Therapy for Self-Esteem in Washington, D.C., Virginia & Maryland

Does this sound familiar?

You're used to being the person everyone relies on. Saying no feels uncomfortable, and when you finally hit a wall, you somehow end up feeling guilty about that, too.
You feel stuck, like your creative spark is missing, and it's hard to get excited about anything.
Self-doubt and overthinking make it tough to focus or finish things, even when you really want to.
You're working so hard to improve yourself, yet you feel "off", or empty and disconnected from what you really need.
You can accomplish a lot and still walk away thinking about what you should have done better. It's exhausting being this hard on yourself.

Working with us, you can start to feel like yourself again, more balanced, confident, and energized.

How we can help

Self-esteem isn't just about feeling confident. It's also about what happens when you make a mistake, disappoint someone, receive criticism, or realize you can't meet everyone's expectations.

At Full Self Psychotherapy, we're interested in where those reactions come from and why they can be so hard to change, even when you know you're being unfair to yourself.

We also don't look at self-esteem outside of the environment you grew up in or the identities you carry. Sometimes feeling like you weren't good enough was reinforced by very real messages about whose identities, bodies, or ways of moving through the world were valued more than others. Racism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, sexism, and other forms of marginalization can become deeply intertwined with how you learn to see yourself.

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Part of therapy can be sorting through what actually belongs to you and what you learned about yourself from the world around you.

Our therapists use EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and somatic approaches to work with the experiences and beliefs that have shaped how you see yourself. We also pay attention to what's happening in your life now, including the relationships, expectations, and pressures that can keep old patterns going.

The goal is to help you trust yourself more, make decisions without endlessly second-guessing them, and feel less dependent on other people's approval. We want those changes to show up in your actual life, not just in how you feel during a therapy session.

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Therapy for Self-Esteem can help you...

Feel more confident and comfortable being yourself, without being overwhelmed by what others think.
Feel more comfortable trusting your own judgment, taking up space, and trying things without needing to get them exactly right.
Build healthier, more fulfilling relationships where you feel valued and seen.
Learn to set boundaries and put yourself first without guilt, so you don't burn out or feel resentful.
Feel more clear-headed and focused, reconnecting with your creativity and motivation to go after what you want.
Recognize which beliefs about yourself are actually yours, and which ones were shaped by messages about who or what the world considers valuable.

You don't have to keep feeling stuck or questioning your worth.

Change is possible, and you deserve to feel confident and whole. We're here to help you reconnect with who you truly are and start living the life you want.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Therapy Approaches

EMDR Therapy

EMDR can help you work through traumatic experiences that continue to contribute to anxiety, even when you understand intellectually that you're no longer in the same situation. By processing those experiences, we can help shift the emotional and physical reactions that keep showing up in your everyday life.
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Somatic Therapy

Sometimes you know there's nothing to worry about, but your body is still reacting like there is. Somatic therapy helps you work with the physical side of trauma and anxiety: the tension, restlessness, racing heart, or feeling of being constantly on alert, so your body can begin to respond differently, too.
Learn More About Somatic Therapy
IFS

IFS can help you get curious about the parts of you that worry, overthink, prepare for the worst, or feel responsible for keeping everything under control. Instead of fighting those parts of yourself, we work to understand what they're trying to protect you from, including old hurts and trauma, and help them take on less extreme roles.
Learn More About IFS
Therapy Intensives

Therapy intensives can be a game changer. Instead of stopping after 45 minutes, we can work together for 90 minutes, several hours, a full day, or even multiple days. That gives us time to really get into the work and stay there, using EMDR, IFS, and somatic therapy without having to stop just as something important is happening. For many clients, that means going deeper and seeing change more quickly than they have in traditional weekly therapy.
Learn More About Therapy Intensives

From the blog

FAQs about Therapy for Self-Esteem in Washington, D.C.

Will we focus on my past or present more in therapy?

In therapy, we'll look at both your past and present, but our therapists always meet you where you are. If you're looking for immediate relief, we can start there, focusing on tools and support without diving deep into the past at first. When you're ready, we can explore how your past plays a role in your self-esteem and connect that to what's happening now. Our goal is to help you make real, lasting changes that feel right for you.

What makes your approach to self-esteem therapy different from other therapists?

At Full Self Psychotherapy, our approach to self-esteem therapy is different because it goes beyond just talking things through without real progress. We combine brain and body-based approaches with psychotherapy to create lasting change that actually makes sense for you. We look at how past experiences shape your current struggles, so you can connect the dots and create real, integrated growth. Plus, we offer therapy intensives for faster relief when needed. This way, you don't just feel better temporarily: you start building trust in yourself and feel more like you again.

Are therapy intensives appropriate for working on my self-esteem?

Absolutely! Therapy intensives can be a game-changer for building your self-esteem. These focused, in-depth sessions let us dig into what's been holding you back and make real progress faster than weekly appointments. It's a chance to work without distractions, break through old patterns, and start feeling better sooner. We love witnessing these quick shifts: they're powerful and inspiring. By the end of an intensive, you'll walk away with fresh insights, practical tools, and a stronger sense of who you are.

How do we get started?

Getting started is simple! Reach out to us through the contact page by emailing, calling, or booking your consult directly to set up a free 20-minute consultation. This is a chance for us to connect, discuss your needs, and see if we're a good fit. If you decide to move forward, we'll send you the intake forms to complete before your first session, which can be in-person at our Dupont Circle office or virtual through a secure platform.

In-person therapy in Washington, D.C.

Learn More About In-Person Therapy for Teens Learn More About In-Person Therapy for Adults

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Virtual Therapy: Healing from the Comfort of Home

Life is busy, and carving out time for therapy can feel like just another stressor. That is why we offer virtual therapy: a flexible, accessible option designed to fit seamlessly into your routine.

Imagine settling into your favorite chair, a warm drink in hand, your pet by your side, and starting your session from the privacy of your own space. Many clients find it easier to open up when they are in a familiar environment, free from the pressures of commuting or worrying about being seen at a therapy office.

Virtual therapy offers all the same benefits of in-person sessions, with added convenience and confidentiality. You can save time, avoid transportation hassles, and focus entirely on your healing. Your sessions will be held over a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform, ensuring your privacy and safety every step of the way.

Learn More About Virtual Therapy