Low Self-Esteem
Negative core beliefs about ourselves — that we're not good enough, that we have to earn love or approval, that our needs don't matter as much as other people's — often sit at the heart of many other difficulties. They can shape how you see yourself, how you let others treat you, and how much space you feel able to take up in your own life.
I work with adults on developing a healthier, more compassionate relationship with themselves, using CBT to understand where these beliefs came from and build something different.
What this might look like for you
An inner voice that's harsher on you than it would be on anyone else, for things that don't warrant it.
A persistent sense that you fall short, regardless of what you achieve or how others see you.
Deflecting praise or achievements, or feeling like a fraud even when you've earned recognition.
Struggling to set boundaries, say no, or prioritise your own needs without feeling guilty.
Frequently measuring yourself against other people and coming away feeling like you don't measure up.
Core beliefs about your worth that were shaped by early experiences, relationships, or messages you received growing up.
This work often connects closely with breaking generational patterns and perfectionism. Many of the beliefs behind low self-esteem were formed early on, sometimes passed down without either of you realising it, and often show up as a relentless drive to get things right. Understanding where they came from can be an important part of changing how they affect you now.
Is this normal?
Everyone has moments of self-doubt. It's worth seeking support when negative beliefs about your own worth are persistent, are affecting your relationships, choices, or wellbeing, or are stopping you from doing things you'd otherwise want to do.
You don't need to have experienced something dramatic for this to be worth addressing — quiet, long-standing patterns can have just as much impact.
How CBT helps
CBT works by identifying the negative core beliefs underlying low self-esteem, understanding where they came from, and testing whether they hold up to scrutiny. From there, we build a more balanced, realistic view of yourself, and practise new ways of responding to self-criticism as it comes up.
This is gradual, practical work — not about forcing false positivity, but about developing a fairer, more compassionate relationship with yourself.
We start with a free 15-minute consultation, followed by an assessment session to understand what you're experiencing and agree a plan, then regular 50-minute CBT sessions. See the full process →
Frequently asked questions
Often from early experiences — messages received growing up, difficult relationships, or events that shaped negative beliefs about your own worth. These beliefs can also be reinforced later in life, for example by relationships or workplaces where you felt undervalued.
It can change. Core beliefs about yourself were learned, which means they can be examined, tested, and gradually shifted through CBT, even if they've felt fixed and "just who you are" for a long time.
Yes. Low self-esteem doesn't always show on the outside. Many people appear capable and high-functioning while privately struggling with persistent self-criticism, feeling like a fraud, or not believing they deserve their achievements.
This varies depending on what's underlying it and your goals. We'll agree a plan together after the assessment session, and review progress as we go.
They're related but not identical. Confidence often refers to specific skills or situations, while self-esteem is about your underlying sense of worth. It's possible to be confident in some areas of life while still carrying low self-esteem underneath.
No referral is needed. You can get in touch directly, and we'll start with a free 15-minute consultation to talk through what you're experiencing.
Ready to talk?
You're welcome to get in touch for a free, no-obligation 15-minute consultation. There's no pressure and no expectation that you have everything figured out before we speak.
Book your free consultation