstances. This process can ease the pain of whatever difficulty you may be going through. It is an opportunity to not have to be alone with your pain, but to have the support and guidance of someone who is familiar with the terrain of the human psyche.
A good therapist helps us get to know ourselves fully. Better understanding our motivations, thoughts and feelings reveals more fulfilling, effective choices. Exploring what is getting in our way of having deeply satisfying relationships is essential to living a full life. I often address issues of: understanding a partner's motivations, life purpose & transition, transparent vulnerable & authentic communication, finding/creating fulfilling relationship, confidence & leadership, men in relationship, trauma, and integrating presence in daily living.
A good therapist helps us get to know ourselves fully. Better understanding our motivations, thoughts and feelings reveals more fulfilling, effective choices. Exploring what is getting in our way of having deeply satisfying relationships is essential to living a full life. I often address issues of: understanding a partner's motivations, life purpose & transition, transparent vulnerable & authentic communication, finding/creating fulfilling relationship, confidence & leadership, men in relationship, trauma, and integrating presence in daily living.
Services: I provide individual psychotherapy for adults, using an approach involving mindfulness based practices and an existential-humanistic mindset. I am a licensed clinical psychologist who has worked across the full spectrum of psychotherapy settings, including private practice, mental health clinics, inpatient settings, and day treatment programs. I have also held numerous clinical leadership roles, such as the director of a county outpatient mental health center, and the director of an inpatient psychiatric unit.
Services: I provide individual psychotherapy for adults, using an approach involving mindfulness based practices and an existential-humanistic mindset. I am a licensed clinical psychologist who has worked across the full spectrum of psychotherapy settings, including private practice, mental health clinics, inpatient settings, and day treatment programs. I have also held numerous clinical leadership roles, such as the director of a county outpatient mental health center, and the director of an inpatient psychiatric unit.
In doing this search, you are already taking a big step toward feeling better. You remember a time when you felt more alive and connected and want to find your way there again. In our work together, you can understand and change long-standing behavior patterns and beliefs that have been keeping you back. Together, we will work to reconnect you with your strengths, vitality and sense of connectedness with yourself and others.
In doing this search, you are already taking a big step toward feeling better. You remember a time when you felt more alive and connected and want to find your way there again. In our work together, you can understand and change long-standing behavior patterns and beliefs that have been keeping you back. Together, we will work to reconnect you with your strengths, vitality and sense of connectedness with yourself and others.
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.
I work with individuals (youth and adults), couples, and families on a wide array of issues including: Identity exploration; Anxiety and stress management; Relationship dynamics (including romantic, familial, and professional); Self-esteem and personal growth; Parenting decisions and child-rearing; and Navigating life transitions.
I provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore difficult emotions and work toward greater fulfillment. I offer therapy from a trauma-informed, relational approach. My approach is informed by a commitment to social justice, anti-racism, and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
I work with individuals (youth and adults), couples, and families on a wide array of issues including: Identity exploration; Anxiety and stress management; Relationship dynamics (including romantic, familial, and professional); Self-esteem and personal growth; Parenting decisions and child-rearing; and Navigating life transitions.
I provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore difficult emotions and work toward greater fulfillment. I offer therapy from a trauma-informed, relational approach. My approach is informed by a commitment to social justice, anti-racism, and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
I offer mindfully paced, depth-oriented Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy to adults seeking relief from anxiety, rumination, and early relational trauma.
I work with thoughtful, capable people who regularly find themselves mentally spinning on circumstances or weighing their needs against others'. They may experience difficulty with trusting themselves, navigating relationships or life transitions, or perfectionism and self-judgment, and may have had a "parentified" role in their family of origin. Therapy isn't just an intellectual exercise; it offers a deeper, more honoring and connected relationship with yourself.
I offer mindfully paced, depth-oriented Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy to adults seeking relief from anxiety, rumination, and early relational trauma.
I work with thoughtful, capable people who regularly find themselves mentally spinning on circumstances or weighing their needs against others'. They may experience difficulty with trusting themselves, navigating relationships or life transitions, or perfectionism and self-judgment, and may have had a "parentified" role in their family of origin. Therapy isn't just an intellectual exercise; it offers a deeper, more honoring and connected relationship with yourself.
Loren Richards Farese
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, RYT
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
I work with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, self-harm, self-confidence, sexual abuse, trauma, and attachment based trauma including CPTSD.
I offer somatic psychotherapy, which incorpoates an awareness of the body, gesture, posture, breath, mindfulness, and movement into therapy. I have training in Hakomi, Relational Somatic Healing, polyvagal, and EMDR, and informed by ecopsychology and IFS. In relational work, I have training in the Gottman Method, as well as Hakomi Experiential Psychotherapy.
I work with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, self-harm, self-confidence, sexual abuse, trauma, and attachment based trauma including CPTSD.
I offer somatic psychotherapy, which incorpoates an awareness of the body, gesture, posture, breath, mindfulness, and movement into therapy. I have training in Hakomi, Relational Somatic Healing, polyvagal, and EMDR, and informed by ecopsychology and IFS. In relational work, I have training in the Gottman Method, as well as Hakomi Experiential Psychotherapy.
If you yearn to focus on you and your needs, welcome! In this world of AI we can experience IRL Walk/Talk therapy in the Oakland hills on Ohlone lands. Whether on the land or online, we'll start with the understanding that while you want to change, also there is nothing “wrong” with you; where you are now makes sense. We’ll work on enhancing what is helping you, support what is your true nature, and with self-compassion process past hurts, while developing new insights and skills. I bring training in EMDR, Somatic and IFS informed EMDR, eco-therapy principles, and more, to honor who you’ve been and supporting who you’re becoming.
If you yearn to focus on you and your needs, welcome! In this world of AI we can experience IRL Walk/Talk therapy in the Oakland hills on Ohlone lands. Whether on the land or online, we'll start with the understanding that while you want to change, also there is nothing “wrong” with you; where you are now makes sense. We’ll work on enhancing what is helping you, support what is your true nature, and with self-compassion process past hurts, while developing new insights and skills. I bring training in EMDR, Somatic and IFS informed EMDR, eco-therapy principles, and more, to honor who you’ve been and supporting who you’re becoming.
Neurodivergence, Relationship Conflicts, Trauma, Mood Disorders, Self-Esteem Issues, Stress Management, Adjustment Troubles, Women's and Gender Identity Issues.
Providing psychotherapeutic services to those seeking emotional sustenance and healthy psychological support during these very stressful times. I have been working in this field for approximately 20 years now. My experience is with all school grade levels, as well as adults from all walks of life. I find that the ideal patient is open-minded (willing to look at things from different perspectives), consistent (with attendance/self-care/psychoeducation), and humble to learn. My patients have described me as kind, trustworthy, accepting, an excellent mentor, dependable, and down-to-earth.
Neurodivergence, Relationship Conflicts, Trauma, Mood Disorders, Self-Esteem Issues, Stress Management, Adjustment Troubles, Women's and Gender Identity Issues.
Providing psychotherapeutic services to those seeking emotional sustenance and healthy psychological support during these very stressful times. I have been working in this field for approximately 20 years now. My experience is with all school grade levels, as well as adults from all walks of life. I find that the ideal patient is open-minded (willing to look at things from different perspectives), consistent (with attendance/self-care/psychoeducation), and humble to learn. My patients have described me as kind, trustworthy, accepting, an excellent mentor, dependable, and down-to-earth.
Taking the step to start therapy — or to start again — takes real courage. Something in you is ready to stop just managing and start actually understanding what's underneath. I work with people navigating depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, family issues, career transitions, trauma, and the cumulative weight of discrimination and systemic oppression.
Taking the step to start therapy — or to start again — takes real courage. Something in you is ready to stop just managing and start actually understanding what's underneath. I work with people navigating depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, family issues, career transitions, trauma, and the cumulative weight of discrimination and systemic oppression.
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!
On our therapy journey together, I will guide you in exploring the difficult questions present in your life. How do I quiet my constant inner critic? How can I feel less overwhelmed? How do I accept the parts of myself that cause me pain? Sitting with your questions, we'll investigate where they come from, what stories they perpetuate, and build tools that help you access relief from emotional pain and find clarity about your core wounds. Sometimes we will explore challenging histories with gentle care, while other times we might compassionately identify unhelpful patterns that may be causing you distress.
On our therapy journey together, I will guide you in exploring the difficult questions present in your life. How do I quiet my constant inner critic? How can I feel less overwhelmed? How do I accept the parts of myself that cause me pain? Sitting with your questions, we'll investigate where they come from, what stories they perpetuate, and build tools that help you access relief from emotional pain and find clarity about your core wounds. Sometimes we will explore challenging histories with gentle care, while other times we might compassionately identify unhelpful patterns that may be causing you distress.
I work with adults and couples who want to feel more at home in themselves and in their relationships. Clients often come feeling anxious, burned out, disconnected from their needs, or caught in people-pleasing and self-doubt. Others are navigating identity, belonging, family roles, or how to live with more self-trust. Couples often come when conflict feels familiar: the same argument, hurt, or distance keeps returning. Together, we slow things down and listen for what is underneath. We also work with concrete tools for regulation, communication, repair, and self-trust.
I work with adults and couples who want to feel more at home in themselves and in their relationships. Clients often come feeling anxious, burned out, disconnected from their needs, or caught in people-pleasing and self-doubt. Others are navigating identity, belonging, family roles, or how to live with more self-trust. Couples often come when conflict feels familiar: the same argument, hurt, or distance keeps returning. Together, we slow things down and listen for what is underneath. We also work with concrete tools for regulation, communication, repair, and self-trust.
See more therapy options for Oakland
Nearby Self Esteem Therapists Searches for Oakland
- Alameda
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- Berkeley
- El Cerrito
- Emeryville
- Kensington
- Lafayette
- Moraga
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- Piedmont
- San Leandro
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