Photo of Sarika Bahl, Psychologist in 94618, CA
Sarika Bahl
Psychologist, PsyD, MEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
Feeling anxious or a decrease in self esteem? Is your child/teen struggling or having problems in school? Looking for support to live the life you want? Psychotherapy can help you form a better relationship with yourself, your family, and others. I work collaboratively with clients, establishing a warm, empathic environment that feels safe and free of judgement. I provide individual psychotherapy and family therapy across the lifespan, and have training and experience working with children, adolescents, parents, and individual adult clients. I offer office (Berkeley), walk & talk (East Bay) and virtual (anywhere in CA) appts.
Feeling anxious or a decrease in self esteem? Is your child/teen struggling or having problems in school? Looking for support to live the life you want? Psychotherapy can help you form a better relationship with yourself, your family, and others. I work collaboratively with clients, establishing a warm, empathic environment that feels safe and free of judgement. I provide individual psychotherapy and family therapy across the lifespan, and have training and experience working with children, adolescents, parents, and individual adult clients. I offer office (Berkeley), walk & talk (East Bay) and virtual (anywhere in CA) appts.
(510) 241-4323 View (510) 241-4323
Photo of Marika Davis, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94618, CA
Marika Davis
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
I'm curious about people: how our unique histories have shaped us, how we relate to each other & what motivates our behavior in relationships. I specialize in processing relationships with couples & individuals struggling with codependency, communication, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem & identity. We often get stuck in repetitive behavioral/thinking patterns that block us from living the lives we yearn for. We may feel misunderstood or disconnected in our relationships. We may avoid intimacy because we don’t want to get hurt again. We may have a harsh inner critic & lack self-love. Do you experience this in your life?
I'm curious about people: how our unique histories have shaped us, how we relate to each other & what motivates our behavior in relationships. I specialize in processing relationships with couples & individuals struggling with codependency, communication, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem & identity. We often get stuck in repetitive behavioral/thinking patterns that block us from living the lives we yearn for. We may feel misunderstood or disconnected in our relationships. We may avoid intimacy because we don’t want to get hurt again. We may have a harsh inner critic & lack self-love. Do you experience this in your life?
(415) 943-2389 View (415) 943-2389
Photo of Casey Loughran, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 94618, CA
Casey Loughran
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
Therapy is the process of coming to a deeper understanding of ourselves and how we approach the world while contained in the therapeutic relationship. I aim to create a safe, compassionate, and collaborative space to explore why patterns of thinking and interacting have become painful. In my experience, this process leads to improved relationships and communication, greater confidence and enjoyment in life, relief from feeling stuck, strengthened coping skills to manage life stressors, and progress towards one's inherent potential to thrive.
Therapy is the process of coming to a deeper understanding of ourselves and how we approach the world while contained in the therapeutic relationship. I aim to create a safe, compassionate, and collaborative space to explore why patterns of thinking and interacting have become painful. In my experience, this process leads to improved relationships and communication, greater confidence and enjoyment in life, relief from feeling stuck, strengthened coping skills to manage life stressors, and progress towards one's inherent potential to thrive.
(510) 726-7877 View (510) 726-7877
Photo of Kate Finney, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94618, CA
Kate Finney
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
Perhaps you are struggling with your partner right now, having the same fight over and over again. Or longing for an intimate relationship and feeling frustrated in your search. Maybe you are struggling to find a greater sense of direction in life. I have extensive experience working with relationship issues, life transitions, depression, anxiety, and grief. My approach to therapy is to help people gain access to their truth and authenticity. Through a collaborative and active therapeutic relationship, I endeavor to help clients identify what they want in life and the barriers that may be standing in their way.
Perhaps you are struggling with your partner right now, having the same fight over and over again. Or longing for an intimate relationship and feeling frustrated in your search. Maybe you are struggling to find a greater sense of direction in life. I have extensive experience working with relationship issues, life transitions, depression, anxiety, and grief. My approach to therapy is to help people gain access to their truth and authenticity. Through a collaborative and active therapeutic relationship, I endeavor to help clients identify what they want in life and the barriers that may be standing in their way.
(415) 322-9572 View (415) 322-9572
Photo of Jessica Gould Deitch, Psychologist in 94618, CA
Jessica Gould Deitch
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
I aim to create a space where you feel recognized, understood, and safe enough to explore whatever pain or experience you need help with. My style is warm, collaborative, and compassionate. I use an individualized approach and tailor my interventions to your unique and specific needs. I combine down to earth, practical support with a depth-oriented approach focused on symptom relief and shifting long-standing patterns that have gotten in the way. I also focus on creating a strong therapeutic relationship in which each person I work with feels heard and understood.
I aim to create a space where you feel recognized, understood, and safe enough to explore whatever pain or experience you need help with. My style is warm, collaborative, and compassionate. I use an individualized approach and tailor my interventions to your unique and specific needs. I combine down to earth, practical support with a depth-oriented approach focused on symptom relief and shifting long-standing patterns that have gotten in the way. I also focus on creating a strong therapeutic relationship in which each person I work with feels heard and understood.
(510) 738-0634 View (510) 738-0634
Photo of Catarina Maria Rodrigues, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94618, CA
Catarina Maria Rodrigues
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
Self esteem enhancement, couples counseling and sand tray play therapy are specialties.
Life guarantees each of us joy and despair. And yet, our highly individualistic culture seems to over promote self sufficiency. I've found that life transitions, relational and professional challenges are considerably more manageable with consistent support. Through reflection, collaborative brainstorming and guidance in noticing response patterns, clients in my care become more aware. This growing self awareness uncovers outdated beliefs, surfaces issues that need tending and, most importantly, gives folks more agency around their daily life choices. I enjoy this discovery process with individuals, couples and parent/child teams.
Self esteem enhancement, couples counseling and sand tray play therapy are specialties.
Life guarantees each of us joy and despair. And yet, our highly individualistic culture seems to over promote self sufficiency. I've found that life transitions, relational and professional challenges are considerably more manageable with consistent support. Through reflection, collaborative brainstorming and guidance in noticing response patterns, clients in my care become more aware. This growing self awareness uncovers outdated beliefs, surfaces issues that need tending and, most importantly, gives folks more agency around their daily life choices. I enjoy this discovery process with individuals, couples and parent/child teams.
(415) 236-3570 View (415) 236-3570
Photo of Kara Swedlow, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94618, CA
Kara Swedlow
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
My work is integrative, blending depth psychology with studies in attachment, neuroscience, and relational and developmental psychology. I am influenced by analytic traditions which contain a focus on trauma, and studies in contemporary neuroscience, which show how our brains process our affective (emotional) experience, particularly in the context of relationship. In addition to discussing your current and historical life experiences in our sessions, we may incorporate your dreams and somatic (body) mindfulness practices, such as exploring body sensations and their emotional counterparts.
My work is integrative, blending depth psychology with studies in attachment, neuroscience, and relational and developmental psychology. I am influenced by analytic traditions which contain a focus on trauma, and studies in contemporary neuroscience, which show how our brains process our affective (emotional) experience, particularly in the context of relationship. In addition to discussing your current and historical life experiences in our sessions, we may incorporate your dreams and somatic (body) mindfulness practices, such as exploring body sensations and their emotional counterparts.
(415) 347-8854 View (415) 347-8854
Photo of Margaret F Mancuso, Psychologist in 94618, CA
Margaret F Mancuso
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
I am a Clinical Psychologist in private practice with more than 20 years' experience helping individual adults, teens, children and their families. I offer both Psychotherapy and Consultation. Psychotherapy in a safe and caring atmosphere can offer a pathway to insight, personal understanding and achieving new goals that bring a more rewarding life. My clinical approach is an interactive one since I believe that successful therapy is a collaborative process. I incorporate various therapeutic approaches: Psychodynamic, Interpersonal, Psychoanalytic, Solution-Focused and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
I am a Clinical Psychologist in private practice with more than 20 years' experience helping individual adults, teens, children and their families. I offer both Psychotherapy and Consultation. Psychotherapy in a safe and caring atmosphere can offer a pathway to insight, personal understanding and achieving new goals that bring a more rewarding life. My clinical approach is an interactive one since I believe that successful therapy is a collaborative process. I incorporate various therapeutic approaches: Psychodynamic, Interpersonal, Psychoanalytic, Solution-Focused and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
(510) 746-8071 View (510) 746-8071
Photo of Rachel D Steinberg, Psychologist in 94618, 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 Brooke Pomerantz, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 94618, CA
Brooke Pomerantz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
You are thoughtful, hardworking, successful by most measures, ambitious, and driven, yet aren't feeling fully satisfied in your life. Maybe you struggle with anxiety, perfectionism, and/or burnout in your life and wonder if you could feel more fulfilled and have more ease. You would like to be able to get your needs met more effectively in your relationships but sometimes struggle with how to make this happen. You are seeking a safe and reflective space in which to partner with a therapist to examine and work through the areas where you feel stuck order to affect change both internally and externally and know yourself more fully.
You are thoughtful, hardworking, successful by most measures, ambitious, and driven, yet aren't feeling fully satisfied in your life. Maybe you struggle with anxiety, perfectionism, and/or burnout in your life and wonder if you could feel more fulfilled and have more ease. You would like to be able to get your needs met more effectively in your relationships but sometimes struggle with how to make this happen. You are seeking a safe and reflective space in which to partner with a therapist to examine and work through the areas where you feel stuck order to affect change both internally and externally and know yourself more fully.
(650) 549-5893 View (650) 549-5893
Photo of Jessica Libbey, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in 94618, CA
Jessica Libbey
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
I believe in your innate capacity to heal. A therapist can help you or your child get unstuck and begin on a path towards healing. I work with children and adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, overwhelm, ADHD, self-esteem, trauma, life transitions and relationship issues. I can help you to identify and explore patterns, process hard experiences or difficult emotions, deepen relationships and build the life skills and capacity to self-soothe, heal and grow.
I believe in your innate capacity to heal. A therapist can help you or your child get unstuck and begin on a path towards healing. I work with children and adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, overwhelm, ADHD, self-esteem, trauma, life transitions and relationship issues. I can help you to identify and explore patterns, process hard experiences or difficult emotions, deepen relationships and build the life skills and capacity to self-soothe, heal and grow.
(510) 953-4749 View (510) 953-4749
Photo of Sara Durham, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 94618, CA
Sara Durham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
In my work with teens I can support with school and behavioral challenges, self esteem, relationships, and more.
It's not always easy to seek support, and you've already taken a courageous step by considering therapy. You might be feeling overwhelmed with responsibilities, trapped by discouraging thoughts, or exhausted both mentally and emotionally. You might feel as though the important relationships in your life are just not working, that things you used to enjoy are falling flat. Many of my clients have struggled with low self-esteem, family conflict, trauma, and stress. I believe that entering therapy to improve emotional wellbeing and strengthen relationships can pave the way to a healthy, fulfilling life.
In my work with teens I can support with school and behavioral challenges, self esteem, relationships, and more.
It's not always easy to seek support, and you've already taken a courageous step by considering therapy. You might be feeling overwhelmed with responsibilities, trapped by discouraging thoughts, or exhausted both mentally and emotionally. You might feel as though the important relationships in your life are just not working, that things you used to enjoy are falling flat. Many of my clients have struggled with low self-esteem, family conflict, trauma, and stress. I believe that entering therapy to improve emotional wellbeing and strengthen relationships can pave the way to a healthy, fulfilling life.
(510) 269-7376 View (510) 269-7376
Photo of Bianca Jarvis, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 94618, CA
Bianca Jarvis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
“Your present circumstances don’t determine where you go; they merely determine where you start.” - Dr. Lauren Fogel Mersy. If you are feeling ready to start, welcome to my practice. I am committed to creating a therapeutic environment where you are met with compassion and competency in order to feel safe to share about the issues, difficulties, and fears impacting your life. I am also honored to welcome you back to therapy if previous experiences with therapy and/or therapist(s) have felt harmful or unsafe.
“Your present circumstances don’t determine where you go; they merely determine where you start.” - Dr. Lauren Fogel Mersy. If you are feeling ready to start, welcome to my practice. I am committed to creating a therapeutic environment where you are met with compassion and competency in order to feel safe to share about the issues, difficulties, and fears impacting your life. I am also honored to welcome you back to therapy if previous experiences with therapy and/or therapist(s) have felt harmful or unsafe.
(510) 214-2470 View (510) 214-2470
Photo of Katelyn Simons, Psychologist in 94618, CA
Katelyn Simons
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
I practice both individual psychotherapy and assessment for children, adolescents, and adults. I specialize in understanding and addressing coping skills, anxiety, self-esteem, body image, and family conflict. Through therapy, assessment, or consultation, I provide support in navigating individual complexities. Whether I am working with children, teenagers, or adults, my aim is to help those I work with manage overwhelming emotions, navigate challenging situations, and address barriers standing in the way of contentment and clarity.
I practice both individual psychotherapy and assessment for children, adolescents, and adults. I specialize in understanding and addressing coping skills, anxiety, self-esteem, body image, and family conflict. Through therapy, assessment, or consultation, I provide support in navigating individual complexities. Whether I am working with children, teenagers, or adults, my aim is to help those I work with manage overwhelming emotions, navigate challenging situations, and address barriers standing in the way of contentment and clarity.
(510) 296-6515 View (510) 296-6515
Photo of Theresa M Fleury, Psychologist in 94618, CA
Theresa M Fleury
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
I work primarily with relationships; your relationship to yourself, to others, to your future, and to your past. With over 30 years in practice, I use a collaborative style with my clients. Self esteem, depression, anxiety, parenting issues, infertility, life transitions, adult children of alcoholics, addiction recovery, trauma, and couples therapy are my expertise. I specialize in helping couples improve communication and intimacy while creating more secure relationships. I see adults and adolescents and supervise psychologists in training. I often see people who are stuck in negative patterns and struggling to change.
I work primarily with relationships; your relationship to yourself, to others, to your future, and to your past. With over 30 years in practice, I use a collaborative style with my clients. Self esteem, depression, anxiety, parenting issues, infertility, life transitions, adult children of alcoholics, addiction recovery, trauma, and couples therapy are my expertise. I specialize in helping couples improve communication and intimacy while creating more secure relationships. I see adults and adolescents and supervise psychologists in training. I often see people who are stuck in negative patterns and struggling to change.
(510) 404-8625 View (510) 404-8625
Photo of Zonya Johnson, Psychologist in 94618, CA
Zonya Johnson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
My Areas of Interest: relationship and intimacy, effective communication, depression, self esteem, loss, eating disorders, sexual abuse, trauma managing life crises/transitions leadership skills, life coaching ethnocultural issues, multicultural families, health and illness concerns, career family balance, stress related to infertility/reproductive technology, getting "unstuck," finding one's passion, blockages to creativity.
I have worked as a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist for over 25 years. I work with individuals and couples with a broad range of psychological and relationship problems. I very much enjoy the sociocultural diversity of the Bay Area and my psychotherapy practice reflects this diversity. Helping people maximize their individual potential is a never-ending source of satisfaction. I have special interests in relationship issues, women's issues, cultural concerns, and health-related problems. I also enjoy helping people find a balance between the demands of work, self, spirit and family.
My Areas of Interest: relationship and intimacy, effective communication, depression, self esteem, loss, eating disorders, sexual abuse, trauma managing life crises/transitions leadership skills, life coaching ethnocultural issues, multicultural families, health and illness concerns, career family balance, stress related to infertility/reproductive technology, getting "unstuck," finding one's passion, blockages to creativity.
I have worked as a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist for over 25 years. I work with individuals and couples with a broad range of psychological and relationship problems. I very much enjoy the sociocultural diversity of the Bay Area and my psychotherapy practice reflects this diversity. Helping people maximize their individual potential is a never-ending source of satisfaction. I have special interests in relationship issues, women's issues, cultural concerns, and health-related problems. I also enjoy helping people find a balance between the demands of work, self, spirit and family.
(925) 238-8809 View (925) 238-8809
Photo of Ilona Hrebennikova, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94618, CA
Ilona Hrebennikova
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MEd, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
I also specialize in working with individuals on relationship/marital issues, relational trauma, childhood trauma, complex trauma, intergenerational trauma, shame, low self esteem, HSP and ADHD.
Are you struggling with relationships? Are you having the same fight with your partner over and over? Have you lost the emotional connection you used to have? Intimate relationships touch our deepest relational wounds. That's why we can be overwhelmed with the pain they bring and often, at points, feel like giving up. We can heal those wounds and help each other in that process. The kind of couples therapy/marriage counseling and individual therapy that I provide combines deep experiential work with teaching, coaching and practicing many specific relational skills that will set you up for success in all your relationships.
I also specialize in working with individuals on relationship/marital issues, relational trauma, childhood trauma, complex trauma, intergenerational trauma, shame, low self esteem, HSP and ADHD.
Are you struggling with relationships? Are you having the same fight with your partner over and over? Have you lost the emotional connection you used to have? Intimate relationships touch our deepest relational wounds. That's why we can be overwhelmed with the pain they bring and often, at points, feel like giving up. We can heal those wounds and help each other in that process. The kind of couples therapy/marriage counseling and individual therapy that I provide combines deep experiential work with teaching, coaching and practicing many specific relational skills that will set you up for success in all your relationships.
(415) 212-9993 View (415) 212-9993
Photo of Dae'Jah Foster, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in 94618, CA
Dae'Jah Foster
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618  (Online Only)
Are you tired of working hard and still feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or depressed? Do you give everything you have only to feel like you continually come up short? Are you constantly repeating the same mistakes over and over in your relationships and friendships? You don't have to struggle alone. I'm here to support you and help you find self-acceptance, discover your worth, and embrace your whole self. Together we will work to identify your innate talents, optimize your coping skills so you can better deal with life's stressors, and remove the barriers that hold you back from happiness and fulfillment.
Are you tired of working hard and still feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or depressed? Do you give everything you have only to feel like you continually come up short? Are you constantly repeating the same mistakes over and over in your relationships and friendships? You don't have to struggle alone. I'm here to support you and help you find self-acceptance, discover your worth, and embrace your whole self. Together we will work to identify your innate talents, optimize your coping skills so you can better deal with life's stressors, and remove the barriers that hold you back from happiness and fulfillment.
(415) 991-4552 View (415) 991-4552
Photo of Anne Dinkelspiel, Psychologist in 94618, CA
Anne Dinkelspiel
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618  (Online Only)
I am a seasoned clinician with expertise to accompany you on your inner journey. I am flexible in my approach so that I can respond to the particular needs you bring to therapy. At one point you may need support and practical tools for addressing experiences that are painful or challenging. At another time, you may need room to explore the patterns of thought, feeling or behavior that are puzzling to you, including more unconscious factors that may be exerting their invisible influence on your life. I see people from a variety of backgrounds, including many therapists.
I am a seasoned clinician with expertise to accompany you on your inner journey. I am flexible in my approach so that I can respond to the particular needs you bring to therapy. At one point you may need support and practical tools for addressing experiences that are painful or challenging. At another time, you may need room to explore the patterns of thought, feeling or behavior that are puzzling to you, including more unconscious factors that may be exerting their invisible influence on your life. I see people from a variety of backgrounds, including many therapists.
(510) 470-7896 View (510) 470-7896
Photo of Loduskia Dusky Pierce, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94618, CA
Loduskia Dusky Pierce
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
Whatever challenge or emotional pain has you considering therapy, our sessions will be tailored to your unique needs. Mind/body approaches such as EMDR, Emotional Freedom Technique and the newer Flash Technique are scientifically proven methods that can help resolve trauma or deep emotional wounds. If you struggle with depression, anxiety, or low self esteem, we might explore your judgmental self-talk or consider your limiting beliefs. If you are feeling troubled or stuck in a personal relationship or at work, we could look at ways to communicate that increase understanding and reduce conflict.
Whatever challenge or emotional pain has you considering therapy, our sessions will be tailored to your unique needs. Mind/body approaches such as EMDR, Emotional Freedom Technique and the newer Flash Technique are scientifically proven methods that can help resolve trauma or deep emotional wounds. If you struggle with depression, anxiety, or low self esteem, we might explore your judgmental self-talk or consider your limiting beliefs. If you are feeling troubled or stuck in a personal relationship or at work, we could look at ways to communicate that increase understanding and reduce conflict.
(510) 470-5947 View (510) 470-5947
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.