Self Esteem Therapists in Oak Park, IL
We all deserve to have someone in our life who will listen. Not just hear us, but really listen - taking in every word we say, because they want to.
For those of us who have experienced difficulties: dysfunctional family dynamics, bullying, verbal abuse, learning challenges, scarcity or any other adverse experiences - especially during childhood - it can put undue stress on our confidence. So much so, that when authentic support does come around, it feels fleeting or so odd that it’s tough to believe it’s real or that we even deserve it.
We all deserve to have someone in our life who will listen. Not just hear us, but really listen - taking in every word we say, because they want to.
For those of us who have experienced difficulties: dysfunctional family dynamics, bullying, verbal abuse, learning challenges, scarcity or any other adverse experiences - especially during childhood - it can put undue stress on our confidence. So much so, that when authentic support does come around, it feels fleeting or so odd that it’s tough to believe it’s real or that we even deserve it.
I have experience with clients that want to decrease anxiety and increase self-esteem, but may not know the right coping skills to foster growth.
Every person deserves to not only hold space for themselves, but to thrive in it no matter where they go. Getting to that place is a process that involves honesty, reflection and a radical acceptance of self. My job is to encourage you through the process of fully seeing yourself with pride. I prioritize working with women of color, queer and trans people of color and college students of all ages, but particularly from late teens to early adulthood. I also specialize in coping skill exploration with neurodivergent individuals.
I have experience with clients that want to decrease anxiety and increase self-esteem, but may not know the right coping skills to foster growth.
Every person deserves to not only hold space for themselves, but to thrive in it no matter where they go. Getting to that place is a process that involves honesty, reflection and a radical acceptance of self. My job is to encourage you through the process of fully seeing yourself with pride. I prioritize working with women of color, queer and trans people of color and college students of all ages, but particularly from late teens to early adulthood. I also specialize in coping skill exploration with neurodivergent individuals.
I specialize in helping adults and adolescents navigate life’s challenges with empathy and understanding. I have extensive experience supporting individuals in managing their emotions, working through trauma, and strengthening family dynamics by engaging parents in their child’s therapeutic journey.
I work with a wide range of concerns, including complex trauma, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, grief and loss, attachment difficulties, and attention-related challenges. My approach is client-centered and strengths-based, providing a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, valued, and empowered.
I specialize in helping adults and adolescents navigate life’s challenges with empathy and understanding. I have extensive experience supporting individuals in managing their emotions, working through trauma, and strengthening family dynamics by engaging parents in their child’s therapeutic journey.
I work with a wide range of concerns, including complex trauma, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, grief and loss, attachment difficulties, and attention-related challenges. My approach is client-centered and strengths-based, providing a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, valued, and empowered.
My goal from the start is to help you feel comfortable. I will work with you and provide a supportive safe place for sharing your thoughts and feelings.
We will start with where you are now and help you get where you want to go at your own pace. We'll look at ways to improve your situation.
I have helped many individuals change their lives and would welcome the opportunity to work with you.
My goal from the start is to help you feel comfortable. I will work with you and provide a supportive safe place for sharing your thoughts and feelings.
We will start with where you are now and help you get where you want to go at your own pace. We'll look at ways to improve your situation.
I have helped many individuals change their lives and would welcome the opportunity to work with you.
Cassie Yoder
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
1 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60301
Waitlist for new clients
Welcome, come as you are and bring all that you’re facing and trying to manage. I believe things can get better. I am convinced that we all have what we need to find healing. My aim is to work with you in collaboration to identify the barriers you’re facing and to find ways to overcome them. I believe that looking into our past, learning tools, adapting perspectives, and having new experiences can make all the difference. Above all, I want you to feel understood and valued for who you are.
Welcome, come as you are and bring all that you’re facing and trying to manage. I believe things can get better. I am convinced that we all have what we need to find healing. My aim is to work with you in collaboration to identify the barriers you’re facing and to find ways to overcome them. I believe that looking into our past, learning tools, adapting perspectives, and having new experiences can make all the difference. Above all, I want you to feel understood and valued for who you are.
Sara V. Loredo
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, CADC, CCTP-II
5 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60301
I work with adults who are ready to explore the impact of varies of traumas and how it may still be showing up today through the intense stress, sadness, low self-worth, or feeling stuck during major life transitions.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in powerful methods like EMDR and parts work (Internal Family Systems). These tools help us get to the root of things — gently and at your pace — so you can start feeling more connected to yourself and release the pain until it's weightless.
I work with adults who are ready to explore the impact of varies of traumas and how it may still be showing up today through the intense stress, sadness, low self-worth, or feeling stuck during major life transitions.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in powerful methods like EMDR and parts work (Internal Family Systems). These tools help us get to the root of things — gently and at your pace — so you can start feeling more connected to yourself and release the pain until it's weightless.
Hi, I enjoy assisting adults who are managing stress and anxiety, addiction, relationship challenges, low self-esteem, life transitions, and depression.
Through a collaborative and empathetic process, you can expect a caring and respectful therapeutic relationship based on mutual trust and respect. I support you by creating a secure and non-judgmental space where vulnerability is considered a strength, empowerment flourishes, and goals are met so you can get your life back.
Hi, I enjoy assisting adults who are managing stress and anxiety, addiction, relationship challenges, low self-esteem, life transitions, and depression.
Through a collaborative and empathetic process, you can expect a caring and respectful therapeutic relationship based on mutual trust and respect. I support you by creating a secure and non-judgmental space where vulnerability is considered a strength, empowerment flourishes, and goals are met so you can get your life back.
I specialize in self-esteem issues and will work with you to increase your confidence and sense of well-being.
My therapeutic approach is person-centered. I believe in your continuous capacity for growth and self-actualization. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), as well as Mindfulness techniques.
I specialize in self-esteem issues and will work with you to increase your confidence and sense of well-being.
My therapeutic approach is person-centered. I believe in your continuous capacity for growth and self-actualization. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), as well as Mindfulness techniques.
I have experience working with adults across the lifespan from diverse backgrounds who have struggles with anxiety, depression, grief, self-care, and/or self-esteem.
Our therapy will be a partnership; you are the driver and I'm in the passenger seat with the navigation to support you to where you want to go. Just tell me your destination - is it improving your self-care? Establishing a boundary with someone? Enhancing your communication skills?
I have experience working with adults across the lifespan from diverse backgrounds who have struggles with anxiety, depression, grief, self-care, and/or self-esteem.
Our therapy will be a partnership; you are the driver and I'm in the passenger seat with the navigation to support you to where you want to go. Just tell me your destination - is it improving your self-care? Establishing a boundary with someone? Enhancing your communication skills?
Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers, finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward an Integrative approach and help our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tends toward a systems based approach using behavior methods.
Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers, finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward an Integrative approach and help our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tends toward a systems based approach using behavior methods.
Leigh is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a robust educational background and hands-on training. Before private practice Leigh worked in Refugee resettlement and community mental health providing multicultural care to their clients. Those experiences contributed to their deep commitment to supporting folks journey of growth and healing with a focus on their individuality and how environment and culture shape us and our struggles. Often incorporating humor and a playful attitude to build rapport, Leigh fosters a safe and nurturing environment for therapeutic work.
Leigh is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a robust educational background and hands-on training. Before private practice Leigh worked in Refugee resettlement and community mental health providing multicultural care to their clients. Those experiences contributed to their deep commitment to supporting folks journey of growth and healing with a focus on their individuality and how environment and culture shape us and our struggles. Often incorporating humor and a playful attitude to build rapport, Leigh fosters a safe and nurturing environment for therapeutic work.
Are you you feeling anxious? Is there anything from your past that still holds weight? Are there beliefs you have learned that influence how you see yourself or relate to others? I value in supporting Latino and LGBTQ+ individuals and couples who are healing from trauma. My clients seek a space to unpack internalized messages, process pain, and reconnect with their authentic selves. I support people with deconstructing harmful narratives and build lives grounded in self-trust, clarity, and connection.
Are you you feeling anxious? Is there anything from your past that still holds weight? Are there beliefs you have learned that influence how you see yourself or relate to others? I value in supporting Latino and LGBTQ+ individuals and couples who are healing from trauma. My clients seek a space to unpack internalized messages, process pain, and reconnect with their authentic selves. I support people with deconstructing harmful narratives and build lives grounded in self-trust, clarity, and connection.
Do you ever feel like you’re carrying more than anyone realizes—questions about who you are, pressure to show up a certain way, or the weight of expectations from family, society, and even yourself? Do you struggle to quiet the voice that tells you you’re not enough? If so, I want to honor the courage it takes to reach out. Asking for support is not a sign of weakness—it’s a powerful step toward healing and self-discovery.” In our work together, I hope you come to feel at home in your own skin—able to ride each wave of emotion without losing yourself in it. I’ll help you quiet catastrophic thoughts so you can notice the possibility.
Do you ever feel like you’re carrying more than anyone realizes—questions about who you are, pressure to show up a certain way, or the weight of expectations from family, society, and even yourself? Do you struggle to quiet the voice that tells you you’re not enough? If so, I want to honor the courage it takes to reach out. Asking for support is not a sign of weakness—it’s a powerful step toward healing and self-discovery.” In our work together, I hope you come to feel at home in your own skin—able to ride each wave of emotion without losing yourself in it. I’ll help you quiet catastrophic thoughts so you can notice the possibility.
This combined with years of training in deep healing modalities, my clients have found a reduction in symptoms associated with both big and little life traumas, chronic pain, phobias, negative relationship patterns, anxiety, depression, and self confidence issues.
When we are able to truly understand ourselves and our relationships, we can build a life of genuine meaning and connection. Many people enter into therapy only to find themselves gaining small amounts of insight that produce little or no changes in their life. My therapeutic methods produce results that not only change the way we feel about ourselves in the world but change our behaviors. I am respectful of the fact that everyone's pace and tolerance to different interventions varies. My work is reflective of the care and respect I have for each and every client as individuals.
This combined with years of training in deep healing modalities, my clients have found a reduction in symptoms associated with both big and little life traumas, chronic pain, phobias, negative relationship patterns, anxiety, depression, and self confidence issues.
When we are able to truly understand ourselves and our relationships, we can build a life of genuine meaning and connection. Many people enter into therapy only to find themselves gaining small amounts of insight that produce little or no changes in their life. My therapeutic methods produce results that not only change the way we feel about ourselves in the world but change our behaviors. I am respectful of the fact that everyone's pace and tolerance to different interventions varies. My work is reflective of the care and respect I have for each and every client as individuals.
I work with clients who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma related to their relationships/family, low self-esteem, lack of coping skills, and/or healthy boundaries.
My ideal client has an open mind and heart, is comfortable with transparency and challenge, and ready to work towards becoming their best self. I enjoy working with individuals who want to work on building or re-enforcing their boundaries, who want to become self-aware, and who are committed to our working relationship. Meaningful change takes time.
I know firsthand the weight of cultural and familial pressures, and the courage it takes to prioritize your own healing. That's why I've dedicated my career of over 15 years to walking alongside individuals as they navigate their own journeys of growth, resilience, and transformation.
I work with clients who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma related to their relationships/family, low self-esteem, lack of coping skills, and/or healthy boundaries.
My ideal client has an open mind and heart, is comfortable with transparency and challenge, and ready to work towards becoming their best self. I enjoy working with individuals who want to work on building or re-enforcing their boundaries, who want to become self-aware, and who are committed to our working relationship. Meaningful change takes time.
I know firsthand the weight of cultural and familial pressures, and the courage it takes to prioritize your own healing. That's why I've dedicated my career of over 15 years to walking alongside individuals as they navigate their own journeys of growth, resilience, and transformation.
Participation in mental health counseling is one of the greatest gifts a person can give himself or herself, at anytime, but especially during times of stress. The opportunity to meet with a therapist and explore troubling issues in a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgemental environment is an immediate stress reliever. The support and encouragement that I can provide will assist you with learning new strategies to cope with what is troubling you in your life.
Participation in mental health counseling is one of the greatest gifts a person can give himself or herself, at anytime, but especially during times of stress. The opportunity to meet with a therapist and explore troubling issues in a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgemental environment is an immediate stress reliever. The support and encouragement that I can provide will assist you with learning new strategies to cope with what is troubling you in your life.
I help anxious people pleasers rebuild their self-confidence and calmly respond to their emotions without reacting to them (passively or aggressively).
Hi, I’m Shirley! I see you, high-functioning, anxious people-pleasers! You’re a master at juggling everyone’s needs as the peacemaker in your family. However, you barely have time to catch your breath. You’ve learned to compartmentalize your emotions and told yourself that you’ll deal with them “later”. Well, now you’re overwhelmed. The LAST thing you’d want is to burden anyone or show that you don’t have your sh!t together. Deep down, you crave a deep sense of calm, acceptance, and belonging. You want to heal intergenerational trauma so you don’t pass these struggles onto your future kids.
I help anxious people pleasers rebuild their self-confidence and calmly respond to their emotions without reacting to them (passively or aggressively).
Hi, I’m Shirley! I see you, high-functioning, anxious people-pleasers! You’re a master at juggling everyone’s needs as the peacemaker in your family. However, you barely have time to catch your breath. You’ve learned to compartmentalize your emotions and told yourself that you’ll deal with them “later”. Well, now you’re overwhelmed. The LAST thing you’d want is to burden anyone or show that you don’t have your sh!t together. Deep down, you crave a deep sense of calm, acceptance, and belonging. You want to heal intergenerational trauma so you don’t pass these struggles onto your future kids.
I would love to work with you if you are looking to explore and understand your difficulty and then identify appropriate changes that will help you become who you imagine yourself or your situation. I am passionate to address issues like grief, life changes, identity, spiritual crisis, self-awareness, assertiveness, relational conflict, communication, fears, anxiety, depression, vulnerability, shame/guilt, and other everyday life difficulties. Examples: ambitious men wanting emotional intelligence or women wanting to foster meaningful connections with God and others. I work with adults and provide pre-marital counseling.
I would love to work with you if you are looking to explore and understand your difficulty and then identify appropriate changes that will help you become who you imagine yourself or your situation. I am passionate to address issues like grief, life changes, identity, spiritual crisis, self-awareness, assertiveness, relational conflict, communication, fears, anxiety, depression, vulnerability, shame/guilt, and other everyday life difficulties. Examples: ambitious men wanting emotional intelligence or women wanting to foster meaningful connections with God and others. I work with adults and provide pre-marital counseling.
Hi, I'm Sam! I am an expert in helping people who struggle with with anxiety, people pleasing, and perfectionism. I take a collaborative and coaching-style approach to therapy because I want my clients to gain the knowledge and skills to build true confidence and resilience. I want my clients to have breakthroughs and tangible tools they can use to create the changes they want. When I work with my clients they are able to finally feel at peace and enjoy the present.
Hi, I'm Sam! I am an expert in helping people who struggle with with anxiety, people pleasing, and perfectionism. I take a collaborative and coaching-style approach to therapy because I want my clients to gain the knowledge and skills to build true confidence and resilience. I want my clients to have breakthroughs and tangible tools they can use to create the changes they want. When I work with my clients they are able to finally feel at peace and enjoy the present.
Hi, I’m Dr. Nielsen, and I believe that each individual is unique as is their experience of themselves. In my work, I accompany each client on a journey to discover a greater understanding of who they are while reducing suffering and forging a more meaningful quality of life. It is from a humanistic and psychodynamic foundation of authenticity, acceptance, and nonjudgment that I approach my conceptualization of and work with each client. Deep listening and respect for the individual’s well-being as well as their problems allow me to develop strong working relationships. Therefore, I approach each session with great warmth and
Hi, I’m Dr. Nielsen, and I believe that each individual is unique as is their experience of themselves. In my work, I accompany each client on a journey to discover a greater understanding of who they are while reducing suffering and forging a more meaningful quality of life. It is from a humanistic and psychodynamic foundation of authenticity, acceptance, and nonjudgment that I approach my conceptualization of and work with each client. Deep listening and respect for the individual’s well-being as well as their problems allow me to develop strong working relationships. Therefore, I approach each session with great warmth and
See more therapy options for Oak Park
Nearby Self Esteem Therapists Searches for Oak Park
- Bellwood
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- Maywood
- Melrose Park
- Norridge
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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.