Photo of Tamar Cohen, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Oakland, CA
Tamar Cohen
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609  (Online Only)
I see youth, teens, adults, and partners, and I have a particular passion for work with emerging adults and individuals who identify as Neurodivergent. I focus on a wide range of issues including identity exploration, self-esteem, navigation of relationship dynamics, anxiety, professional growth, and decisions centered around having children and parenting. I find great joy in supporting my clients to cultivate a better understanding of their emotional experiences in the pursuit of greater fulfillment and connection.
I see youth, teens, adults, and partners, and I have a particular passion for work with emerging adults and individuals who identify as Neurodivergent. I focus on a wide range of issues including identity exploration, self-esteem, navigation of relationship dynamics, anxiety, professional growth, and decisions centered around having children and parenting. I find great joy in supporting my clients to cultivate a better understanding of their emotional experiences in the pursuit of greater fulfillment and connection.
(510) 694-4184 View (510) 694-4184
Photo of Precious E Nwaoha, Associate Clinical Social Worker in Oakland, CA
Precious E Nwaoha
Associate Clinical Social Worker, MSW, ASW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94601  (Online Only)
Hi there! My name is Precious (Associate Clinical Social Worker License 111674) and I have a passion for serving diverse populations who may be affected by anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, women's health issues, and need support establishing coping skills. I am very versed and comfortable with diagnosis, even though I firmly believe it does not define who you are, it just provides a map for creating coping skills for you together. I am supervised by Cassandra Holt Kimbell, MSED, LPCC-S at Freestyle Therapy LLC and serve populations across California. Seeing clients virtually allows me to expand my reach of who I can help.
Hi there! My name is Precious (Associate Clinical Social Worker License 111674) and I have a passion for serving diverse populations who may be affected by anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, women's health issues, and need support establishing coping skills. I am very versed and comfortable with diagnosis, even though I firmly believe it does not define who you are, it just provides a map for creating coping skills for you together. I am supervised by Cassandra Holt Kimbell, MSED, LPCC-S at Freestyle Therapy LLC and serve populations across California. Seeing clients virtually allows me to expand my reach of who I can help.
(323) 475-6221 View (323) 475-6221
Photo of Rachel D Steinberg, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Rachel D Steinberg
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 16 years of experience providing services to adolescents and adults. My approach is interactive, attentive, flexible, and warm. I work with clients with a wide variety of issues, some of the most common being depression, anxiety/stress, burnout, relationship issues, grief, low self-esteem, family of origin difficulties and life transitions. I am neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ affirming and strive to create a safe space for you to be heard. My aim is to help you live a more fulfilling, peaceful, and satisfying life.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 16 years of experience providing services to adolescents and adults. My approach is interactive, attentive, flexible, and warm. I work with clients with a wide variety of issues, some of the most common being depression, anxiety/stress, burnout, relationship issues, grief, low self-esteem, family of origin difficulties and life transitions. I am neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ affirming and strive to create a safe space for you to be heard. My aim is to help you live a more fulfilling, peaceful, and satisfying life.
(510) 650-0502 View (510) 650-0502
Photo of Siobhan Sheil, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Siobhan Sheil
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610  (Online Only)
As a licensed clinical social worker, I have treated children from ages 3-18 with a range of concerns, from anxiety, ADHD, Autism, depression, learning disabilities, TBI, and much more.
As a licensed clinical social worker, I have treated children from ages 3-18 with a range of concerns, from anxiety, ADHD, Autism, depression, learning disabilities, TBI, and much more.
(925) 420-8088 View (925) 420-8088
Photo of Jessica Chesbro, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Jessica Chesbro
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610  (Online Only)
I believe every person and family is unique and there are many ways to raise a healthy child. I want to honor the strengths within you and your family and offer the tools and support to help your child and family thrive. Through a trauma-informed lens, I work extensively with youth, parents, and families on life transitions, healthy communication, and processing/ healing from grief or abuse.
I believe every person and family is unique and there are many ways to raise a healthy child. I want to honor the strengths within you and your family and offer the tools and support to help your child and family thrive. Through a trauma-informed lens, I work extensively with youth, parents, and families on life transitions, healthy communication, and processing/ healing from grief or abuse.
(510) 405-3206 View (510) 405-3206
Photo of Frank Banks, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Frank Banks
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94605
Is one or more of your kids on the Spectrum or have the ASD/ADD/OCD triad? In your relationship, is one of you on the spectrum and one not and is that causing misunderstandings and problems? Are you on the spectrum and having trouble understanding the non-spectrum people and world around you? I can help you bridge differences and deal with conflicts and meltdowns in an empathetic and constructive way. Also, I work for with LGBTQ people and couples with a variety of mental health concerns like anxiety and depression. It's hard growing up different from your peers. It can cause low self esteem, crippling self doubt and anger.
Is one or more of your kids on the Spectrum or have the ASD/ADD/OCD triad? In your relationship, is one of you on the spectrum and one not and is that causing misunderstandings and problems? Are you on the spectrum and having trouble understanding the non-spectrum people and world around you? I can help you bridge differences and deal with conflicts and meltdowns in an empathetic and constructive way. Also, I work for with LGBTQ people and couples with a variety of mental health concerns like anxiety and depression. It's hard growing up different from your peers. It can cause low self esteem, crippling self doubt and anger.
(415) 802-0854 View (415) 802-0854
Photo of Rachel Eisenstat, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Oakland, CA
Rachel Eisenstat
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, APCC, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
I work with clients who are experiencing low self esteem and anxiety, who are ready to create a relationship with themselves and the world from a place of security and authenticity. Using a trauma-informed, and somatic-based approach, I aim to support your innate capacity to heal by uplifting your strengths and prioritizing your internal sense of safety and belonging. By utilizing interpersonal, and body-based practices to help self-soothe, you can build resilience in the face of challenge and overwhelm, feel more connected, and build secure, compassionate relationships with yourself, your past, and others.
I work with clients who are experiencing low self esteem and anxiety, who are ready to create a relationship with themselves and the world from a place of security and authenticity. Using a trauma-informed, and somatic-based approach, I aim to support your innate capacity to heal by uplifting your strengths and prioritizing your internal sense of safety and belonging. By utilizing interpersonal, and body-based practices to help self-soothe, you can build resilience in the face of challenge and overwhelm, feel more connected, and build secure, compassionate relationships with yourself, your past, and others.
(341) 888-7682 View (341) 888-7682
Photo of Lauren Blumer, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Lauren Blumer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in working with young adults ages 16-30 as they navigate the exciting, yet often stressful transitions within early adulthood. Many of my clients have experienced trauma and find that this impacts their relationships, school, work, and general sense of self. This can lead to feelings of sadness, anxiety, low self-esteem, and difficulty trusting yourself. These feelings can impact all relationships, but many encounter challenges when dating and getting involved in romantic relationships, as they may experience attachment concerns, intimacy challenges, and difficulty choosing good partners.
I specialize in working with young adults ages 16-30 as they navigate the exciting, yet often stressful transitions within early adulthood. Many of my clients have experienced trauma and find that this impacts their relationships, school, work, and general sense of self. This can lead to feelings of sadness, anxiety, low self-esteem, and difficulty trusting yourself. These feelings can impact all relationships, but many encounter challenges when dating and getting involved in romantic relationships, as they may experience attachment concerns, intimacy challenges, and difficulty choosing good partners.
(415) 322-1636 View (415) 322-1636
Photo of Barbara Hooks, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Barbara Hooks
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
I believe that therapy can be a catalyst not only for insight, but also for transformation. Life can be challenging, and at times, despite our best efforts we can feel stuck or lost. I strive to provide a calm and compassionate space where you can get in touch with what matters most to you, and use that as a guide to making changes in your life. I offer specific strategies and tools to help you change your relationship to difficult thoughts and feelings, and work collaboratively with you to take steps toward a life that is full of vitality and personal fulfillment. My style is warm and genuine, interactive, and culturally-sensitive.
I believe that therapy can be a catalyst not only for insight, but also for transformation. Life can be challenging, and at times, despite our best efforts we can feel stuck or lost. I strive to provide a calm and compassionate space where you can get in touch with what matters most to you, and use that as a guide to making changes in your life. I offer specific strategies and tools to help you change your relationship to difficult thoughts and feelings, and work collaboratively with you to take steps toward a life that is full of vitality and personal fulfillment. My style is warm and genuine, interactive, and culturally-sensitive.
(530) 250-4129 View (530) 250-4129
Photo of Shanna Holladay, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Shanna Holladay
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611  (Online Only)
Have you been strugging with Depression, Relationship issues, or Life Transitions? I can help you find a place of acceptance and healing through our relationship and work together. I have been helping people change their lives for 20 years. I use an interactive, relational approach to help guide you toward a higher level of self-awareness, and improved self-esteem. I believe therapy works through exploring your relationships to others, and by developing our relationship and connection to each other. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space for us to explore who you are and who you want to be.
Have you been strugging with Depression, Relationship issues, or Life Transitions? I can help you find a place of acceptance and healing through our relationship and work together. I have been helping people change their lives for 20 years. I use an interactive, relational approach to help guide you toward a higher level of self-awareness, and improved self-esteem. I believe therapy works through exploring your relationships to others, and by developing our relationship and connection to each other. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space for us to explore who you are and who you want to be.
(415) 936-8372 View (415) 936-8372
Photo of learning differences, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
learning differences
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, MA, BA
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94601
I can make a difference in your child's success in special education, IEPs, learning differences, navigating for parents whose children may need extra help in school, or having a negative effect on a young child who has lost their self-esteem and has a failure mentality and turns it into a child believing and feeling like they can succeed and has pride with knowing they can achieve success. Academic help is every child's right through a federal law that is already in place. Many parents do not know how to access these programs. These techniques or resources are tailored specifically for your child.
I can make a difference in your child's success in special education, IEPs, learning differences, navigating for parents whose children may need extra help in school, or having a negative effect on a young child who has lost their self-esteem and has a failure mentality and turns it into a child believing and feeling like they can succeed and has pride with knowing they can achieve success. Academic help is every child's right through a federal law that is already in place. Many parents do not know how to access these programs. These techniques or resources are tailored specifically for your child.
(510) 544-6263 View (510) 544-6263
Photo of Miles Avery Ellis Ruttinger, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Miles Avery Ellis Ruttinger
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94601  (Online Only)
As a queer transgender, nonbinary individual with a non-traditional spiritual practice and collaborative approach to my therapy, I know that finding the right therapist is important. Whether in rural situations or in a big city—the therapy room is a space where a client doesn't have to explain or educate a therapist about sexuality, open relationships, polyamory, BDSM, body size, disability, chronic health issues, experiences of oppression, or racism. You are valid. I hold that everyone is an expert of their own life. I am not an expert when it comes to your life.
As a queer transgender, nonbinary individual with a non-traditional spiritual practice and collaborative approach to my therapy, I know that finding the right therapist is important. Whether in rural situations or in a big city—the therapy room is a space where a client doesn't have to explain or educate a therapist about sexuality, open relationships, polyamory, BDSM, body size, disability, chronic health issues, experiences of oppression, or racism. You are valid. I hold that everyone is an expert of their own life. I am not an expert when it comes to your life.
(415) 326-1725 View (415) 326-1725
Photo of D&D Therapy, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
D&D Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94601
Group members will be guided through an adventure by Timea Tenkei LMFT and an experienced Dungeon Master, where they can grow in their ability to socially connect, build self advocacy skills, improve self esteem, reduce anxiety and depression related to the demands of everyday life.
A growing evidence base suggests that tabletop roleplaying games like Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) can provide a powerful framework for group therapy and social social skills learning. D&D is appropriate for youth as young as 8. It is especially helpful as a support for social skills and emotional regulation for ADHD, Autistic and other Neurodivergent individuals. It can be particularly helpful for individuals who are struggling with addiction to electronics. We can adapt the environment to suit you or your child's sensory needs and provide access to sensory support tools to aide in self regulation during sessions.
Group members will be guided through an adventure by Timea Tenkei LMFT and an experienced Dungeon Master, where they can grow in their ability to socially connect, build self advocacy skills, improve self esteem, reduce anxiety and depression related to the demands of everyday life.
A growing evidence base suggests that tabletop roleplaying games like Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) can provide a powerful framework for group therapy and social social skills learning. D&D is appropriate for youth as young as 8. It is especially helpful as a support for social skills and emotional regulation for ADHD, Autistic and other Neurodivergent individuals. It can be particularly helpful for individuals who are struggling with addiction to electronics. We can adapt the environment to suit you or your child's sensory needs and provide access to sensory support tools to aide in self regulation during sessions.
(341) 888-6959 View (341) 888-6959
Photo of Vast Love, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Vast Love
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94607
I offer therapy in CA and coaching internationally through an online format. My primary focus is supporting people with issues related to non-monogamy through a trauma informed lens. My practice is kink, queer, trans, monogamy, poly, open relationship, RA, neurodivergent, and quirk friendly. I’m passionate about sharing tools that can help others experience secure relationships in whatever structures feel like the best fit for the unique values, desires, and ways of being of the individuals involved. My ideal clients are simply people who want to show up as their most authentic & actualized selves.
I offer therapy in CA and coaching internationally through an online format. My primary focus is supporting people with issues related to non-monogamy through a trauma informed lens. My practice is kink, queer, trans, monogamy, poly, open relationship, RA, neurodivergent, and quirk friendly. I’m passionate about sharing tools that can help others experience secure relationships in whatever structures feel like the best fit for the unique values, desires, and ways of being of the individuals involved. My ideal clients are simply people who want to show up as their most authentic & actualized selves.
(510) 880-4195 View (510) 880-4195
Photo of Stephanie Brumfield, Pre-Licensed Professional in Oakland, CA
Stephanie Brumfield
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, ASW, PPSC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610  (Online Only)
You're on a quest for self-understanding, grappling with perfectionism, inner conflict, and the challenge of showing up for yourself with love. You're spiritually attuned, highly sensitive, or neurodivergent, seeking a therapeutic journey that embraces and explores these integral parts of your identity. Your goal? To navigate life's transitions with grace and to reclaim your narrative with empowerment and authenticity. As a holistic spiritual therapist and certified astrologer, I specialize in guiding you through life's transitions and personal awakenings.
You're on a quest for self-understanding, grappling with perfectionism, inner conflict, and the challenge of showing up for yourself with love. You're spiritually attuned, highly sensitive, or neurodivergent, seeking a therapeutic journey that embraces and explores these integral parts of your identity. Your goal? To navigate life's transitions with grace and to reclaim your narrative with empowerment and authenticity. As a holistic spiritual therapist and certified astrologer, I specialize in guiding you through life's transitions and personal awakenings.
(916) 306-8874 View (916) 306-8874
Photo of Lis Elle Werth, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Oakland, CA
Lis Elle Werth
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, SEP, AMFT, LMHC-LP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
I specialize in couples and relationship work. Clients I tend to work with are individuals, couples, and those in relationship who may identify as: unsure, big dreamers, creatives, somatically curious, spiritual seekers, longing for belonging, gender expansive, queer, non-heteronormative, neurodivergent, anxious, depressed, grieving, insecure, psychedelically-inclined, powerfully sensitive, emotionally dysregulated, substance users, attempting intimacy and deep relationship with others, and/or trauma survivors. I am offering ketamine-assisted therapy for NY residents. I am also an SEP.
I specialize in couples and relationship work. Clients I tend to work with are individuals, couples, and those in relationship who may identify as: unsure, big dreamers, creatives, somatically curious, spiritual seekers, longing for belonging, gender expansive, queer, non-heteronormative, neurodivergent, anxious, depressed, grieving, insecure, psychedelically-inclined, powerfully sensitive, emotionally dysregulated, substance users, attempting intimacy and deep relationship with others, and/or trauma survivors. I am offering ketamine-assisted therapy for NY residents. I am also an SEP.
(510) 369-1702 View (510) 369-1702
Photo of Share Your Story Therapy and Coaching, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Share Your Story Therapy and Coaching
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94608
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with adults, adolescents, and couples. I enjoy spending quality time with friends and family, comedy, theatre, film making, creative writing, improvisation, nature, traveling, film and television, documentaries, dancing and making art of all kinds. I graduated from the High School for Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, Texas. In college I studied theatre, documentary film and creative writing. I have a BA from Columbia College Chicago.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with adults, adolescents, and couples. I enjoy spending quality time with friends and family, comedy, theatre, film making, creative writing, improvisation, nature, traveling, film and television, documentaries, dancing and making art of all kinds. I graduated from the High School for Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, Texas. In college I studied theatre, documentary film and creative writing. I have a BA from Columbia College Chicago.
(925) 430-6899 View (925) 430-6899
Photo of Ryan B Dooley, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Oakland, CA
Ryan B Dooley
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94619  (Online Only)
I mostly work with gay/queer individuals and relationships (couples/polycules). Identity, transition, and shame come up regularly in my sessions, and I am comfortable discussing sex, from kink/BDSM to pleasure to communication. I focus on anxiety, including workaholism, perfectionism, substance use, and body concerns. With relationships (monogamous, open, and poly), we'll evaluate your current goals and needs before exploring new ways of connecting, with joy and self-compassion and trust. This list is not exhaustive, so bring your whole self and we'll get curious together.
I mostly work with gay/queer individuals and relationships (couples/polycules). Identity, transition, and shame come up regularly in my sessions, and I am comfortable discussing sex, from kink/BDSM to pleasure to communication. I focus on anxiety, including workaholism, perfectionism, substance use, and body concerns. With relationships (monogamous, open, and poly), we'll evaluate your current goals and needs before exploring new ways of connecting, with joy and self-compassion and trust. This list is not exhaustive, so bring your whole self and we'll get curious together.
(415) 840-3508 View (415) 840-3508
Photo of Lindsay Focht, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Lindsay Focht
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94608
Through therapy with your child, I will work in building resiliency, learning new coping skills, emotional regulation, and providing a safe space to process memories and current life experiences and traumas. Unlike adults who tend more to communicate verbally or from a logical perspective, children use creativity and imaginative play to express their inner thoughts and feelings, it is often the main way children relate and learn about themselves and their world. Through play therapy, I respond to your child with care, attunement, and skillfulness in helping them understand difficult emotions and make sense of confusing experiences.
Through therapy with your child, I will work in building resiliency, learning new coping skills, emotional regulation, and providing a safe space to process memories and current life experiences and traumas. Unlike adults who tend more to communicate verbally or from a logical perspective, children use creativity and imaginative play to express their inner thoughts and feelings, it is often the main way children relate and learn about themselves and their world. Through play therapy, I respond to your child with care, attunement, and skillfulness in helping them understand difficult emotions and make sense of confusing experiences.
(341) 222-3552 View (341) 222-3552
Photo of (Jerry) Hsing-Lu Kao, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
(Jerry) Hsing-Lu Kao
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94608
Telling someone that you barely know over the internet about your darkest secrets can be scary. However, the fact that you are reaching out and researching at this moment shows strength and courage. As someone who has gone through the process of seeking help from a professional therapist.
Telling someone that you barely know over the internet about your darkest secrets can be scary. However, the fact that you are reaching out and researching at this moment shows strength and courage. As someone who has gone through the process of seeking help from a professional therapist.
(805) 301-1529 View (805) 301-1529
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.