Photo of Steven Pappas - Dr. Steve, PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Steve
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Kapaa, HI 96746
Aloha :) Currently accepting new Kaiser Permanente and HMSA clients. I welcome individuals of all backgrounds and life experiences into this shared work. I provide professional therapeutic services to couples, families, individual adults, adolescents, and children addressing a range of clinical issues. I honor wherever you are on your journey and believe in cultivating space, and curiosity as we navigate this path together. I believe that understanding and compassion are vital for building trust, mutual respect, and openness, all of which are essential in forming a therapeutic relationship that can encourage change. ​
Aloha :) Currently accepting new Kaiser Permanente and HMSA clients. I welcome individuals of all backgrounds and life experiences into this shared work. I provide professional therapeutic services to couples, families, individual adults, adolescents, and children addressing a range of clinical issues. I honor wherever you are on your journey and believe in cultivating space, and curiosity as we navigate this path together. I believe that understanding and compassion are vital for building trust, mutual respect, and openness, all of which are essential in forming a therapeutic relationship that can encourage change. ​
(808) 707-7839 View (808) 707-7839

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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.