Online Therapy for
You deserve to feel good about who you are
Low self-esteem means holding a persistently negative view of yourself. It can be linked with depression, anxiety, relationships, and earlier experiences. Talking therapy may help some people explore these patterns and practise different responses.
General information, not medical advice
This page is for general information and does not diagnose, treat, or replace advice from a GP or other qualified health professional. If symptoms are new, severe, worsening, or you are worried about your safety, seek appropriate medical or urgent support.
Signs and symptoms
You might be experiencing low self-esteem if you recognise any of the following:
- Persistent critical inner voice, harsh self-judgement
- Comparing yourself negatively to others
- Difficulty accepting compliments or believing you deserve good things
- People-pleasing and difficulty saying no
- Avoiding challenges or new experiences for fear of failure
- Feeling fundamentally flawed, worthless, or unlovable
- Seeking constant reassurance and validation from others
- Staying in unhealthy situations because you don't feel you deserve better
What causes low self-esteem?
Low Self-Esteem is rarely caused by a single factor. Common contributing factors include:
- Critical, neglectful, or inconsistent parenting in childhood
- Bullying, rejection, or social exclusion
- Academic or professional failures and harsh criticism
- Trauma or abuse
- Comparison culture and social media
- Chronic illness or disability affecting body image and capability
How therapy can help
Talking therapy helps you trace where your self-critical beliefs came from and, often for the first time, say them out loud to someone who won't simply agree with them. A therapist helps you question their validity and build a more compassionate, realistic view of yourself. This isn't about empty affirmations, it's about developing genuine self-worth grounded in understanding and evidence.
Therapeutic approaches we use
Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT)
Develops self-compassion as a foundation for self-worth, particularly helpful for those with a very harsh inner critic.
Person-Centred Counselling
A warm, accepting therapeutic relationship that itself counters years of harsh self-judgement, providing a different experience of being understood.
Schema Therapy
Addresses deep schemas like defectiveness, shame, or failure formed early in life that underpin chronic low self-esteem.
CBT for Self-Esteem
Identifies and challenges the core beliefs and rules for living that maintain low self-esteem, building a fairer, more balanced self-view.
Frequently asked questions
Is low self-esteem the same as depression?
They're related but different. Low self-esteem is a view of yourself; depression is a mood state. Low self-esteem often contributes to depression, and depression worsens self-esteem. But you can have low self-esteem without being depressed.
Can self-esteem really change through therapy?
Self-esteem can change over time. Talking therapy may help some people examine beliefs and patterns, but the pace and outcome vary.
How long does it take to improve self-esteem?
Meaningful shifts in self-esteem typically take 3-6 months of consistent work, as core beliefs formed over years need sustained attention to change. Shorter courses can still produce noticeable improvements.
Content information and sources
Editorial status: Content checked against UK clinical guidance and NHS information. Reviewed . This is an editorial check; no named clinician is represented as having reviewed this page.
Authoritative UK sources relevant to this topic:
Ready to take the first step?
Explore therapy options and discuss availability with a therapist.
You don't have to face low self-esteem alone
Explore support options and choose an approach that feels right for you.
Start your journey →