Low self-esteem can shape the way you think, feel and respond to everyday situations. It often shows up as self-doubt, negative thoughts and a strong belief that you’re not good enough, even when the evidence says otherwise. This can lead to anxiety, low mood, stress and a persistent sense of being overwhelmed.
Over 93% of adults in the UK feel pressured to regularly compare themselves to others, which can lead to low self-esteem and influence their relationships, decisions, and sense of value. Therapy for low self-esteem gives you space to slow down, understand what’s underneath these feelings and begin building a healthier relationship with yourself.
At The Talking Rooms, you work with a qualified counsellor in a warm, confidential environment where you can talk freely, explore your experiences and develop tools that help you feel more grounded in your daily life.
Book a free 15-minute consultation. With the right support, you can begin building self-esteem and feel more confident as you navigate life’s challenges.
How Therapy Helps You Build Healthy Self-Esteem
Low self-esteem is not something you’re born with. Therapy offers a calm, compassionate space where you explore the thoughts, negative beliefs and experiences that have shaped your self-worth. We work gently and collaboratively, helping you explore why certain patterns and reactions appear, and what you can do to change them.
Recognising Thought Patterns Linked to Low Self-Esteem
Negative self-talk, internal beliefs and old negative thinking often feel automatic. You may interpret situations in a negative way, imagine the worst or replay conversations long after they have passed. These thought patterns can influence your well-being, confidence and relationships.
In therapy, you begin to notice these patterns, understand where they come from and learn strategies that support a more balanced, positive internal voice.
Understand What Shaped Your Self-Worth
Self-esteem is shaped by early life events, relationships, school experiences and the words of certain people who influenced how you saw yourself. Over time, repeated criticism, unrealistic expectations or emotional challenges can lead you to undervalue your positive traits or skills.
Exploring these experiences helps you understand what led to your current symptoms, why you may lack confidence in specific situations and how these deeply held beliefs developed.
Developing Tools to Gain Confidence
As therapy progresses, you learn tools that help you cope with stress, challenge ruminating thoughts and make positive changes. This may include slowing your reactions, practising self-acceptance, saying positive things about yourself, noticing unhelpful habits or learning ways to feel more in control when emotions rise.
People often describe feeling more steady, capable, not because life becomes easier, but because they feel better equipped to face challenges without fear of failure.
How Low Self-Esteem Shows Up in Different Stages of Life
Low self-esteem can affect individuals regardless of age, responsibilities and environment. Low self-esteem can feel a bit like tending to a garden where the soil has been shaped by years of weathered seasons.
When difficult experiences leave a negative impact, it’s as if the roots of a strong tree are struggling beneath the surface, even though the potential to grow is still there.
Low Self-Esteem in Teens and Young People
- Comparing themselves to others on social media
- Withdrawing socially
- Worrying about appearance or belonging
- Avoiding activities due to fear of judgment
Low Self-Esteem in Students and Young Adults
- Lacking confidence during exams or classes
- Struggling to speak up in groups
- Feeling pressure to meet high expectations from peers
Self-Esteem Issues in Adults at Work
- Imposter feelings
- Staying quiet in meetings
- People-pleasing to avoid conflict
- Avoiding opportunities due to fear of failure
Low Self-Esteem in Parents
- Feeling unsure or overly self-critical
- Comparing themselves to others
- Struggling to trust their own decisions
Therapy helps you recognise these patterns and unpack how they influence your perception of value in different areas of life. It can also help you nurture that inner garden so your branches can strengthen and eventually reach outward with confidence.
Building Positive Relationships and Self-Acceptance
As you develop confidence, you naturally form better relationships. You learn to communicate clearly, set boundaries and surround yourself with people who support your wellbeing. Many people who go through our low self-esteem counselling describe feeling more comfortable in their own skin and able to connect with others in a healthy, balanced way.
Building Positive Relationships and Self-Acceptance
As you develop confidence, you naturally form better relationships. You learn to communicate clearly, set boundaries and surround yourself with people who support your wellbeing. Many people who go through our low self-esteem counselling describe feeling more comfortable in their own skin and able to connect with others in a healthy, balanced way.
Contact us to book your first appointment with a low self-esteem therapist matched just for you. Take the first step to seeing a positive difference.
Common Symptoms of Low Self-Esteem
People often seek self-confidence therapy when they notice patterns such as:
- Constant self-criticism
- Difficulty expressing needs
- Seeking reassurance often
- Finding it difficult to accept compliments
- Tolerating poor treatment due to low self-worth
- Avoiding challenges or new opportunities
- Comparing themselves negatively to others
- People-pleasing or struggling with boundaries
- catastrophising (imagining worst-case scenarios)
- Difficulty recognising personal strengths
If you recognise even a few of these, our self-confidence therapist can help you explore these reactions with compassion rather than judgement.
What to Expect in Self-Esteem Counselling
Whether you attend in person in Glasgow or East Kilbride, or opt for online therapy, your sessions are centred around your comfort and pace. You’re always encouraged, never pushed.
Your First Session
Your counsellor spends time understanding your experiences, symptoms and what you hope will change. Some people feel nervous before starting, especially if they have carried these worries for years.
You can talk about anything that feels important, and your counsellor gently guides you, offering meaningful insights and exploring what influences the way you see yourself.
How Long Until You See Change
Everyone works differently. Some feel positive and lighter after a few sessions, while others need more time to make sense of their thought patterns and build confidence. This work is personal, steady and focused on long-term wellbeing rather than quick fixes. If helpful, you can explore our flexible pricing options, including assessments and block bookings for planning support.
Some people also think of this process as a form of self-development therapy. A way of becoming more secure in who they are and clearer about what they truly need.
If you’re ready to explore how therapy can support you, book an appointment to speak with a qualified therapist who’s here to listen.
FAQs About Low Self-Esteem Therapy
Here are some helpful answers to common questions to help you explore whether therapy for low self-esteem feels like the right next step.
Low self-esteem can develop from early experiences, criticism, bullying, trauma or repeated negative messages. These experiences influence your beliefs and shape how you understand yourself.
You will notice small shifts in your thinking that ultimately lead to significant changes. You may start setting boundaries, feel more positive about your decisions, react differently to stress or trust your own opinions more.
Low self-esteem is more common than most people realise, and it manifests in patterns rather than in one moment.
It can also show up in the small decisions you make daily, like holding back your opinions or apologising more than you need to. Many people also describe feeling disconnected from their strengths, even when others clearly see them.
Rebuild your confidence with support that fits your life.
Get in touch if you still have questions or need guidance about our therapy sessions.
Why Choose The Talking Rooms
Choosing the right place for low self-esteem support matters, especially when you already feel weighed down by negative thoughts or self-doubt. Since 2019, The Talking Rooms has offered a compassionate space for individuals seeking to build healthy self-esteem and work on their mental health.
Our mental health care also includes:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy
- Therapy for teenagers age 12+
- CBT therapy for anger management
- Counselling for employees who are stressed
Various counsellors on our team are accredited to a governing body such as BACP, BABCP or COSCA, ensuring you receive treatment that is grounded in clinical insight and delivered with care.
If low self-esteem has affected your wellbeing, relationships or sense of value, we’re here to support you with self-esteem counselling that adapts to your needs.
Book your free 15-minute consultation today and take the first step towards building a healthy self-image with support that feels safe and understanding.