Therapy for Self-Esteem, Self-Worth & Shame
Boutique East Bay Therapy In Orinda, CA
Also serving Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Berkeley, Oakland, and nearby communities.
Online therapy is available across California
Understanding Self-Esteem, Self-Worth & Shame
When Shame and Self-Criticism Feel Like a Constant Battle
In today’s world, so many messages tell us we need to be “better”, more successful, attractive, accomplished, or put-together. Social media, family expectations, or early experiences of criticism can leave you feeling like no matter what you do, it’s never enough.
Struggles with self-esteem and shame often begin early, shaped by subtle comparisons, cultural pressures, or painful moments of rejection. Over time, these inner voices of self-criticism and perfectionism become exhausting. You may wonder:
Why do I still feel this way, no matter what I try? Why can’t I just feel comfortable in my own skin?
Low self-esteem and shame aren’t just “in your head.” They shape how you see yourself, how safe you feel with others, and how you navigate relationships, work, and daily life. Therapy offers a space to step out of these cycles and begin building a sense of worth not defined by achievements, appearance, or outside approval.
For some, shame can show up as constant comparison; for others, it takes the form of perfectionism, self-doubt, or feeling undeserving of love. These struggles can affect anyone — regardless of age, gender, or background — and often become more pronounced during times of transition or loss.
How It Shows Up & What You Might Notice
Struggles with self-esteem, shame, and low self-worth often appear in daily life in painful, draining ways:
Feeling “less than” or never enough compared to others
Constant self-criticism or second-guessing yourself
Perfectionism and pressure to always prove your worth
Anxiety about being seen or fully known by others
Hopelessness, sadness, or numbness tied to self-doubt
Difficulty trusting yourself in relationships or decisions
Shame that intensifies during transitions like parenthood, midlife, or grief
Avoiding opportunities or connection out of fear of failure or rejection
Benefits: What You Can Expect From Therapy With Us
Therapy for self-esteem and shame is about creating a compassionate, supportive space to explore these struggles and shift how you relate to yourself. Over time, therapy may help you:
Ease shame, comparison, and self-criticism
Build self-worth that isn’t tied to performance, roles, or appearance
Soften perfectionism and unrealistic expectations
Develop healthier boundaries and self-trust
Reduce anxiety, depression, and overwhelm tied to shame
Navigate life transitions with more steadiness and resilience
Feel more connected and authentic in relationships
Experience more freedom, confidence, and self-acceptance
Healing shame and self-worth struggles isn’t about quick fixes or forced positivity. It’s about creating a steadier, kinder relationship with yourself — one that allows for growth, connection, and freedom.
A Note About Bountiful Health
At Bountiful Health, we offer boutique, relational, and integrative therapy for adults and teens navigating struggles with self-esteem, self-worth, and shame.
We understand how draining it can feel to live in cycles of comparison, doubt, or constant striving. Here, therapy is never rushed or impersonal. We intentionally keep caseloads small so we can offer you the presence, responsiveness, and care that larger clinics or platforms often can’t provide.
Our office is based in Orinda, CA, and we support clients in Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Berkeley, Oakland, and throughout California via online therapy.
Our Therapeutic Approach
We draw from relational, attachment-based, psychodynamic, and trauma-informed therapy modalities to help you gently explore your story.
Therapy for shame and self-esteem is not about fixing you, because you are not broken. Instead, it’s about creating a safe space where you can explore your experiences, emotions, and identity with compassion and understanding.
Together, we’ll work to reduce shame, build trust in yourself, and nurture a deeper sense of connection and worth that lasts beyond outside validation.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
If you’re carrying the weight of shame, self-doubt, or low self-worth, you don’t have to keep pushing through alone. Healing begins with small steps, and reaching out is the first one.
Click below or call/text 925-259-3145 to learn more or schedule your free 20-minute consultation.
Located in Orinda, CA, and serving Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Oakland, and nearby East Bay communities. Online therapy is available across California.
