Understanding
Self-Esteem & Confidence Issues
Overcoming negative self-perception and building a healthy, balanced sense of self-worth
Understanding
Self-Esteem & Confidence Issues
Overcoming negative self-perception and building a healthy, balanced sense of self-worth
Understanding
Self-Esteem & Confidence Issues
Overcoming negative self-perception and building a healthy, balanced sense of self-worth
What do self-esteem & confidence issues feel like?
Living with low self-esteem means carrying a persistent inner critic that questions your worth, abilities, and right to take up space in the world. This creates a constant background of self-doubt that affects decisions both big and small, from avoiding social situations to declining opportunities that could lead to growth or success. The experience often involves comparing yourself unfavourably to others whilst dismissing your own achievements as luck, timing, or not being "good enough" compared to what others might have done.
The daily reality includes feeling like an imposter in your own life, anticipating criticism or rejection, and struggling to accept compliments or positive feedback. Many people describe feeling trapped in a cycle where low confidence leads to avoiding challenges, which then reinforces the belief that they're not capable or worthy, creating a self-perpetuating pattern of limitation and missed opportunities.
Common Symptoms
Persistent negative self-talk and self-criticism
Avoiding new challenges or opportunities due to fear of failure
Difficulty accepting compliments or positive feedback
Comparing yourself unfavourably to others constantly
Seeking excessive approval or validation from others
Perfectionism and fear of making mistakes
Social anxiety and avoiding social situations
Feeling like an imposter despite achievements
What do self-esteem & confidence issues feel like?
Living with low self-esteem means carrying a persistent inner critic that questions your worth, abilities, and right to take up space in the world. This creates a constant background of self-doubt that affects decisions both big and small, from avoiding social situations to declining opportunities that could lead to growth or success. The experience often involves comparing yourself unfavourably to others whilst dismissing your own achievements as luck, timing, or not being "good enough" compared to what others might have done.
The daily reality includes feeling like an imposter in your own life, anticipating criticism or rejection, and struggling to accept compliments or positive feedback. Many people describe feeling trapped in a cycle where low confidence leads to avoiding challenges, which then reinforces the belief that they're not capable or worthy, creating a self-perpetuating pattern of limitation and missed opportunities.
Common Symptoms
Persistent negative self-talk and self-criticism
Avoiding new challenges or opportunities due to fear of failure
Difficulty accepting compliments or positive feedback
Comparing yourself unfavourably to others constantly
Seeking excessive approval or validation from others
Perfectionism and fear of making mistakes
Social anxiety and avoiding social situations
Feeling like an imposter despite achievements
What do self-esteem & confidence issues feel like?
Living with low self-esteem means carrying a persistent inner critic that questions your worth, abilities, and right to take up space in the world. This creates a constant background of self-doubt that affects decisions both big and small, from avoiding social situations to declining opportunities that could lead to growth or success. The experience often involves comparing yourself unfavourably to others whilst dismissing your own achievements as luck, timing, or not being "good enough" compared to what others might have done.
The daily reality includes feeling like an imposter in your own life, anticipating criticism or rejection, and struggling to accept compliments or positive feedback. Many people describe feeling trapped in a cycle where low confidence leads to avoiding challenges, which then reinforces the belief that they're not capable or worthy, creating a self-perpetuating pattern of limitation and missed opportunities.
Common Symptoms
Persistent negative self-talk and self-criticism
Avoiding new challenges or opportunities due to fear of failure
Difficulty accepting compliments or positive feedback
Comparing yourself unfavourably to others constantly
Seeking excessive approval or validation from others
Perfectionism and fear of making mistakes
Social anxiety and avoiding social situations
Feeling like an imposter despite achievements
History of Self-Esteem & Confidence Issues
From character weakness to recognised psychological concern requiring support
Early 1900s
Psychology begins examining self-concept and self-regard, with early theorists like William James exploring how individuals form opinions about their own worth and capabilities
1960s
Psychologist Nathaniel Branden popularises the term "self-esteem," establishing it as crucial for mental health and connecting low self-worth to various psychological difficulties
1980s-90s
Cognitive behavioural approaches identify negative thought patterns and core beliefs as key factors in low self-esteem, leading to targeted therapeutic interventions
Present
Modern psychology recognises self-esteem as multifaceted, integrating approaches from CBT, compassion-focused therapy, and acceptance-based treatments to build genuine, resilient self-worth rather than superficial confidence
History of Self-Esteem & Confidence Issues
From character weakness to recognised psychological concern requiring support
Early 1900s
Psychology begins examining self-concept and self-regard, with early theorists like William James exploring how individuals form opinions about their own worth and capabilities
1960s
Psychologist Nathaniel Branden popularises the term "self-esteem," establishing it as crucial for mental health and connecting low self-worth to various psychological difficulties
1980s-90s
Cognitive behavioural approaches identify negative thought patterns and core beliefs as key factors in low self-esteem, leading to targeted therapeutic interventions
Present
Modern psychology recognises self-esteem as multifaceted, integrating approaches from CBT, compassion-focused therapy, and acceptance-based treatments to build genuine, resilient self-worth rather than superficial confidence
History of Self-Esteem & Confidence Issues
From character weakness to recognised psychological concern requiring support
Early 1900s
Psychology begins examining self-concept and self-regard, with early theorists like William James exploring how individuals form opinions about their own worth and capabilities
1960s
Psychologist Nathaniel Branden popularises the term "self-esteem," establishing it as crucial for mental health and connecting low self-worth to various psychological difficulties
1980s-90s
Cognitive behavioural approaches identify negative thought patterns and core beliefs as key factors in low self-esteem, leading to targeted therapeutic interventions
Present
Modern psychology recognises self-esteem as multifaceted, integrating approaches from CBT, compassion-focused therapy, and acceptance-based treatments to build genuine, resilient self-worth rather than superficial confidence
Take our free self-test
Take our free self-test
Take a short self-test to see if counselling might make a difference.
Take a short self-test to see if counselling might make a difference.
Instructions
Answer the questions based on the last few weeks. Choose the option that fits best. You’ll see your results at the end.
This short self-test explores whether therapy could be helpful for you right now. It isn’t a diagnosis, but it can help you decide next steps.
Instructions
Answer the questions based on the last few weeks. Choose the option that fits best. You’ll see your results at the end.
This short self-test explores whether therapy could be helpful for you right now. It isn’t a diagnosis, but it can help you decide next steps.
Instructions
Answer the questions based on the last few weeks. Choose the option that fits best. You’ll see your results at the end.
This short self-test explores whether therapy could be helpful for you right now. It isn’t a diagnosis, but it can help you decide next steps.
How therapy can help
Therapy for self-esteem and confidence issues uses approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to identify and challenge negative thought patterns whilst building more balanced, realistic self-perceptions. Compassion-focused therapy helps develop self-kindness and reduce harsh self-criticism, whilst behavioural experiments gradually build confidence through successful experiences. Therapists work to uncover underlying beliefs about self-worth, often rooted in early experiences, and help develop healthier, more resilient foundations for self-esteem.
Treatment emphasises building genuine self-acceptance rather than superficial confidence, developing skills for self-compassion, and learning to take appropriate risks for personal growth. Many people experience significant improvements in self-regard within months, as they develop tools for managing self-criticism and building a more balanced, authentic sense of their own worth and capabilities.
Benefits of Therapy
Challenging negative thought patterns and self-criticism
Building genuine self-acceptance and self-compassion
Developing resilience against criticism and setbacks
Learning to recognise and celebrate personal strengths
Improving assertiveness and communication skills
Reducing perfectionism and fear of making mistakes
Building confidence through graduated exposure to challenges
Creating a more balanced, realistic self-perception
Frequently Asked Questions
Building healthy self-esteem and lasting confidence
What's the difference between self-esteem and confidence?
Can you have too much self-esteem?
How long does it take to improve self-esteem?
Is low self-esteem always related to childhood experiences?
How therapy can help
Therapy for self-esteem and confidence issues uses approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to identify and challenge negative thought patterns whilst building more balanced, realistic self-perceptions. Compassion-focused therapy helps develop self-kindness and reduce harsh self-criticism, whilst behavioural experiments gradually build confidence through successful experiences. Therapists work to uncover underlying beliefs about self-worth, often rooted in early experiences, and help develop healthier, more resilient foundations for self-esteem.
Treatment emphasises building genuine self-acceptance rather than superficial confidence, developing skills for self-compassion, and learning to take appropriate risks for personal growth. Many people experience significant improvements in self-regard within months, as they develop tools for managing self-criticism and building a more balanced, authentic sense of their own worth and capabilities.
Benefits of Therapy
Challenging negative thought patterns and self-criticism
Building genuine self-acceptance and self-compassion
Developing resilience against criticism and setbacks
Learning to recognise and celebrate personal strengths
Improving assertiveness and communication skills
Reducing perfectionism and fear of making mistakes
Building confidence through graduated exposure to challenges
Creating a more balanced, realistic self-perception
Frequently Asked Questions
Building healthy self-esteem and lasting confidence
What's the difference between self-esteem and confidence?
Can you have too much self-esteem?
How long does it take to improve self-esteem?
Is low self-esteem always related to childhood experiences?
How therapy can help
Therapy for self-esteem and confidence issues uses approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to identify and challenge negative thought patterns whilst building more balanced, realistic self-perceptions. Compassion-focused therapy helps develop self-kindness and reduce harsh self-criticism, whilst behavioural experiments gradually build confidence through successful experiences. Therapists work to uncover underlying beliefs about self-worth, often rooted in early experiences, and help develop healthier, more resilient foundations for self-esteem.
Treatment emphasises building genuine self-acceptance rather than superficial confidence, developing skills for self-compassion, and learning to take appropriate risks for personal growth. Many people experience significant improvements in self-regard within months, as they develop tools for managing self-criticism and building a more balanced, authentic sense of their own worth and capabilities.
Benefits of Therapy
Challenging negative thought patterns and self-criticism
Building genuine self-acceptance and self-compassion
Developing resilience against criticism and setbacks
Learning to recognise and celebrate personal strengths
Improving assertiveness and communication skills
Reducing perfectionism and fear of making mistakes
Building confidence through graduated exposure to challenges
Creating a more balanced, realistic self-perception
Frequently Asked Questions
Building healthy self-esteem and lasting confidence
What's the difference between self-esteem and confidence?
Can you have too much self-esteem?
How long does it take to improve self-esteem?
Is low self-esteem always related to childhood experiences?
