Therapy to Strengthen Self-Esteem In Houston
With Mary Duran, LCSW, LCDC
And Gabriela Treviño, LCSW
We bring years of specialized experience treating the deep-seated “not enough" feeling in various speciality therapeutic settings. We provide a direct, human approach to untangling the scripts of perfectionism and the tools needed to find genuine self-worth.
Are you exhausted from the constant comparison trap of social media and societal expectations?
Do you feel like an imposter, waiting for everyone to realize you aren't as "together" as you look?
Does your inner critic have a louder voice than your own intuition?
Low self-esteem isn't just feeling bad about yourself, it’s a constant, internal performance. You might be over-achieving and over-extending on the outside while feeling like a failure on the inside. This is a deeply ingrained response, a strategy you developed long ago just to get by. We help you turn down the volume on the world’s expectations so you can finally hear your own voice.
People Come To Us When They Experience
Loud, harsh inner critic
Constant "Imposter Syndrome" feelings
Paralyzing social media comparison
Exhausting people-pleasing habits
Fear of being "found out”
Difficulty accepting any praise
Struggling to set boundaries
Seeking constant external validation
How Therapy for Self-Esteem With Us Works
We start by building a foundation of mutual respect and zero judgment. You don’t need another person telling you to “just love yourself” or giving you empty affirmations that don't feel true. We show up as strategic partners, a steady, honest presence to help you identify where your not enough script actually came from.
Sessions are collaborative and direct. We help you untangle the shoulds of your past, quiet the self-sabotage that keeps you stuck, and build the practical tools needed to trust your own judgment. Our goal is to move you past the exhaustion of seeking approval and back into the driver’s seat of your own life.
Modalities We Use
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We turn down the volume on the harsh internal critic that tells you you're failing, treating compassion as a strategic tool to help you stop wasting energy beating yourself up.
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We work to identify and quiet the automatic "I'm a failure" thoughts, giving you the clarity to see your value based on reality rather than your fears.
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Low self-esteem often lives in the body as a shrinking feeling or constant tension; we use body-based tools to help you take up space and feel steady in your own skin.
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We explore how your early relationships created your blueprint for worth, helping you heal the old wounds that make you feel like you have to "earn" your place in the world.
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DBT provides a tactical toolkit to handle the big emotions and "rejection sensitivity" that often come with low self-esteem, helping you stay grounded during conflict.
Learn to feel confident in yourself again.
After Therapy, Our Clients Report:
Trusting their own voice
Quieting the inner critic
Setting unapologetic, healthy boundaries
No more "Imposter Syndrome'“
Validation comes from within
Feeling steady and enough
Taking up space confidently
Leading a self-directed life
About Us
Mary Duran, LCSW, LCDC
And Gabriela Treviño, LCSW
Our style is relational and direct. We build a real connection with you. We give feedback, help you notice patterns in the moment, and teach you how to regulate your body, brain, and emotions. We believe healing happens inside a consistent, honest relationship.
Therapist Mary Duran, LCSW, LCDC
more about me
👋🏼 Hi, I’m Mary
Before joining this practice, I spent years deepening my training in attachment-based theory and therapy. My work focuses on helping clients understand how early relationships shape the patterns they experience in adulthood, especially in the way they connect, communicate, and respond to stress. I have a strong passion for working specifically with men and find this work deeply meaningful.
Outside of the therapy room, I have practiced yoga for over a decade and find movement essential for calming a fast-moving mind. I live in Houston with my spouse and our two small dogs.
Therapist Gabriela Treviño, LCSW
more about me
👋🏼 Hi, I’m Gabriela,
Before joining this practice, I worked exclusively in specialized treatment programs with clients across the life span. I have worked with high-achieving men navigating the pressures of demanding jobs and enjoy helping them reconnect to themselves to show up effectively in their lives.
I was raised in Houston and feel deeply connected to the community here. In my free time, I enjoy getting lost in a good book, gardening, and spending time with my partner and our three dogs.
Availability: We work with clients in-person in Houston. Telehealth sessions available across Texas, Colorado, Maryland, Maine, Minnesota, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C.
Education, Credentials,
& Trainings
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Texas
Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, Texas
Extensive experience supporting people across the life-span strengthen their self-esteem
Advanced Evidence-Based Training – Intensive training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Self-Compassion Therapy
Experience In Intensive Treatment Settings, including The Menninger Clinic, J. Flowers Health Institute, & UT Health
3 Steps To Get Started
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Fill out the contact form. We will personally respond and answer your questions.
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We will schedule a short call to see if it feels like a good fit and talk through next steps.
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We begin building trust, understanding your current struggles, and creating a clear plan for our work together.