Self Esteem Therapists in Washington, DC

Jocylynn Stephenson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LCMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20009
The philosopher Socrates once said that "the unexamined life is not worth living." As a therapist, I am committed to helping my clients examine their lives to find meaning, happiness, and strength. I work with individuals, couples, and families, striving to build skills to resolve conflicts, increase confidence, and move beyond past hurt and trauma. My clients often say that they appreciate my warmth, empathy, and combination of optimism and realism.
The philosopher Socrates once said that "the unexamined life is not worth living." As a therapist, I am committed to helping my clients examine their lives to find meaning, happiness, and strength. I work with individuals, couples, and families, striving to build skills to resolve conflicts, increase confidence, and move beyond past hurt and trauma. My clients often say that they appreciate my warmth, empathy, and combination of optimism and realism.

We all receive labels and messages from society and our upbringing that attempt to dictate how we operate in relation with others, what we’re worth, and how we perceive ourselves. I understand that the labels we receive from others, and the way we see ourselves are often times conflicting. These messages and attention or lack thereof can have a negative impact on our self-esteem, relationships, communication capabilities, perception of those around us, and self-worth. I offer a space to unpack these inconsistencies to discover contentment and congruence of self.
We all receive labels and messages from society and our upbringing that attempt to dictate how we operate in relation with others, what we’re worth, and how we perceive ourselves. I understand that the labels we receive from others, and the way we see ourselves are often times conflicting. These messages and attention or lack thereof can have a negative impact on our self-esteem, relationships, communication capabilities, perception of those around us, and self-worth. I offer a space to unpack these inconsistencies to discover contentment and congruence of self.

I am licensed in Hawai'i, Arizona, and Washington DC with over 30 years of professional work experience.
I am licensed in Hawai'i, Arizona, and Washington DC with over 30 years of professional work experience.

Therapy is a powerful means of restoring wellness and creating lasting change. I have experienced this in my own life and enjoy seeing this unfold for my clients. I am passionate about working with clients to develop self-compassion and emotional intelligence, and establishing a greater sense of groundedness and self-esteem. I am trained in EMDR and often use this therapeutic approach to significantly reduce distress associated with trauma and other adverse life experiences. EMDR can also be helpful for clients in breaking free from stuck patterns of thinking and feeling that are resistant to traditional talk therapy approaches.
Therapy is a powerful means of restoring wellness and creating lasting change. I have experienced this in my own life and enjoy seeing this unfold for my clients. I am passionate about working with clients to develop self-compassion and emotional intelligence, and establishing a greater sense of groundedness and self-esteem. I am trained in EMDR and often use this therapeutic approach to significantly reduce distress associated with trauma and other adverse life experiences. EMDR can also be helpful for clients in breaking free from stuck patterns of thinking and feeling that are resistant to traditional talk therapy approaches.

Alyssa Louise McCall
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20002
Being our best selves is attainable when we allow ourselves to be on a path of peace, fulfillment, and self-awareness. I hold a passion for helping clients do just that. I work with clients through a holistic & individualistic approach to support them in moving closer to their personal & professional goals. I am here to help you on your journey to finding yourself, being in tune with your needs, and overcoming any trauma that may be hindering this. I specialize in supporting clients overcome anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, workplace & relationship challenges, low career self-efficacy, discrimination, and so much more.
Being our best selves is attainable when we allow ourselves to be on a path of peace, fulfillment, and self-awareness. I hold a passion for helping clients do just that. I work with clients through a holistic & individualistic approach to support them in moving closer to their personal & professional goals. I am here to help you on your journey to finding yourself, being in tune with your needs, and overcoming any trauma that may be hindering this. I specialize in supporting clients overcome anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, workplace & relationship challenges, low career self-efficacy, discrimination, and so much more.

Stacey Lenkin Saltzman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW, MA
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20016
My goal is to help clients address and to cope with the complex challenges they face in their lives. These challenges include but are not limited to anxiety, depression, loss of a loved one, relationship problems, self esteem issues, trauma and abuse. I work efficiently and effectively to help motivated clients identify and understand what are often unconscious defenses to experiencing feelings.
My goal is to help clients address and to cope with the complex challenges they face in their lives. These challenges include but are not limited to anxiety, depression, loss of a loved one, relationship problems, self esteem issues, trauma and abuse. I work efficiently and effectively to help motivated clients identify and understand what are often unconscious defenses to experiencing feelings.

I think we can all agree that feeling stuck and directionless in life is a miserable feeling. It can also be deceiving. You might have everything “all together” on the outside, but in reality, you haven’t felt that spark in life for some time now. If you were being completely honest, how long do you think it’s been since you truly took care of your needs? If it’s been a while, you might have been putting the needs of others before your own, which means you could be in burnout territory. You deserve to feel excited about your life! You deserve to feel better than just "meh."
I think we can all agree that feeling stuck and directionless in life is a miserable feeling. It can also be deceiving. You might have everything “all together” on the outside, but in reality, you haven’t felt that spark in life for some time now. If you were being completely honest, how long do you think it’s been since you truly took care of your needs? If it’s been a while, you might have been putting the needs of others before your own, which means you could be in burnout territory. You deserve to feel excited about your life! You deserve to feel better than just "meh."

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) serving children, adolescents, individuals, couples, college/graduate students, and LGBTQ clients. I have specialized in providing services to adolescents and their families for more than 25 years. I am licensed in Maryland and the District of Columbia. I have been practicing as a Mental Health Clinician for 15 years providing services in group homes, communities, educational, and private practice settings. At Peace of Mind Therapy, LLC, we offer services by other Licensed Professional Counselors, Social Workers, & Interns that are Qualified, Capable, & Culturally Competent.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) serving children, adolescents, individuals, couples, college/graduate students, and LGBTQ clients. I have specialized in providing services to adolescents and their families for more than 25 years. I am licensed in Maryland and the District of Columbia. I have been practicing as a Mental Health Clinician for 15 years providing services in group homes, communities, educational, and private practice settings. At Peace of Mind Therapy, LLC, we offer services by other Licensed Professional Counselors, Social Workers, & Interns that are Qualified, Capable, & Culturally Competent.

You’re tired, drained, and unsure how to move forward, despite your best efforts. You’ve been pushing down your emotions for years, trying to survive the pain that opening up only seemed to deepen. But dodging past traumas and navigating complicated relationships has left you feeling stuck, disconnected, and questioning your worth. You’re no longer feeling like the person you want to be, and the self-doubt and critical voices won’t quiet down. Your relationships are suffering, and so are you. It doesn’t have to stay this way. Together, we’ll break this cycle, heal old wounds, and help you reconnect with yourself and your life.
You’re tired, drained, and unsure how to move forward, despite your best efforts. You’ve been pushing down your emotions for years, trying to survive the pain that opening up only seemed to deepen. But dodging past traumas and navigating complicated relationships has left you feeling stuck, disconnected, and questioning your worth. You’re no longer feeling like the person you want to be, and the self-doubt and critical voices won’t quiet down. Your relationships are suffering, and so are you. It doesn’t have to stay this way. Together, we’ll break this cycle, heal old wounds, and help you reconnect with yourself and your life.

Throughout life we can experience challenges within our selves and our relationships. We can find ourselves feeling confused, stuck, unhappy, or unsatisfied. We might notice changes in our moods or behaviors, or feel more affected by stressors than at previous times in our lives. I specialize in adult psychotherapy, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and self-esteem issues. Other specialty areas include challenges in navigating life transitions, relationships, and identity development.
Throughout life we can experience challenges within our selves and our relationships. We can find ourselves feeling confused, stuck, unhappy, or unsatisfied. We might notice changes in our moods or behaviors, or feel more affected by stressors than at previous times in our lives. I specialize in adult psychotherapy, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and self-esteem issues. Other specialty areas include challenges in navigating life transitions, relationships, and identity development.

Adriana Scott
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LGSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in working with individuals who experience anxiety, depression, low- self esteem, and feel abandoned because of life circumstances.
Hi! I am Adriana and I am happy to serve you. My ideal client ranges between the ages of 18-35 years old. They may suffer from low- self esteem, establishing their identity, or looking to overcome their traumas in life. These individuals are looking to become happier, healthier versions of themselves!
I specialize in working with individuals who experience anxiety, depression, low- self esteem, and feel abandoned because of life circumstances.
Hi! I am Adriana and I am happy to serve you. My ideal client ranges between the ages of 18-35 years old. They may suffer from low- self esteem, establishing their identity, or looking to overcome their traumas in life. These individuals are looking to become happier, healthier versions of themselves!
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My aim in individual and couple therapy is to help you better understand and address aspects of your life that are less than satisfactory. Those problems may include anxiety, depression, fluctuating self-esteem issues, and conflictual interpersonal, family and/or intimate/couple relationships. Understanding and overcoming the limiting, even crippling, effects of early life traumas on your life at present may also be important for us to consider. The privacy and safety of a confidential therapeutic environment is ideal for us to explore problems together and find ways for you to move forward to a more rewarding and satisfying life.
My aim in individual and couple therapy is to help you better understand and address aspects of your life that are less than satisfactory. Those problems may include anxiety, depression, fluctuating self-esteem issues, and conflictual interpersonal, family and/or intimate/couple relationships. Understanding and overcoming the limiting, even crippling, effects of early life traumas on your life at present may also be important for us to consider. The privacy and safety of a confidential therapeutic environment is ideal for us to explore problems together and find ways for you to move forward to a more rewarding and satisfying life.

I help clients to create change through a better understanding of themselves and their relationships. You may be feeling dissatisfied or uncertain, disconnected from others or lacking a sense of control over your emotions or life choices, but I believe that you already have the ability and determination to help yourself. I work to draw out that ability through a combination of insight-expanding exploration and skill building to help you overcome challenges, all while utilizing my training to call out patterns and behaviors that may be getting in your way. I aim to create an environment that feels safe, accepting, and empowering.
I help clients to create change through a better understanding of themselves and their relationships. You may be feeling dissatisfied or uncertain, disconnected from others or lacking a sense of control over your emotions or life choices, but I believe that you already have the ability and determination to help yourself. I work to draw out that ability through a combination of insight-expanding exploration and skill building to help you overcome challenges, all while utilizing my training to call out patterns and behaviors that may be getting in your way. I aim to create an environment that feels safe, accepting, and empowering.

I work with people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, OCD and panic, as well as those facing relationship difficulties, life transitions and people coping with trauma/PTSD. I also help people who experience difficulties with acculturation and adaptation. I also offer Immigration evaluations for U Visas, T Visas, Asylum, VAWA Petitions and Hardship Evaluations via a secure online connection. I work with your attorney to provide you with the professional, impartial report you need to resolve your immigration case.
I work with people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, OCD and panic, as well as those facing relationship difficulties, life transitions and people coping with trauma/PTSD. I also help people who experience difficulties with acculturation and adaptation. I also offer Immigration evaluations for U Visas, T Visas, Asylum, VAWA Petitions and Hardship Evaluations via a secure online connection. I work with your attorney to provide you with the professional, impartial report you need to resolve your immigration case.

Victoria Steele
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I provide virtual psychotherapy throughout Washington, D.C., and Maryland. My passion is to support clients in embracing authenticity, reclaiming their power, and celebrating pleasure. This work often requires delving into the intricacies of people-pleasing tendencies, the suppression of true feelings, the struggles associated with low self-esteem, and sexual dissatisfaction. Additionally, I address pervasive issues such as anxiety, depression, and trauma.
I provide virtual psychotherapy throughout Washington, D.C., and Maryland. My passion is to support clients in embracing authenticity, reclaiming their power, and celebrating pleasure. This work often requires delving into the intricacies of people-pleasing tendencies, the suppression of true feelings, the struggles associated with low self-esteem, and sexual dissatisfaction. Additionally, I address pervasive issues such as anxiety, depression, and trauma.

I look forward to working with you, or your children, in overcoming current obstacles and life challenges. In my experience in working with adults, children, and families, they have all the strengths and resources they need within themselves, and can reach their full potential within a safe, empathic therapeutic relationship.
I look forward to working with you, or your children, in overcoming current obstacles and life challenges. In my experience in working with adults, children, and families, they have all the strengths and resources they need within themselves, and can reach their full potential within a safe, empathic therapeutic relationship.

Beyond fear, there is freedom from your eating disorder. Living with an eating disorder is a burden you no longer need to carry on your own. Together, we can work to find freedom from the grasp of the eating disorder, to find joy out of moments around food and relationships, to gain body neutrality. Let’s take the first step to reintroducing yourself, to YOU again. I operate from a Health at Every Size and Anti-Diet approach and treat all eating disorders or disordered eating along with body image and self-esteem issues.
Beyond fear, there is freedom from your eating disorder. Living with an eating disorder is a burden you no longer need to carry on your own. Together, we can work to find freedom from the grasp of the eating disorder, to find joy out of moments around food and relationships, to gain body neutrality. Let’s take the first step to reintroducing yourself, to YOU again. I operate from a Health at Every Size and Anti-Diet approach and treat all eating disorders or disordered eating along with body image and self-esteem issues.

Would you like to feel less stressed and anxious? Do you want increased confidence and self-esteem? Are you seeking happier relationships? These changes are possible for you. Let's work together to empower you to feel better about yourself and your life.
Would you like to feel less stressed and anxious? Do you want increased confidence and self-esteem? Are you seeking happier relationships? These changes are possible for you. Let's work together to empower you to feel better about yourself and your life.

Joseph D. Williams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW , LCSW-C, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20002
Though the use of eccentric, out-of-the box and modern approaches to clinical treatment; I prompt individuals to explore the importance of repair work in the areas of boundaries, self esteem, self care, and shadow work to address the cause of their current emotions and functioning; leading to lasting emotional transformations and self improvements.
Have you ever felt so "damaged" that when someone tries to offer you the love and care you deserve, it feels hard to accept? You're not alone, and healing is possible. I’m here to help you reclaim your sense of self-worth and build a meaningful, empowered future—no matter the pain of your past. I’m Joseph D. Williams, LICSW, LCSW-C, LCSW, a Washington, DC-based Psychotherapist with over 23 years of experience in treating individuals with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and loss, adjustment disorders, social anxiety and substance use.
Though the use of eccentric, out-of-the box and modern approaches to clinical treatment; I prompt individuals to explore the importance of repair work in the areas of boundaries, self esteem, self care, and shadow work to address the cause of their current emotions and functioning; leading to lasting emotional transformations and self improvements.
Have you ever felt so "damaged" that when someone tries to offer you the love and care you deserve, it feels hard to accept? You're not alone, and healing is possible. I’m here to help you reclaim your sense of self-worth and build a meaningful, empowered future—no matter the pain of your past. I’m Joseph D. Williams, LICSW, LCSW-C, LCSW, a Washington, DC-based Psychotherapist with over 23 years of experience in treating individuals with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and loss, adjustment disorders, social anxiety and substance use.

I'm a counseling psychologist, trained as a researcher and therapist, with a passion for life-long learning. I view counseling as a creative process where we work collaboratively to uncover the root causes of what’s getting you stuck. In tandem, we work to discover what brings you a sense of meaning and purpose in your life. I specialize in working with adults who are interested in self-growth and identity development, in addition to finding relief from symptoms. I have extensive experience treating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship concerns, stress/burnout, career development, and building self-esteem & self-compassion.
I'm a counseling psychologist, trained as a researcher and therapist, with a passion for life-long learning. I view counseling as a creative process where we work collaboratively to uncover the root causes of what’s getting you stuck. In tandem, we work to discover what brings you a sense of meaning and purpose in your life. I specialize in working with adults who are interested in self-growth and identity development, in addition to finding relief from symptoms. I have extensive experience treating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship concerns, stress/burnout, career development, and building self-esteem & self-compassion.
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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.