Get Self-esteem Therapy you can count on.
Serving Montrose, Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, and all cities across CA.
At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, I provide deeply personalized, trauma-informed care for clients seeking a thoughtful and effective path toward healing. My practice is designed to offer a calm, private, and supportive therapeutic environment where individuals, couples, and teens can engage in meaningful inner work with depth, intention, and care.
I believe therapy should be both clinically grounded and highly individualized. My approach integrates evidence-based modalities with a nuanced understanding of trauma, creating a therapeutic experience that is compassionate, attuned, and tailored to the unique needs of each client. Every aspect of care is approached with sensitivity, professionalism, and respect for the complexity of each person’s healing process.
I am committed to offering a standard of care that feels both deeply supportive and exceptionally intentional. My goal is to help clients move beyond patterns of distress and toward greater clarity, resilience, emotional balance, and lasting well-being. Through a refined, relational, and trauma-informed approach, I strive to create a space where genuine healing and meaningful transformation can unfold.
Low self-esteem can be a silent yet powerful factor influencing the dynamics of relationships, whether romantic, familial, or platonic. It often manifests in various ways, leading to misunderstandings, conflicts, and emotional distress. At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, we understand the profound effects that self-esteem issues can have on relationships, and we are here to provide help with low self-esteem through our specialized self-esteem counseling.
Self-esteem is essentially how we perceive ourselves and our worth. It encompasses our beliefs about our abilities, appearance, and overall value as individuals. When someone struggles with low self-esteem, they often experience feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. This can lead to a range of negative behaviors and thought patterns that can adversely affect their relationships.
Experience compassionate trauma-informed therapy designed to support your emotional healing and recovery, helping you navigate psychological trauma and post-traumatic stress with expert guidance and understanding.
Experience compassionate self-esteem counseling that empowers you to build confidence, enhance your self-worth, and improve your body image through personalized therapy tailored to your unique journey.
Experience compassionate anxiety therapy designed to help you manage anxiety disorders, overcome challenges, and find peace through personalized support and effective treatment strategies.
Low self-esteem can create significant challenges in relationships. Here are some of the common ways it manifests:
At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, we specialize in providing self-esteem counseling that focuses on empowering individuals to recognize their worth and improve their self-image. Our approach is holistic and trauma-informed, ensuring that we address the underlying issues contributing to low self-esteem. Here are some ways our counseling sessions can help:
Self-esteem counseling is designed to help clients build a strong foundation of self-worth. Through various therapeutic techniques, we guide individuals in recognizing their strengths and accomplishments, shifting negative thought patterns into positive affirmations. For example, clients may keep a daily journal where they record three things they did well each day. This practice not only reinforces positive behavior but also encourages a mindset shift, allowing individuals to see themselves in a more favorable light.
We utilize cognitive-behavioral techniques to help clients challenge and reframe their negative beliefs. By identifying cognitive distortions—such as all-or-nothing thinking or overgeneralization—clients learn to replace these thoughts with more balanced perspectives. This process is essential in building a resilient self-image that withstands external challenges and internal doubts.
Effective communication is vital in any relationship. Our therapy sessions equip clients with the skills needed to express their thoughts and feelings openly. This fosters a healthier dialogue between partners, reducing misunderstandings and promoting emotional closeness. Clients practice active listening techniques, which involve fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what is being said. This not only enhances their ability to communicate but also helps them feel more valued in conversations.
We also focus on assertiveness training, teaching clients how to express their needs and opinions confidently and respectfully. For instance, role-playing scenarios allow clients to practice asserting themselves in various situations, such as setting boundaries with friends or discussing feelings with a partner. This skill is particularly important for individuals with low self-esteem, as they often struggle with being assertive and may fear conflict or rejection.
Therapy helps individuals understand their relationship patterns and how low self-esteem affects their interactions. By identifying these patterns, clients can work towards healthier dynamics, whether it involves setting boundaries, asserting needs, or addressing insecurities constructively. We explore concepts such as attachment styles, which can reveal how past experiences shape current relationship behaviors.
For example, a person with an anxious attachment style may constantly seek validation from their partner, leading to dependency and potential conflict. Through counseling, we help clients recognize these tendencies and develop healthier coping mechanisms. This might include practicing self-soothing techniques or engaging in activities that boost their self-esteem outside of the relationship.
Understanding the role of low self-esteem in relationship dynamics allows clients to navigate their interactions with greater awareness. They learn to communicate their needs without fear, which can lead to more fulfilling and balanced partnerships.
Through counseling, clients learn the importance of self-reliance and self-validation. This independence can alleviate the pressure on relationships, allowing partners to support each other without losing their individual identities. We encourage clients to engage in activities that promote personal growth, such as pursuing hobbies, establishing friendships outside of their primary relationship, or setting personal goals.
For instance, a client may decide to join a local book club or take up painting classes. These activities not only enhance their sense of self but also provide opportunities for social interaction, which can further build self-esteem. in therapy, we celebrate these achievements, reinforcing the idea that they are capable of thriving independently.
Low self-esteem often leads to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as avoidance, substance abuse, or self-sabotage. Our counseling sessions focus on identifying these behaviors and developing healthier alternatives. We teach clients stress management techniques, such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and journaling, which can help them better navigate challenging emotions.
For example, a client struggling with feelings of inadequacy may turn to binge-watching television as a means of escape. Through therapy, they learn to recognize this behavior and replace it with more constructive activities, such as going for a walk or engaging in creative outlets. This shift not only helps reduce feelings of shame but also encourages self-care practices that bolster self-esteem.
Self-esteem counseling emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with a supportive network. We guide clients in identifying relationships that uplift them versus those that drain their energy or perpetuate negative self-beliefs. Encouraging clients to seek out positive influences—be it friends, family, or support groups—can significantly enhance their journey towards improved self-esteem.
In therapy, we might explore how to communicate these needs to loved ones, fostering an environment where support is mutual and constructive. Clients are encouraged to engage with those who celebrate their successes and provide encouragement during challenging times.
Through self-esteem counseling at Touchstone Trauma Therapy, individuals can embark on a transformative journey toward self-discovery and empowerment. By addressing the root causes of low self-esteem and equipping clients with the tools they need for personal growth, we help pave the way for healthier, more fulfilling relationships—both with themselves and others.
Clear, practical answers for people considering Trauma Therapy and looking for a thoughtful next step.
Touchstone Trauma Therapy is a mental health practice located in Montrose, CA, specializing in trauma therapy. We provide personalized care to help clients navigate challenges such as trauma, anxiety, and depression through holistic, trauma-informed approaches.
Our services are designed for individuals, couples, and teens who are facing mental health challenges. Whether you are struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use concerns, relationship difficulties, self-esteem issues, emotional overwhelm, chronic stress, perfectionism, or feelings of disconnection, we are here to support you on your healing journey.
At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, we offer a range of trauma-informed therapies tailored to individual needs. Our approaches may include EMDR, Internal Family Systems, Mindfulness and Somatic therapies, and other holistic methods aimed at promoting healing and resilience.
If you are experiencing persistent feelings of anxiety, depression, or distress related to past experiences, trauma therapy may be beneficial. Our team can help assess your needs and guide you toward appropriate support.
During your first session at Touchstone Trauma Therapy, you will meet with a therapist who will discuss your background, current challenges, and goals for therapy. This initial assessment helps us create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Yes, therapy sessions at Touchstone Trauma Therapy are confidential. We adhere to strict ethical guidelines to ensure your privacy and safety, allowing you to share your experiences in a secure and supportive environment.
Somatic Therapy is a form of body-centered therapy that emphasizes the connection between the brain, mind, and body. It utilizes body awareness as a therapeutic tool to explore and resolve the somatic (physical) symptoms of psychological issues. This approach helps individuals recognize and release the physical tension that remains in the body due to past trauma and stress.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a transformative therapeutic model of psychotherapy that helps individuals understand and harmonize the various parts within themselves. According to IFS, we all have different parts within us that carry different thoughts, emotions, and beliefs. These parts can sometimes conflict with each other and create internal struggles and difficulties in our lives. IFS is commonly utilized to work with trauma memories or difficult childhood experiences.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured approach that treats trauma by safely reconnecting individuals with the traumatic images, thoughts, emotions, and body sensations they experienced, leveraging the brain’s natural healing process—Adaptive Information Processing (AIP).
Unlike traditional talk therapy, which often focuses on the traumatic event itself, EMDR targets the emotional disturbances and symptoms stemming from the trauma. The goal is to process these troubling memories, reduce their impact, and help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Through EMDR, memories are transferred from the emotional part of the brain (limbic system) to long-term storage, transforming them from intrusive relived experiences into memories of past events that no longer wield disruptive power.
Body image plays a significant role in self-esteem. Negative perceptions of one’s body can lead to a cycle of low self-worth, affecting relationships. Our body image therapy sessions aim to reshape how clients view themselves, fostering a more positive self-image that translates into healthier relationships.
Understanding body image is crucial to addressing low self-esteem. Body image refers to how we perceive our physical appearance and how we feel about that perception. This perception is often influenced by societal standards, media portrayals, and personal experiences. When individuals struggle with their body image, they are more likely to experience feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, which can significantly impact their interactions with others.
To illustrate, consider how a negative body image can manifest in social situations. Someone who feels uncomfortable in their skin may avoid social gatherings, fearing judgment or ridicule. This avoidance can lead to isolation, preventing meaningful connections with others. Conversely, an individual with a positive body image is more likely to engage openly and confidently, fostering stronger relationships.
One of the first steps in addressing body image issues is to identify and challenge negative thoughts. Here are some practical strategies to help with this process:
In therapy, we often explore the concept of the "ideal body" and how it varies across cultures and time periods. The ideal body is not a one-size-fits-all model; it changes based on societal trends and personal preferences. By understanding that there is no single definition of beauty, clients can begin to appreciate their unique attributes and develop a more balanced perspective on their appearance.
It is essential to address the role of social media in shaping body image. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok can perpetuate unrealistic beauty standards, leading to feelings of inadequacy. Engaging with content that promotes body diversity and authenticity can mitigate these negative effects. Encourage yourself to take breaks from social media when necessary, focusing instead on real-life interactions and experiences that uplift you.
Participating in activities that promote physical health and well-being can also have a profound impact on body image. Exercise, for example, is not just about weight loss; it's about feeling strong and empowered. Finding a physical activity you enjoy—whether it’s dancing, hiking, or yoga—can improve your mental health and body image. When you engage in movement that feels good, it shifts the focus from appearance to capability, enhancing self-love and acceptance.
Nutrition plays a vital role in how we feel about our bodies. Instead of following restrictive diets that can lead to a negative relationship with food, focus on nourishing your body with wholesome foods that make you feel energized and satisfied. This shift in mindset can help cultivate a healthy body image rooted in self-care rather than self-criticism.
Support from friends and family is another critical component in improving body image. Open dialogues about body positivity can foster understanding and empathy. When you share your feelings with loved ones, you may find that they have similar struggles, which can create a supportive environment for healing. Encourage those close to you to engage in positive conversations about body image, countering negative remarks and emphasizing acceptance.
It's also valuable to recognize that low self-esteem and body image issues may stem from deeper psychological factors. Past traumas, bullying, or critical comments from peers can leave lasting scars, leading to a distorted self-image. in our therapy sessions, we delve into these experiences to help clients understand their roots and work towards healing. This process often involves cognitive restructuring, where we help clients reframe their negative beliefs about themselves.
Celebrating small victories is essential in the journey towards a healthier body image. Set realistic goals for yourself, whether it's wearing an outfit you love, trying a new hairstyle, or stepping out of your comfort zone. Acknowledge your achievements, no matter how minor they might seem, as each step forward contributes to a more positive self-perception.
Realizing the importance of body image is a pivotal element in addressing low self-esteem. By understanding the complexities of body image, challenging negative thoughts, and fostering a supportive environment, individuals can cultivate a healthier self-image that enhances their relationships. Remember, the journey to self-acceptance takes time, and seeking professional help can provide the necessary tools and guidance along the way. With the right support, anyone can learn to embrace their unique beauty and build fulfilling connections with others.
Experience compassionate depression counseling and effective clinical depression therapy tailored to your needs, utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you overcome major depressive disorder and mood disorders.
Experience compassionate EMDR therapy tailored for healing from PTSD, anxiety, phobias, grief, and abuse recovery, helping you navigate complex trauma and reclaim your life with confidence.
Experience healing through Somatic Experiencing Therapy, a holistic approach that combines body-oriented psychotherapy and mind-body techniques to alleviate stress and anxiety, promoting deep relaxation and emotional well-being.
At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, seeking support is an important first step toward healing. Whether you are navigating Trauma Therapy, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm, this is a calm place to begin with trust, care, and intention.
Talk with a trusted therapist and take the next step forward with confidence.
Trauma-informed care is an approach to therapy that recognizes how past trauma can affect a person’s thoughts, emotions, relationships, and physical responses. It focuses on creating a safe, supportive, and respectful environment where clients feel heard, empowered, and never pressured. At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, trauma-informed care means tailoring treatment to each person’s needs while using approaches that support healing at a pace that feels manageable and safe. At TTT, we utilize Evidence Based modalities such as EMDR, IFS and Somatic/Mindfulness that are effective in addressing and healing from trauma, including complex trauma.
Starting therapy begins with reaching out to schedule an initial consultation or first appointment. During that first step, we will talk about what brings you to therapy, your goals, and any questions you may have about the process. From there, we can determine the best approach for your needs and begin creating a treatment plan that feels supportive, personalized, and manageable.
Yes, therapy sessions are confidential. Protecting your privacy is an important part of creating a safe and supportive therapeutic space. There are a few legal and ethical limits to confidentiality, which will be reviewed with you at the beginning of therapy, but in general, what you share in session is kept private and treated with care and respect.
Somatic therapy supports trauma healing by helping clients notice and work with how trauma is held in the body, not just in thoughts or memories. Trauma can affect the nervous system in ways that lead to tension, overwhelm, numbness, or feeling constantly on edge. Through gentle body-based awareness and regulation techniques, somatic therapy helps clients reconnect with their bodies, build a greater sense of safety, and process trauma in a way that feels grounded and manageable.
That is completely understandable. Not every therapy experience is the right fit, and a previous approach that did not feel helpful does not mean therapy cannot be meaningful for you now. At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, I offer a personalized, trauma-informed approach tailored to your unique needs, goals, and pace. Together, we work to create a safe and supportive space that feels more aligned with the healing you are seeking.
Your first therapy session is an opportunity for me to begin building a thoughtful understanding of your experiences, concerns, and goals. I will guide the conversation with care, creating space to discuss what brings you to therapy, your personal history, and any questions you may have about the process. This initial session is designed to help you feel at ease while laying the foundation for a therapeutic approach that is personalized to your needs.
Experience transformative healing with Internal Family Systems Therapy, a compassionate approach that nurtures your inner parts, promoting personal growth and resilience through effective trauma healing and self-led therapy.
Experience compassionate and evidence-based PTSD treatment, including trauma-focused therapy and clinical counseling, designed to support your journey towards healing and recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Experience compassionate relationship trauma counseling that focuses on healing interpersonal wounds, fostering secure attachments, and promoting resilience through specialized attachment-based therapy tailored to your unique journey.
Experience compassionate grief and loss counseling that supports your healing journey, helping you navigate bereavement, cope with loss, and find peace through specialized therapy tailored to your needs.
Experience compassionate support with our Stress and Emotional Overwhelm Therapy, designed to help you manage stress, regulate emotions, and overcome burnout through effective techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Low self-esteem can severely impact relationships, leading to a host of challenges that affect not only individuals but also their partners. At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, we believe that through dedicated self-esteem counseling, individuals can learn to overcome these challenges, leading to more fulfilling and healthy relationships.
If you or someone you know is struggling with low self-esteem and its effects on relationships, we invite you to reach out to us. Together, we can work towards a brighter, more confident future. Schedule a session at Touchstone Trauma Therapy today to begin your journey towards healing and empowerment.
Individual therapy for clients ages 14 and older offers a personalized space to work through life's challenges, deepen self-understanding, and support lasting emotional well-being.
Trauma-informed care is an approach to therapy that recognizes how past trauma can affect a person’s thoughts, emotions, relationships, and physical responses. It focuses on creating a safe, supportive, and respectful environment where clients feel heard, empowered, and never pressured. At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, trauma-informed care means tailoring treatment to each person’s needs while using approaches that support healing at a pace that feels manageable and safe. At TTT, we utilize Evidence Based modalities such as EMDR, IFS and Somatic/Mindfulness that are effective in addressing and healing from trauma, including complex trauma.
Starting therapy begins with reaching out to schedule an initial consultation or first appointment. During that first step, we will talk about what brings you to therapy, your goals, and any questions you may have about the process. From there, we can determine the best approach for your needs and begin creating a treatment plan that feels supportive, personalized, and manageable.
Yes, therapy sessions are confidential. Protecting your privacy is an important part of creating a safe and supportive therapeutic space. There are a few legal and ethical limits to confidentiality, which will be reviewed with you at the beginning of therapy, but in general, what you share in session is kept private and treated with care and respect.
Somatic therapy supports trauma healing by helping clients notice and work with how trauma is held in the body, not just in thoughts or memories. Trauma can affect the nervous system in ways that lead to tension, overwhelm, numbness, or feeling constantly on edge. Through gentle body-based awareness and regulation techniques, somatic therapy helps clients reconnect with their bodies, build a greater sense of safety, and process trauma in a way that feels grounded and manageable.
That is completely understandable. Not every therapy experience is the right fit, and a previous approach that did not feel helpful does not mean therapy cannot be meaningful for you now. At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, I offer a personalized, trauma-informed approach tailored to your unique needs, goals, and pace. Together, we work to create a safe and supportive space that feels more aligned with the healing you are seeking.
Your first therapy session is an opportunity for me to begin building a thoughtful understanding of your experiences, concerns, and goals. I will guide the conversation with care, creating space to discuss what brings you to therapy, your personal history, and any questions you may have about the process. This initial session is designed to help you feel at ease while laying the foundation for a therapeutic approach that is personalized to your needs.
Our services are designed for individuals, couples, and teens seeking support for mental health challenges.
Whether you are dealing with trauma, relationship issues, or self-esteem concerns, Touchstone Trauma Therapy is here to guide you on your journey to healing.
TTT offers services to the cities of Montrose, Glendale, La Crescenta, La Canada, Burbank and Pasadena. TTT also offers remote video sessions throughout the state of California.
Individual therapy for clients ages 14 and older offers a personalized space to work through life's challenges, deepen self-understanding, and support lasting emotional well-being.
