Overcoming Low Self-Esteem Through Therapy
What is Low Self-Esteem?
Low self-esteem might be that nagging voice in your head telling you you're not good enough. It may make you doubt yourself, hold back from opportunities, and feel stuck in a rut. When your self-esteem is low, you might find that you start comparing yourself to others or struggle with confidence in relationships, work, or social situations.
The good news? Self-esteem isn’t set in stone. With the right support, you could start shifting your mindset to build a more positive view of yourself.
What Leads to Low Self-Esteem?
Low self-esteem often has deep roots. It can stem from:
Early life experiences – Growing up with critical caregivers, bullying, or unrealistic expectations can shape our development and how we see ourselves.
Societal pressures – Social media, advertising, and cultural ideals can make us feel we’re not good enough.
Life events – A difficult relationship, stressful job, bereavement, or a health issue can knock your confidence.
Negative self-beliefs – Over time, we internalise negative messages, making self-doubt feel ‘normal’ rather than something we can challenge.
The Link Between Low Self-Esteem and Anxiety
If you struggle with low self-esteem, you might also experience anxiety. Constant self-doubt and fear of judgement can make social situations overwhelming and create a cycle where you avoid challenges, reinforcing feelings of inadequacy. Therapy can help break this cycle by identifying and shifting negative thought patterns. Therapy allows time and space to explore where it started and how it affects you today, helping you to challenge what you think you know and gain self-awareness.
Low Self-Esteem in Adults with ADHD
Many adults with ADHD struggle with low self-esteem, often because they’ve spent years feeling misunderstood or ‘not good enough.’ Struggling with focus, organisation, or impulsivity can lead to self-criticism. Therapy can provide a safe space to reframe these experiences and develop self-compassion.
Steps to Build Your Self-Esteem
Can Therapy Improve Your Self-Esteem?
Absolutely. Therapy helps you understand where your low self-esteem comes from and how to challenge the negative beliefs that hold you back and cause anxiety.
Break Free from Self-Doubt
Therapy encourages you to notice your self-critical thoughts, challenge and replace them with more balanced, positive ones. With time and practice, you can change the way you see yourself.
Empowering Women to Feel Confident at Work
Low self-esteem can hold women back in their careers, making them doubt their skills, hesitate to go for promotions or ask for pay reviews. Therapy can help challenge imposter syndrome, set healthy boundaries, and build confidence to take up space in professional settings.
Practical Ways to Boost Your Self-Esteem
Recognise and challenge negative thoughts
Surround yourself with supportive people
Celebrate your small wins
Set healthy boundaries and practise saying ‘no’
Engage in activities that bring you joy
10 Strategies to Stop
Feeling ‘Not Good Enough’
Challenge your inner critic
Focus on what you can control
Practise self-compassion
Limit time spent comparing yourself to others
Accept compliments without brushing them off
Engage in activities that make you feel capable
Set realistic, achievable goals
Keep a journal of things you’re proud of
Speak to yourself like you would a friend
Consider therapy to support your journey
Why Do I Struggle with Feeling ‘Good Enough’?
If you’ve always felt ‘not good enough,’ it could be linked to past experiences, perfectionism, or deep-seated beliefs about your worth. Therapy can help unpack and rewrite these beliefs so you can start seeing yourself in a kinder, more balanced way.
FAQ: Therapy for Low Self-Esteem
How can therapy help with low self-esteem?
Therapy helps by identifying the root causes of low self-esteem, challenging negative thought patterns, and developing self-compassion. Over time, you can learn to build confidence and feel more secure in yourself.
What type of therapy is best for low self-esteem?
Person-Centred Therapy is highly effective because it provides a supportive, non-judgemental space to explore your thoughts and feelings. It focuses on your personal growth and self-acceptance rather than just providing temporary fixes or being told what to do.
How long does it take to improve self-esteem through therapy?
It varies for everyone. Some people notice shifts in a few sessions, while others take longer to unlearn deep-rooted beliefs. What matters is finding a pace that feels right for you.
Can therapy help with confidence at work or in relationships?
Yes! Therapy can help you develop the confidence to speak up, set boundaries, and believe in your own worth—whether at work, in friendships, or in romantic relationships.
FAQ: Holly Ibbs – Therapy
Who is Holly Ibbs?
Holly Ibbs is a certified Person-Centred Therapist offering online therapy to individuals struggling with low self-esteem, anxiety, ADHD, and big life changes.
What approach does Holly Ibbs use?
I take a Person-Centred approach, meaning therapy is tailored to your needs. It’s a supportive, non-directive space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions at your own pace.
How can I book a session with Holly Ibbs?
You can book a session through my website, where you’ll find my availability and more information on how I work.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Yes! Online therapy offers flexibility and accessibility while still providing the same level of support and connection as in-person sessions.
If you’re ready to start building your self-esteem, therapy can be a great step towards a more confident and fulfilling life. Why not book a free 15-minute intro call to simply have a chat and see what it's all about?
