As a therapist, Anjna works with clients who are feeling lost, overwhelmed, or unsure whether they're living for themselves or just to meet the expectations of others. Their relationships are causing stress or leaving them feeling disconnected, and they're struggling to align where they are now with where they thought they'd be. Anjna uses psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and Gestalt modalities and utilize techniques from each to create a treatment plan that is individualized to your needs.

Anjna strives to create a therapy space where you can come exactly as you are, free from judgment. As individuals, we are made up of so many intersecting pieces, and therapy should provide a safe space to explore these different components, whether it be shame, desires, or societal pressures. Anjna recognizes how incredibly brave the coming out process is, even when shared in the confidential space of therapy.

Whether you are navigating identity, relationships, or the complexities of self-acceptance, Anjna is here to support you as you explore your truth with compassion and understanding. Anjna helps you build self-esteem by addressing negative body perceptions and promoting self-acceptance, breaking down larger goals into manageable steps to build a sense of accomplishment, and addressing past experiences that may have contributed to low self-confidence.

• Credentials: Mental Health Counselor - Limited Permit (MHC-LP)

• Education: MA, CUNY Brooklyn College

• Specialties: Trauma, Anxiety, and Depression

• Modalities Used: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy

As a therapist, Julia works with college students and young adults just entering the workforce. Julia has been successful in helping clients find relief from painful past experiences and overcome barriers towards meeting their goals. In your work together, clients will be able to discover new insights about themselves and get to the root of their challenges. Julia's goal is to help clients regain control of their lives and see long term change, and she does so through exploring how family dynamics may impact self-esteem, using creative outlets to explore and express emotions related to self-worth, and improving relationships and communication skills to enhance self-confidence.

• Credentials: Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

• Education: MA, Baruch College

• Specialties: Trauma, Anxiety, Relationships, Transitions, Boundaries

• Modalities Used: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Psychodynamic

As a therapist, Angel works with adults in their 20s and 30s who give so much of themselves to others yet find that their relationships lack reciprocity and feelings of shame or guilt interfere with setting healthy boundaries. Many of Angel's clients come to him because they have grown so tired of the mask that they wear day in and day out when they are showing up for others and wonder when others will show up for them. Their negative thoughts have become exhausting and they wonder if they'll ever be able to integrate the side of them that other people see with the one that is most authentic but that they are afraid to show for fear of rejection or shame.

As a therapist, Angel helps clients explore feelings of being marginalized, diminished, or invalidated, and affirms their experiences through a lens of compassion and empathy. Angel teaches his clients how to be more present and less judgmental of themselves, how to express their needs and set healthy boundaries, and how to learn to treat themselves with the same kindness they would offer a friend.

• Credentials: Mental Health Counselor - Limited Permit (MHC-LP)

• Education: MA, Baruch College

• Specialties: Trauma, Anxiety, Relationships, Transitions, Boundaries

• Modalities Used: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Humanistic Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy

As a therapist, Maggie works with adults in their 20s and 30s dealing with a history of unresolved pain. With a keen awareness of both individual factors and the impacts of social injustice and intersectional oppression, Maggie supports her clients on their journeys of personal growth towards true healing. Maggie utilizes mindfulness practices, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), somatic therapy, and narrative therapy to help her clients understand and reimagine past experiences, challenge negative thinking, and promote holistic healing within their minds and bodies.

Maggie is passionate about creating a nurturing and welcoming therapeutic space for every client. As a therapist, she recognizes the vital role of lived experience in the healing process, and by prioritizing safety and client autonomy, Maggie partners with clients to explore how systemic, intergenerational, and interpersonal harm can impact mental health and well-being. Her mission is to partner with clients on their healing journey, helping them restore their sense of self, uncover their personal strengths, and cultivate peace in their body. Ultimately, she aims to empower clients to enhance their overall well-being and achieve their goals.

• Credentials: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

• Education: MSW, Columbia School of Social Work

• Specialties: Trauma, Anxiety, and Depression

• Modalities Used: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Somatic Therapy, Narrative Therapy

As a therapist, Laina brings over 15 years of counseling experience, specializing in helping clients navigate the challenges of both historical and recent traumas, including sexual violence, as well as major life transitions. Laina's clients are often dealing with varying levels of anxiety, sadness, and disconnection, which can hinder their ability to sustain relationships, feel successful in their endeavors, set boundaries, find joy, or revel in the fullness of a life that integrates their whole self. Laina's approach focuses on helping clients understand and process their experiences, empowering them to regain control over their lives. Laina helps her clients improve their self-esteem by identifying and challenging negative self-talk and beliefs, guiding clients to develop and practice self-affirming statements, and focusing on existing strengths and abilities.

• Credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

• Education: MSW, University of Albany

• Specialties: Sexual Trauma, Anxiety, and Depression

• Modalities Used: Internal Family Systems (IFS), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Polyvagal and Somatic Experiencing

As a therapist, Gabby works with young adults to navigate life transitions, improve their relationship with their body and improve their body confidence, and support them in finding solace and peace of mind. In particular, Gabby works with young adults navigating life transitions, improving their relationship with themselves, and decreasing their relationship anxieties. Gabby's clients often come to her with traumatic friendships earlier in life that are impacting the way they perceive themselves and their relationships with romantic partners, colleagues, friends, and family. Gabby helps her clients break down the nuances of their adult relationships and tease out the contributing factors so that they can figure out the role they play in their own lives and decision-making, and begin to enact change in a way that brings them peace, joy, and self-assuredness.

As a therapist, Gabby prides herself on being a non-judgmental, safe space for clients to explore their negative self-perception and where it stems from.. Gabby works with her clients to explore the ways external messages and expectations may contribute to the mental health challenges her clients may be facing, and uses that knowledge in their work toward growth, self-esteem, and self-love.

• Credentials: Licensed Master Social Work (LMSW)

• Education: MA, Columbia University

• Specialties: Trauma, Anxiety, Self-Esteem

• Modalities Used: Somatic Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic, Motivational Interviewing

As a therapist, Allie helps clients overcome negative self-talk, life transitions, relationship issues, and imposter syndrome and achieve an increased understanding of feelings, emotions, relationships, communication, and self-worth. Allie works primarily with adults having difficulty managing the stress of their relationships, career, life transitions, self-esteem, communication, and boundaries. Allie works with her clients to create a safe space, empathetic self-perception, and an inviting environment to help clients achieve their goals and build long-lasting skills.

Allie creates a nonjudgmental and affirming space where her clients can feel seen and validated. This emphasizes a collaborative approach that fosters self-trust and personal empowerment, which is crucial when navigating identity struggles and societal pressures. Allie helps her clients gain a better understanding of the underlying factors to low self-esteem, and address and reframe internalized negative beliefs, which leads to improving their self-concept.

• Credentials: Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

• Education: MA, Baruch College

• Specialties: Trauma, Anxiety, Relationships, Transitions, Boundaries

• Modalities Used: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Psychodynamic

As a therapist, Marnie's approach to therapy is deeply rooted in a belief that every individual has the potential for personal growth and transformation. She creates a therapeutic environment that is both safe and supportive, providing clients with a space to explore their unique identities and address any cultural conflicts they may be experiencing. Marnie recognizes the significant impact that cultural background can have on an individual's well-being. She is skilled in helping clients understand how their cultural heritage shapes their beliefs, values, and behaviors. By exploring these influences, clients can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their experiences.

Marnie is committed to assisting clients in navigating issues related to belonging and self-acceptance. She helps clients develop a sense of self-worth by challenging that inner critic and creating a supportive environment in therapy. Whether it's dealing with family dynamics, identity conflicts, or the pressures of societal expectations, Marnie's goal is to ensure that clients feel seen, understood, and supported on their journey of self-discovery. By providing a compassionate and non-judgmental space, Marnie empowers clients to embrace their authentic selves and build resilience in the face of external challenges. Her approach to therapy is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to live authentically and reach their full potential.

• Credentials: Licensed Master Social Work (LMSW)

• Education: MSW, Fordham University

• Specialties: High-Conflict Divorce, Family Systems, Trauma, Anxiety, Relationships, Transitions, Boundaries

• Modalities Used: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Psychodynamic

Your therapist will greet you and invite you to sit comfortably.

They'll ask how you're feeling and if there's anything specific you want to discuss.

You'll talk about your concerns, experiences, or goals for therapy.

Your therapist will ask questions to gain deeper insight into your thoughts and feelings.

Depending on the therapy type, you might engage in specific exercises or activities.

Your therapist may offer observations or suggestions based on your discussion.

You might receive tasks or homework to complete between sessions.

The therapist will summarize the session and set the stage for the next meeting.

You'll confirm your next appointment before leaving so that you don’t leave it open-ended.

Low self-esteem is a complex issue that can stem from various sources throughout a person's life, like criticism from others, negative experiences, and internal feelings of failure.. It's often the result of a combination of factors, rather than a single cause, and can develop gradually over time.

Some potential factors that can contribute to self-esteem issues include:

• Childhood experiences, such as neglect, abuse, or excessive criticism

• Academic or professional failures

• Traumatic life events or prolonged stress

• Negative body image or physical health problems

• Social isolation or difficulties in relationships

• Cultural or societal pressures and expectations

• Comparison to unrealistic standards set by social media

• Perfectionism and setting unattainable goals

• Genetic predisposition to mental health issues like depression or anxiety

• Lack of positive reinforcement or support from significant others

• Experiencing discrimination or prejudice

• Economic hardship or job insecurity

It's important to remember that everyone's journey with self-esteem is unique. What impacts one person may not affect another in the same way. Through therapy, you can work with a professional to uncover the specific factors that have played a role in your own struggles with confidence. This personalized understanding is key to developing effective strategies for building a stronger, more positive self-image and improving your overall well-being.

There isn't a single "best" therapy for self-esteem issues, as the most effective approach often depends on the individual's unique circumstances and needs. However, several therapeutic modalities have shown promising results in treating low self-esteem:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

• Psychodynamic Therapy

• Mindfulness-Based Therapies

• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

• Gestalt Therapy

• Positive Psychology Interventions

All of our therapists use psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapies, meaning that they look back at your childhood with you to explore early experiences and messages, and then they identify where those messages became cognitive loops or thought patterns that cause certain behaviors today, in order to rewrite those cognitive loops and introduce healthier behaviors and internal narratives. Our therapists use an integrative approach, combining techniques from different modalities to tailor treatment to each client's specific needs. 

As virtual therapists serving the entirety of New York state, we can work with you anytime, anywhere, any way that suits you best. You can meet in the mornings after dropping the kids off at school, during your lunch break from a conference room, in the afternoon as you take your daily walk, or in the evening when everything is quiet and you have time to yourself. All you need is a quiet space and an internet connection. No sweaty commute. No awkward waiting room. Just expert support, wherever.

Therapy for low self-esteem will often uncover some root causes that meet the criteria for diagnosing anxiety, depression, or another mental health diagnosis whose treatment is covered by insurance. Discuss your concerns with your therapist during your initial free consultation, and they will be able to provide more information about a potential diagnosis should you decide to work together. Contact your insurance company to learn the particulars of your specific plan.

We are in network with all of the following New York state healthcare plans:

• Aetna

• Anthem

• Blue Cross Blue Shield

• Empire

• Optum

• Oscar

• United 

• Aetna EAP

• Spring Health EAP

and approved out of network providers for all other commercial healthcare plans.