Self-Esteem

The term self-esteem refers to our overall subjective emotional evaluation of our own worth – in other words, it’s your attitude towards yourself. Self-esteem begins to take shape in childhood and can be influenced by many factors, including early experiences at home or school, familial relationships, the media, your age and role in society and how people react to you. It is totally normal for your self-esteem to fluctuate – for example feeling down about yourself once in awhile. However, most individuals develop a baseline self-esteem that remains fairly constant over the course of their lifetimes. If you are struggling with low self-esteem, you likely spend significant time criticizing yourself and you may experience frequent feelings of shame and self-doubt. The good news is that, with work, you can change your baseline self-esteem. Therapy for self-esteem issues can help you work toward feeling confident, valuable, and worthy of respect. Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s self-esteem experts today.

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Meet the specialists

 

I have been studying the effects and potential causes of low self-esteem since the age of 14, when I completed a project examining the systemic problem of decreasing self-esteem in grade-school aged girls in the areas of math and science across age groups, and proposing multiple possible sources of this occurrence. More recently, in my clinical work I have facilitated a women's group intended to raise individual participants' self-esteem and to create a sense of community within the group.

— Megan Matthews, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Lakewood, OH

Our self-esteem along with self-worth is how we value & perceive ourselves. Low self-esteem affects our decision-making, what we tolerate and accept from others & our willingness to pursue opportunities. Our self-esteem & self-worth are directly linked to our happiness and self-respect. What we think of ourselves, our internal thoughts, significantly influence our mental health.

— Lynette Cisneros, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Raleigh, NC
 

Anxiety and depression are often mixed in with self-esteem. Adverse childhood experiences, trauma, and the world in general can grind us down, making feel like we are less than. A new understanding of self can result in huge changes. Self-esteem issues can be especially pronounced in the LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent communities, two populations I work with.

— Joy Gilman, Therapist in Framingham, MA

I believe self-esteem can be a driver for a lot of our actions and relationships in life and work to explore self-esteem as well as empower my clients.

— Catherine Matuszko, Therapist
 

Releasing fear and grabbing hold of your inner strength to be able to release your internal dialogue of power, boldness and confidence. This will be explored through mantras, affirmations, guided meditation, and the power of presence.

— Collene Taylor, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor in Rockford, IL

Self-concept and worthiness is often at the root of these concerns. Discovery on the origins or root of this self-narrative will be in focus along with reframing those thoughts.

— Jayme Hanson, Licensed Professional Counselor Intern in Eagan, MN
 

Low self-esteem can make you feel like you’re stuck in a cycle of self-doubt and negativity, questioning your worth and potential. But you have the power to change this narrative. In our sessions, we’ll work together to rebuild your self-confidence, helping you see yourself as the capable, valuable person you truly are. Imagine a life where you approach each day with a sense of self-assurance and purpose. I’m here to help you uncover your strengths and embrace confidence.

— Ellery Wren, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Plano, TX

Self-esteem plays a crucial role in how we perceive ourselves and interact with the world. If you struggle with negative self-talk or feelings of inadequacy, I am committed to helping you build a healthier self-image. Through exploration and compassion, we can work together to foster self-acceptance and empower you to embrace your unique strengths.

— Larina Adler, Mental Health Practitioner in Oakdale, MN
 

For the past 5 years in the mental health field I have helped people understand, identify, and grow through self-esteem issues. I have found as a therapist that self-esteem issues is one of the core factors that contributes to peoples mental health concerns. This is a very serious issue and one that I handle very gently.

— Daniel Lavelle, Licensed Professional Counselor in Vienna, VA

Self-esteem is an individual's subjective evaluation of their own worth. Self-esteem encompasses beliefs about oneself as well as emotional states, such as triumph, despair, pride, and shame. Not only do I address self-esteem and identity in therapy, but I also address self-love and compassion. Self-compassion involves treating ourselves with kindness and understanding while being aware of our own pain and suffering, and understanding that this is a hard, but normal human experience.

— Christina Kafalas, Clinical Social Worker in Tempe, AZ
 

I'm passionate about helping souls who have suffered at the hands of their partners, friends, family members, co-workers or bosses with narcissistic traits. To live with someone who has no empathy for your needs damages your self-esteem. This form of gaslighting & invalidation is terribly painful. Low self-worth is inevitable and NOT your fault. I get it because I've lived it. Therapy can create awareness and understanding of your experience, as well as help you find your way out of the pain.

— Anny Papatheodorou, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Walnut Creek, CA

Self-esteem and self-confidence issues are very common, though many suffer silently alone. I used to be like this. I wish I had sought counseling much earlier in life. My passion today is helping people feel comfortable and understand why they feel this way. I know how to help people transform their lives so they can feel confident and live the lives they truly want to live. Feel free to set up a complimentary session on my website and let's discuss how I can help you.

— Timothy Long, Psychotherapist in Boulder, CO
 

Jaci works with ages 15+ to develop a stable sense of self-esteem and identity. Jaci uses gentle guidance, humor, and finding joy with her clients in order to explore the tender parts of their core beliefs and self-perception. Jaci has been on her own self-acceptance journey for 10 years, participating in her own therapy experiences for half of that. Jaci wholly believes in offering compassion to oneself as the antidote to toxic shame and low self-esteem.

— Jacqueline Hynes, Licensed Professional Counselor in Princeton, TX

I help adults recovering from narcissistic abuse rebuild self-esteem and regain confidence. In a safe, non-judgmental space, we address the deep emotional scars of manipulation and gaslighting. Using personalized therapeutic techniques like CBT and ACT, I will help you dismantle negative self-beliefs, reclaim your identity, and set healthy boundaries. Each session fosters resilience, empowering you to trust yourself again and create a life of emotional freedom and self-worth.

— Rosy Greer, Psychotherapist in Chandler, AZ
 

When working with self-esteem issues, I use a compassionate, mindful approach to help folks unpack harmful narratives and begin to build a healthier relationship with themselves. Occasionally, self-esteem concerns intersect with body image concerns. It is important to note that I practice from a HAES-informed approach (Health at Every Size), and I believe that health looks different for every body.

— Nicole Borneman, Student Therapist in Saint Paul, MN

Having adequate self-esteem, confidence, and self-worth are important aspects of being a human, creating healthy fulfilling relationships, and creating the life you want. I also help my clients heal from narcissistic abuse and relationships and how those have impacted their self-esteem.

— Kim Stevens, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA