Low Self-Esteem Therapy in Essendon & Moonee Ponds
Low self-esteem can affect the way a person sees themselves, relates to others and approaches daily life. It may involve ongoing self-doubt, harsh self-criticism, difficulty recognising strengths, or feeling as though you are not “good enough”.
Psychologists consulting at The Victorian Psychology Clinic provide therapy for low self-esteem for adolescents and adults in Essendon, Moonee Ponds and via telehealth. Support may be helpful for people experiencing low confidence, perfectionism, people-pleasing, social anxiety, relationship difficulties or a strong inner critic.
Low self-esteem can develop for many reasons, including past experiences, criticism, bullying, trauma, relationship patterns, family dynamics, mental health concerns or long-standing beliefs about the self. Therapy can help people better understand these patterns, build self-compassion and develop a more balanced sense of self-worth.
Signs and Impact of Low Self Esteem
Low self-esteem does not always mean feeling down all the time. It can show up in subtle ways and may affect thoughts, emotions, relationships and decision-making.
Common signs may include:
- frequent self-criticism or a harsh inner dialogue
- feeling like you are not “good enough”
- fear of failure, rejection or disappointing others
- difficulty accepting compliments or positive feedback
- comparing yourself to others
- people-pleasing or finding it hard to set boundaries
- avoiding opportunities because of self-doubt
- perfectionism or feeling that mistakes are unacceptable
- relying on achievement, approval or appearance to feel valued
- holding back in relationships, work, study or social situations
Treatment for Low Self-Esteem
Building self-esteem is often a gradual process. Therapy can help people notice and challenge unhelpful beliefs, understand where these patterns developed, and practise new ways of relating to themselves.
Support may focus on:
- recognising negative self-talk and questioning unhelpful thoughts
- identifying personal strengths, values and needs
- developing self-compassion and a kinder internal dialogue
- setting realistic goals and building confidence over time
- practising assertiveness and healthy boundaries
- reducing comparison, perfectionism and fear of judgement
- building relationships that support a more balanced sense of self
How We Can Support You
Psychologists consulting at VPC provide a respectful and supportive space to explore low self-esteem, self-criticism and patterns that may be affecting confidence, relationships or daily life.
Therapy may help you:
- better understand where low self-esteem has come from
- challenge harsh or unhelpful self-beliefs
- develop more balanced and compassionate self-talk
- build confidence in relationships, study, work or daily life
- practise boundaries, assertiveness and self-acceptance
- strengthen a sense of worth that is not based only on achievement, approval or appearance
If low self-esteem is affecting your daily life, relationships or mental health, you are welcome to contact VPC to discuss support options. You can also learn more about the psychologists consulting at VPC who work with individuals experiencing difficulties with low self-esteem, as our Psychologists page.
We have a number of clinicians who work with eating disorders. To learn more, please refer to our Psychologists page for clinician details.
If you are currently experiencing eating difficulties or body image concerns and would like to begin your journey to recovery, get in touch with us. We are here to help.