Self Esteem Therapists in South Pasadena, CA

Transitions, welcomed or not, can be disruptive. As adults, we may find life stages, divorce/marriage/births or career changes challenging to navigate.

I know what it’s like to struggle, to be unsure of yourself and your relationships, to feel stuck. I believe therapy is an act of courage and hope, and I applaud anyone willing to consider the need for healing. My mission is to help you learn how to better help yourself, and I’ve been humbled by the strength I’ve seen in my clients. In our work, we’ll collaborate to uncover any negative self-beliefs, patterns of behavior, or ways of relating that get in the way of you living more of the life you want.

I believe in working collaboratively with clients and building a therapeutic relationship based on trust, honesty, and openness. I see my role as a curious, caring human being first and a clinician second. I encourage feedback and work diligently to tailor treatment to meet a client's needs, ranging from achieving short term specific goals, symptom reduction, and crisis management to long term growth work focusing on personal development, relationship patterns, and wellness maintenance.

Dating and relationships can be challenging, especially when balancing work, family, and personal life. Perhaps some of the important pieces of your life have not fallen into place yet, leaving you feeling frustrated and stuck. Experiencing this day after day can feel hopeless, but I am glad to say that you CAN make things better. Men are often taught to dismiss and devalue their feelings. Perhaps it was a lack of support of our emotions growing up or a deeply ingrained acceptance of the social norm that celebrates a very specific definition of masculinity. Either way, it can result in unaddressed anxiety, anger, or depression.

I help people find relief from distressing thoughts, better tolerate uncomfortable emotions, and change unhelpful or unwanted behaviors. If you feel trapped in your own mind or controlled by your emotions or habits, I’m here to support you. I specialize in treating general anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders (panic, health anxiety, PTSD), perfectionism, and body-focused repetitive behaviors (hair-pulling, skin-picking). While these are my specialities, I also treat many other issues including life transitions, trauma, eating problems, depression, and low self-esteem.

I believe that through a compassionate and authentic relationship, therapy is a place where people can grow, foster their unique strengths, and reach their personal goals. I use a collaborative approach so that together, we can explore challenges, and strengthen your ability to cope and problem solve in order to help you reach your goals. I blend a combination of effective and proven evidence-based practices such as EMDR, Trauma Focused CBT, DBT, and other modalities to help my clients work though trauma, anxiety, depression, anger issues, self-esteem issues, relationship issues, and more.

I am a licensed mental health counselor in Massachusetts specializing in helping adults struggling with problem solving, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, PTSD /trauma, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and substance use disorders. I believe in building a strong therapeutic alliance with empathy and genuineness. I am fluent in Portuguese.

I am an active, engaged, and compassionate therapist who tailors therapy toward your individual needs. My approach to psychotherapy is non-judgmental, empathetic, and holistic, focusing on you as a unique, complex, and dynamic individual. As a licensed marriage and family therapist (125563), I work avidly to help you in your process of healing, transformation, and self-discovery. I believe we heal in relationship to others, including the safe and unique relationship with our therapist. Collaboratively we will find solutions and healing, while holding space and welcoming all of the feelings that may arise together.

I provide a comfortable environment and support to assist you in identifying and working to resolve issues that keep you stuck in unhealthy and unproductive patterns. These may include dissatisfaction with work, poor relationships, or struggles with anxiety, depression or self esteem . As a Certified EMDR Therapist, I use a streamlined approach to specifically target and resolve the issues that are interfering with your growth and happiness. I consider it a privilege to join my clients on their journey as they gain clarity, increased self-awareness and renewed energy to manage life's ups and downs more effectively.

I believe creating safety within a non-judgmental environment is crucial to begin the journey of self-exploration, recovery and healing. Each person has their own unique set of beliefs, experiences and needs. Working together, we identify the goals and direction of therapy. In my work with individuals and couples I use a feminist, empowerment-focused and collaborative approach. As a guide in my clients' journeys, I help clients face their challenges and find ways to move through them. I know the path can be difficult at times, and I look forward to working with those ready to explore those next steps.

I have over 20 years of experience helping people reclaim their personal power and live a life of greater authenticity and fulfillment. I support clients to heal past wounds, build self-esteem, and begin saying "yes" to their dreams and values in their relationships, careers, spritituality, etc. I use a blend of traditional psychotherapy, life coaching and spiritual teachings to support my clients in self-actualization. For LGBT clients and family members dealing with coming out issues I support them in authentic self-expression, honesty, and self-acceptance.

As the Founder and Clinical Director of Oakwood Family Treatment Centers, I have been treating adolescents, young adults and their families for over 30 years as a psychotherapist, clinical director and consultant in both outpatient and residential programs. I treat such disorders as anxiety, trauma, family conflict, drug, alcohol and behavioral addictions, co-dependency, depression, ADHD, self-harming behaviors, and self esteem issues.

Do you notice patterns of behavior that you’d like to explore further? Feel dissatisfied with the way things are currently in your life? By drawing from interpersonal, cognitive-behavioral (ie. CBT and ACT), and psychodynamic modalities, I empower clients to gain insight, define goals, and develop skills/tools to live meaningful lives consistent with their values. I see psychotherapy as an interactive process that can promote insight, create positive change, and foster growth. I also bring this perspective into my work with couples and families. I can provide couples/ family psychotherapy as well as discernment counseling.

I am an experienced psychologist specializing in the treatment of adults, children, teens, and families. With adults, I help with life transitions, improve relationships with loved ones, overcome worries, sadness, and destructive habits, and build confidence. I am up-to-date with the research in treating depression, anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder, and adult ADD. With children, I help with ADHD, behavior problems, self-esteem issues, coping with major life transitions, and fighting within the family. If your child acts-out, seems distractible, or needs someone to talk to during difficult times, I can help.

My focus is to help individuals and families heal from anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship/family issues. As the therapeutic area of concern is introduced, we can begin to work together in developing empowerment of self as we set up together healthy and achievable goals. I aim to establish include compassion, good communication and trust. In our relationship then I will work alongside you to develop your own coping tools. My approach is a person-centered (positive type) direction to further your strengths and resilience which is tailored towards your specific goals and needs.

My goal is not only to join you in your journey but to help you dive into the core of your problems so that we can, in a collaborative sense, explore and identify effective and valuable strategies to overcome those problems. I've worked with individuals and families who have experienced extensive trauma, and trans-generational trauma passed down from one generation to the next, which has led to current issues with depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem, and relationships. Battling such issues can feel lonely and exhausting, but it doesn't have to be this way, and I want to join you in your journey of healing.