Self-doubt can sneak into every decision, making it difficult to recognise your strengths or speak up for what you need. In counselling we create a steady, compassionate space to understand where those beliefs came from and to practise seeing yourself with more generosity.
Signs of low self-esteem in daily life
- Downplaying achievements or attributing success to luck.
- Apologising for things that are not your responsibility.
- Hesitating to set boundaries for fear of rejection.
- Comparing yourself harshly to peers, colleagues, or family members.
- Avoiding opportunities because you worry you will fail.
- Feeling uncomfortable receiving compliments or support.
Why confidence can be difficult to build alone
Critical inner voices often formed as protective strategies—perhaps after bullying, discrimination, family expectations, or workplace cultures that demanded perfection.
These voices can feel convincing because they have kept you safe before. Without a supportive witness to challenge them, you may continue believing they are the only reliable guides.
How counselling helps you feel more grounded in yourself
We spend our weekly sessions getting curious about the stories you hold about yourself. We can use that space to identify values, celebrate wins, and experiment with kinder self-talk. T
herapy also offers accountability for practising boundaries and noticing what confidence feels like in your body.
Approaches we might use
- Pluralistic therapy to tailor the process to your goals and learning style.
- Compassion-focused therapy to soften harsh self-criticism.
- Narrative approaches to rewrite limiting stories about identity and capability.
- EMDR resourcing when past experiences continue to shape self-worth.
Support for men working on confidence
Men can face competing expectations: be confident but not "arrogant", be sensitive but not "weak". Together we unpack these cultural pressures, explore how they influence your relationships, and practise authentic self-expression that feels sustainable.
Affirming self-esteem work for LGBTQ+ clients
Minority stress, misgendering, and internalised stigma can erode confidence. I offer an LGBTQIA+ affirmative space to explore identity, pride, and community without needing to justify who you are.
Self-esteem counselling FAQs
Will therapy just focus on positive thinking?
No. We explore the roots of low self-esteem and develop realistic tools for change. Authentic confidence grows from understanding yourself, not from forced positivity.
Can counselling help with imposter feelings at work?
We look at workplace culture, perfectionism, and support systems to help you navigate professional spaces. The work emphasises experimenting with approaches that suit your context.
How long does it take to feel more confident?
Confidence is a practice. The timeline differs for everyone, and we regularly review how the work feels and adjust together.
Do we discuss family patterns?
If family expectations or history impact your self-esteem, we can explore them in a way that feels safe and constructive.
Next steps
Book a consultation to share how self-doubt is affecting your life. If we choose to work together, your weekly session will be a consistent time to celebrate progress, examine setbacks, and build a more generous inner dialogue.