Self Esteem Therapists in Kelowna, BC
I offer counselling in the Okanagan and Kamloops, and virtually across BC, for youth and adults with ADHD, stress, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, relationship challenges, self-harm, trauma and issues with self-esteem, self-worth and perfectionism. I have special expertise in supporting post-secondary clients with school stress. I have a sense of genuine care for my clients and focus on building and maintaining a strong rapport throughout the counselling process. In a world of never ending societal pressures, I work with clients to help them begin to live more congruent lives that align with their true values.
I offer counselling in the Okanagan and Kamloops, and virtually across BC, for youth and adults with ADHD, stress, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, relationship challenges, self-harm, trauma and issues with self-esteem, self-worth and perfectionism. I have special expertise in supporting post-secondary clients with school stress. I have a sense of genuine care for my clients and focus on building and maintaining a strong rapport throughout the counselling process. In a world of never ending societal pressures, I work with clients to help them begin to live more congruent lives that align with their true values.
I can help you develop coping skills to manage anxiety and depression effectively while overcoming shame, inadequacy and self esteem issues.
Feeling the call to cultivate a deeper connection with yourself, rediscover your strengths and learn tools to live life more intentionally? Whether you're navigating anxiety, battling your inner critic, or feeling inundated by life's complexities, I’m here to help. My role is to guide, empower, and equip you with the insights and practical strategies to facilitate meaningful change. I take an integrative approach that welcomes you as you are, and is adapted to your unique needs and goals.
I can help you develop coping skills to manage anxiety and depression effectively while overcoming shame, inadequacy and self esteem issues.
Feeling the call to cultivate a deeper connection with yourself, rediscover your strengths and learn tools to live life more intentionally? Whether you're navigating anxiety, battling your inner critic, or feeling inundated by life's complexities, I’m here to help. My role is to guide, empower, and equip you with the insights and practical strategies to facilitate meaningful change. I take an integrative approach that welcomes you as you are, and is adapted to your unique needs and goals.
Cameron Grunbaum
Counsellor, BHKIN, MA, CCC, RCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Kelowna, BC V1Y (Online Only)
I help men that: bottle up emotions rather than communicate them; become overwhelmed with anxiety and anger; feel helpless and passive and thereby suppress their feelings; get lost and stuck in depression; struggle with low self-esteem; have tried counselling but never discovered the roots of their issues, found their progress to plateau, or were not able to gain anything from it; and who struggle to achieve deep, lasting changes in their feelings, thoughts, and behaviours. If you resonate with any of the above, you are ready to stop talking in circles about your issues and start tackling your problems head-on to make real progress.
I help men that: bottle up emotions rather than communicate them; become overwhelmed with anxiety and anger; feel helpless and passive and thereby suppress their feelings; get lost and stuck in depression; struggle with low self-esteem; have tried counselling but never discovered the roots of their issues, found their progress to plateau, or were not able to gain anything from it; and who struggle to achieve deep, lasting changes in their feelings, thoughts, and behaviours. If you resonate with any of the above, you are ready to stop talking in circles about your issues and start tackling your problems head-on to make real progress.
Anxiety, depression, learning better communication skills, toxic relationships, building self esteem, emotional regulation and processing, trauma, the responsibilities of life... It never seems to end. We all know we could take care of ourselves a little better. How? Together, through a non-judgmental space, we'll discover the stories you are telling yourself about your life and rewrite them to empower you and promote self-compassion in you, as well as sustainability for your future. We will also practice coping skills that help you to manage your everyday stressors and exceptional circumstances. Your wellbeing is my top priority.
Anxiety, depression, learning better communication skills, toxic relationships, building self esteem, emotional regulation and processing, trauma, the responsibilities of life... It never seems to end. We all know we could take care of ourselves a little better. How? Together, through a non-judgmental space, we'll discover the stories you are telling yourself about your life and rewrite them to empower you and promote self-compassion in you, as well as sustainability for your future. We will also practice coping skills that help you to manage your everyday stressors and exceptional circumstances. Your wellbeing is my top priority.
Ellen is a Registered Professional Counsellor, and Certified Life Coach, a mom to 4 men and a woman with a desire to see others live life with purpose and zeal, confident in knowing who they are designed to be. My passion is to empower and equip individuals in overcoming obstacles, discovering who they are, and reaching their goals and dreams while living uninhibited with boldness.
Ellen is a Registered Professional Counsellor, and Certified Life Coach, a mom to 4 men and a woman with a desire to see others live life with purpose and zeal, confident in knowing who they are designed to be. My passion is to empower and equip individuals in overcoming obstacles, discovering who they are, and reaching their goals and dreams while living uninhibited with boldness.
I offer a down-to-earth and compassionate approach with a sprinkle of humour. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) passionate about helping young adults and adults, by providing in-person counselling (Kelowna) and virtual counselling across BC. Most of my practice focuses on helping adults (19+) with the following: self-esteem and confidence, anxiety, people pleasing, setting boundaries, navigating dysfunctional family relationships, perfectionism and procrastination, coping with severe exhaustion or burnout, feeling lost or unsure about the future, making big life decisions, and grief and loss.
I offer a down-to-earth and compassionate approach with a sprinkle of humour. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) passionate about helping young adults and adults, by providing in-person counselling (Kelowna) and virtual counselling across BC. Most of my practice focuses on helping adults (19+) with the following: self-esteem and confidence, anxiety, people pleasing, setting boundaries, navigating dysfunctional family relationships, perfectionism and procrastination, coping with severe exhaustion or burnout, feeling lost or unsure about the future, making big life decisions, and grief and loss.
Art therapy offers the opportunity to express yourself and explore your experiences through the use of materials, art making, and imagery. Anyone can benefit from art therapy whether it is to help you gain insight, improve your self esteem, manage stress, anxiety, life transitions, or to help you cope with ongoing difficulties. Art Therapy can be helpful for processing stressful and traumatic experiences by offering a physical and tangible way to process these experiences.
Art therapy offers the opportunity to express yourself and explore your experiences through the use of materials, art making, and imagery. Anyone can benefit from art therapy whether it is to help you gain insight, improve your self esteem, manage stress, anxiety, life transitions, or to help you cope with ongoing difficulties. Art Therapy can be helpful for processing stressful and traumatic experiences by offering a physical and tangible way to process these experiences.
Interested in Feminist Therapy? Hi, I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor and settler on Lekwungen Territory and I can offer support with trauma recovery or PTSD/cPTSD, self-esteem, LGBTQ2S+ experiences, anxiety & depression, grief, cancer, and more. I can help you process emotions, move forward from past experiences, learn new ways to cope, and widen your perspective. If you want to feel better and live more authentically, we might be a good team!
Interested in Feminist Therapy? Hi, I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor and settler on Lekwungen Territory and I can offer support with trauma recovery or PTSD/cPTSD, self-esteem, LGBTQ2S+ experiences, anxiety & depression, grief, cancer, and more. I can help you process emotions, move forward from past experiences, learn new ways to cope, and widen your perspective. If you want to feel better and live more authentically, we might be a good team!
Counselling can be helpful to people who are struggling to cope with daily life for a long time or people who need support to move them through challenging moments. Our main objective is to help clients discover their true authentic self. Some of the issues we help include Trauma, PTSD, and mental conditioning like Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Addictions, self-esteem, cognitive, and behavioural issues. During the sessions, we will help clients feel connected, build inner confidence, and create boundaries, to have better control of their life. We will help clients feel empowered and build inner resilience to feel happy and relaxed.
Counselling can be helpful to people who are struggling to cope with daily life for a long time or people who need support to move them through challenging moments. Our main objective is to help clients discover their true authentic self. Some of the issues we help include Trauma, PTSD, and mental conditioning like Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Addictions, self-esteem, cognitive, and behavioural issues. During the sessions, we will help clients feel connected, build inner confidence, and create boundaries, to have better control of their life. We will help clients feel empowered and build inner resilience to feel happy and relaxed.
Miranda Montgomery
Counsellor, BCYC, RPC, MPCC
Verified Verified
Kelowna, BC V1P
Waitlist for new clients
My area of strengths and specialties include; complex trauma, anxiety, depression, parent teen conflict, parenting struggles, blended families, self esteem, negative self image, youth and children advocacy and support.
At times, life can be demanding, stressful and overwhelming. We often find ourselves in need of direction, support, and guidance. I have been working in this industry for over 17 years and have walked along side many clients as they face their challenges. My philosophy is; the journey of life is not to be walked alone.
My area of strengths and specialties include; complex trauma, anxiety, depression, parent teen conflict, parenting struggles, blended families, self esteem, negative self image, youth and children advocacy and support.
At times, life can be demanding, stressful and overwhelming. We often find ourselves in need of direction, support, and guidance. I have been working in this industry for over 17 years and have walked along side many clients as they face their challenges. My philosophy is; the journey of life is not to be walked alone.
Accepting new clients! Are you looking for more clarity and direction in your life? Do you often feel overwhelmed or stuck? Do you desire more fulfilling relationships? Life’s experiences can be challenging, but you don’t have to walk through it alone. What if you were able to gain a better understanding of yourself and your experiences? What if you could navigate difficult situations in your life with more ease? I’m here to hold space as you navigate life’s ups and downs, helping you look at and overcome patterns that are holding you back from living the life you desire, and create a deeper connection with yourself and others.
Accepting new clients! Are you looking for more clarity and direction in your life? Do you often feel overwhelmed or stuck? Do you desire more fulfilling relationships? Life’s experiences can be challenging, but you don’t have to walk through it alone. What if you were able to gain a better understanding of yourself and your experiences? What if you could navigate difficult situations in your life with more ease? I’m here to hold space as you navigate life’s ups and downs, helping you look at and overcome patterns that are holding you back from living the life you desire, and create a deeper connection with yourself and others.
15 Second Videos
Rachel Helland (Udy)
Cameron Grunbaum
Inspired Counselling & Coaching
Anja Hess
The Happyness Center
Brent Hayter
Don Straub
Aimee Aitkens
Clarity Okanagan Counselling and Consultation
Lea Ivanitz
Vern Ward
Ashley Berg
Amanda Morazain
Susanne Currie
Caitlin Springate
Support with S Mental Health Services
Sophia Khan Wolsfeld | Relational Trauma Therapist | Support For C-Ptsd
Verity Teagle
Sam Stone
Strength Counselling Services
Alicia Gonzalez
Claire DeWitt
Layne (Shelayne) Paul
Renae Clarkson
Hartwell Counselling, Ltd.
Bethany Rooker
Alive Counselling
OK Clinical Therapy Group - Kelowna & West Kelowna
Shailyn Waites
Praveen Parmar
Liz Sage
Domonique Murdoch
Paige Mathison
Dania Chebib
Making Strides Counselling and Wellness
Haley Gershony
Avril Paice
Teresa Moseley
Carrie DeJong And Associates
Lindsay Deane
Marie Martin
Katelyn Urban
Anne Chronnell
Manroop Sohal
Elisabeth Avery
Nicole Ripley
Jadon Ward
Kylie Feller
A Path of Heart Counselling Services
Dan Smith
Dr. Andrea Hamel is a registered psychologist in Kelowna who specializes in assessment and treatment of children, teens, and young adults. She offers psychoeducational assessments for learning issues, intellectual disability, ADHD, giftedness, behaviour issues, anxiety, and other school difficulties. She also offers therapy for social anxiety, performance anxiety, generalized anxiety, perfectionism, phobias, depression, mood swings, emotional outbursts, behaviour issues, low self-esteem, body image issues, and disordered eating. She will soon be receiving training in autism assessment for children and teens.
Dr. Andrea Hamel is a registered psychologist in Kelowna who specializes in assessment and treatment of children, teens, and young adults. She offers psychoeducational assessments for learning issues, intellectual disability, ADHD, giftedness, behaviour issues, anxiety, and other school difficulties. She also offers therapy for social anxiety, performance anxiety, generalized anxiety, perfectionism, phobias, depression, mood swings, emotional outbursts, behaviour issues, low self-esteem, body image issues, and disordered eating. She will soon be receiving training in autism assessment for children and teens.
Being of service to another human being and finding a way to help is a privilege I am grateful for whenever it is presented to me. My goal as a counsellor is to help my clients find a way to work through the challenges of life in a way that best suits who they are in a safe, non-judgmental and collaborative approach. You already have everything you need to be happy and overcome the obstacles life has put in your way. My job is to help you discover and develop those strengths.
Being of service to another human being and finding a way to help is a privilege I am grateful for whenever it is presented to me. My goal as a counsellor is to help my clients find a way to work through the challenges of life in a way that best suits who they are in a safe, non-judgmental and collaborative approach. You already have everything you need to be happy and overcome the obstacles life has put in your way. My job is to help you discover and develop those strengths.
Hello, my name is Helen Hofer and I am a Registered Professional Counsellor and am a practicing Psychotherapist in Private Practice. I work with individuals, couples and families. Although I specialize in Grief Recovery, I work with a variety of presenting concerns which include depression, anxiety and relationship issues.Thank you for taking a moment to learn how I can help you make some significant and meaningful changes in your life. It is my privilege to help my clients move from a place of dissatisfaction or unhappiness in their relationships, careers, or self-esteem and arrive at a place of joy and success.
Hello, my name is Helen Hofer and I am a Registered Professional Counsellor and am a practicing Psychotherapist in Private Practice. I work with individuals, couples and families. Although I specialize in Grief Recovery, I work with a variety of presenting concerns which include depression, anxiety and relationship issues.Thank you for taking a moment to learn how I can help you make some significant and meaningful changes in your life. It is my privilege to help my clients move from a place of dissatisfaction or unhappiness in their relationships, careers, or self-esteem and arrive at a place of joy and success.
Amy has 8 years of experience creating art with a variety of populations from children, teens, kids/teens with ASD, adults, seniors, adults/teens with diverse abilities, and Mamas and babies. Amy offers a safe space for individuals of all ages to express their emotions and explore their creativity through art by building skills that support their everyday life.
Amy has 8 years of experience creating art with a variety of populations from children, teens, kids/teens with ASD, adults, seniors, adults/teens with diverse abilities, and Mamas and babies. Amy offers a safe space for individuals of all ages to express their emotions and explore their creativity through art by building skills that support their everyday life.
I treat trauma - childhood, shock (eg. accidents, medical) and relational (eg. betrayal, bullying) utilizing IFS and EMDR. These models are experiential, not "talk therapy". I also offer Gottman Method couples counselling. While I see all adults, I have additional training in treating those suffering and addiction, their family members and adult children of alcoholics. Often, people impacted by addiction - their own or someone else's - carry the heavy burdens of shame, anxiety, low self-esteem and other extremely painful legacies. If you are ready to dive deeply into the roots of your distress, IFS and EMDR may be a fit for you.
I treat trauma - childhood, shock (eg. accidents, medical) and relational (eg. betrayal, bullying) utilizing IFS and EMDR. These models are experiential, not "talk therapy". I also offer Gottman Method couples counselling. While I see all adults, I have additional training in treating those suffering and addiction, their family members and adult children of alcoholics. Often, people impacted by addiction - their own or someone else's - carry the heavy burdens of shame, anxiety, low self-esteem and other extremely painful legacies. If you are ready to dive deeply into the roots of your distress, IFS and EMDR may be a fit for you.
70 years of life experience has been my best teacher (even though I have all the necessary professional training.) I have experienced loss when 2 spouses passed away from disease. I have won my own battles with cancer and addiction. I have raised 4 children, 2 step children (some with special needs) and now enjoy 12 grandchildren. I treat anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and anger by addressing the root of the problem - trauma. I am trained in EMDR, which is useful in healing PTSD (both childhood and adult trauma). Within minutes (not months) the pain of trauma can be permanently erased and people are less triggered in life.
70 years of life experience has been my best teacher (even though I have all the necessary professional training.) I have experienced loss when 2 spouses passed away from disease. I have won my own battles with cancer and addiction. I have raised 4 children, 2 step children (some with special needs) and now enjoy 12 grandchildren. I treat anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and anger by addressing the root of the problem - trauma. I am trained in EMDR, which is useful in healing PTSD (both childhood and adult trauma). Within minutes (not months) the pain of trauma can be permanently erased and people are less triggered in life.
Hi there, my name is Laura Belland. I specialize in CBT, self-compassion therapy, and solution-focused therapy. I believe we can often be our own worst enemies and harshest critics, and I hope to help you grow and get past any negative thinking to become your most alive and thriving self; through CBT, compassionate self-care, and mindfulness amongst other strategies. I am passionate about working with clients experiencing anxiety, social anxiety, stress, perfectionism, and depression. I have experience helping those with limiting beliefs about themselves, negative body image, and disordered eating.
Hi there, my name is Laura Belland. I specialize in CBT, self-compassion therapy, and solution-focused therapy. I believe we can often be our own worst enemies and harshest critics, and I hope to help you grow and get past any negative thinking to become your most alive and thriving self; through CBT, compassionate self-care, and mindfulness amongst other strategies. I am passionate about working with clients experiencing anxiety, social anxiety, stress, perfectionism, and depression. I have experience helping those with limiting beliefs about themselves, negative body image, and disordered eating.
Hi, I’m Aimee! I am a master's level Registered Clinical Counsellor. My goal as a therapist is to help people bring their actions into congruence with their values and beliefs. I aim to aid in an increase in self-esteem, and self-worth along with self efficacy while allowing clients to explore their competencies, their worthiness and deservingness to live and to love and accept all versions of themselves. I believe safety and respect need to be at the center of all the work I do.
Hi, I’m Aimee! I am a master's level Registered Clinical Counsellor. My goal as a therapist is to help people bring their actions into congruence with their values and beliefs. I aim to aid in an increase in self-esteem, and self-worth along with self efficacy while allowing clients to explore their competencies, their worthiness and deservingness to live and to love and accept all versions of themselves. I believe safety and respect need to be at the center of all the work I do.
Clarity Okanagan Counselling and Consultation
Counsellor, RCC, CCC, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kelowna, BC V1Y
NOW ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. Clarity Counsellors have a minimum of a Master’s degree in the counselling field. This comes with 7 years of formal education, plus multiple practicums where skills are developed to ensure clients are getting the services they need. Our educations are supported by our own journeys, too. We have been there; explored sexuality, experienced trauma, lived through relationship breakdowns/heartbreak, built self-esteem, grieved a loss, and worked through difficult parenting situations. We know what the work is like, and how it feels to come out the other side. We want to help you do the same.
NOW ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. Clarity Counsellors have a minimum of a Master’s degree in the counselling field. This comes with 7 years of formal education, plus multiple practicums where skills are developed to ensure clients are getting the services they need. Our educations are supported by our own journeys, too. We have been there; explored sexuality, experienced trauma, lived through relationship breakdowns/heartbreak, built self-esteem, grieved a loss, and worked through difficult parenting situations. We know what the work is like, and how it feels to come out the other side. We want to help you do the same.
What if you could improve the quality of your life and your relationships by changing the way you think, feel and behave? I work with adults who struggle with anxiety, self esteem, stress, and anger issues, to do just that. I help individuals become aware of the thought patterns that keep them stuck and prevent them from living their life to the fullest. I show people how their thoughts, emotions and behaviours are linked and provide the necessary skills to change negative habits that have become normal over time.
What if you could improve the quality of your life and your relationships by changing the way you think, feel and behave? I work with adults who struggle with anxiety, self esteem, stress, and anger issues, to do just that. I help individuals become aware of the thought patterns that keep them stuck and prevent them from living their life to the fullest. I show people how their thoughts, emotions and behaviours are linked and provide the necessary skills to change negative habits that have become normal over time.
I’m Bri, a Registered Professional Counsellor & Certified Life Coach. I focus on long-term, goal-oriented talk therapy style sessions that take a hands-on, practical approach to problem-solving. The goal is to change patterns of thinking or behaviour that are causing difficulties in your life, and in doing so change the way you act and feel overall. My approach takes a lot more into account than traditional therapy or counselling. I dive very deep and we will focus on your whole life — Your mental health, biochemistry, physical health, relationships, self-esteem, your employment, etc…
I’m Bri, a Registered Professional Counsellor & Certified Life Coach. I focus on long-term, goal-oriented talk therapy style sessions that take a hands-on, practical approach to problem-solving. The goal is to change patterns of thinking or behaviour that are causing difficulties in your life, and in doing so change the way you act and feel overall. My approach takes a lot more into account than traditional therapy or counselling. I dive very deep and we will focus on your whole life — Your mental health, biochemistry, physical health, relationships, self-esteem, your employment, etc…
Whether you are experiencing relationship challenges, a change in relationship, anxiety, or depression, grief, struggles with self esteem, challenges with boundaries or communication, or looking for ways to grow your capacity for joy, pleasure and self compassion, together we can examine root causes for patterns in behavior and enhance your ability to live a rich, meaningful, connected life. I have worked as a Social Worker for 16 years and am passionate about working with individuals and couples regarding trauma, grief and loss, burnout, attachment, 2SLGBTQ+, polyamory/non-monogamy, and parenting.
Whether you are experiencing relationship challenges, a change in relationship, anxiety, or depression, grief, struggles with self esteem, challenges with boundaries or communication, or looking for ways to grow your capacity for joy, pleasure and self compassion, together we can examine root causes for patterns in behavior and enhance your ability to live a rich, meaningful, connected life. I have worked as a Social Worker for 16 years and am passionate about working with individuals and couples regarding trauma, grief and loss, burnout, attachment, 2SLGBTQ+, polyamory/non-monogamy, and parenting.
My name is Lea and I am an intern counsellor offering low introductory rates for new clients in Kelowna. I believe that we are all on a journey of growth and healing and there are times in life when we need some extra support. Whether you are experiencing difficulties with relationships, anxiety, parenting, trauma, loss, self-esteem, or other life stressors, my role is to help you address and let go of dysfunctional beliefs and patterns that are holding you back from living your best life. I feel passionately about working alongside others on the path to wellness and self-fulfillment.
My name is Lea and I am an intern counsellor offering low introductory rates for new clients in Kelowna. I believe that we are all on a journey of growth and healing and there are times in life when we need some extra support. Whether you are experiencing difficulties with relationships, anxiety, parenting, trauma, loss, self-esteem, or other life stressors, my role is to help you address and let go of dysfunctional beliefs and patterns that are holding you back from living your best life. I feel passionately about working alongside others on the path to wellness and self-fulfillment.
If you’re struggling with trauma, abuse, PTSD, depression, anxiety, self esteem issues, difficulty coping, relationship challenges, parenting challenges or just feeling stuck? Coleen will help you to learn a variety of tools that will help you to overcome your current challenges and be better equipped to cope with anything life throws your way in the future.
With over 24 years experience in health care, Coleen is passionate about empowering and helping clients to regain peace of mind and find balance in their lives. She is non-judgemental, empathetic, and provides a safe and trustworthy environment that lends well to building a trusting therapeutic relationship with her clients. Using an all encompassing approach, she looks at every aspect of her clients lives, including their physical and mental health as well as their social supports to create a unique individualized treatment plan for each client. Coleen uses a trauma informed lens to help her client who struggle with trauma & more.
If you’re struggling with trauma, abuse, PTSD, depression, anxiety, self esteem issues, difficulty coping, relationship challenges, parenting challenges or just feeling stuck? Coleen will help you to learn a variety of tools that will help you to overcome your current challenges and be better equipped to cope with anything life throws your way in the future.
With over 24 years experience in health care, Coleen is passionate about empowering and helping clients to regain peace of mind and find balance in their lives. She is non-judgemental, empathetic, and provides a safe and trustworthy environment that lends well to building a trusting therapeutic relationship with her clients. Using an all encompassing approach, she looks at every aspect of her clients lives, including their physical and mental health as well as their social supports to create a unique individualized treatment plan for each client. Coleen uses a trauma informed lens to help her client who struggle with trauma & more.
See more therapy options for Kelowna
Nearby Self Esteem Counsellors Searches for Kelowna
See More Self Esteem CounsellorsNearby Searches for Kelowna
See More CounsellorsSelf Esteem Counsellors
When should a person seek therapy for low self-esteem?
When self-esteem problems begin to disrupt the healthy daily functioning of an individual, it may be a good time to look into therapy. If a person finds that they are not engaging with friends for fear of being judged, not completing work assignments because they don’t think they’re capable, or not finding romantic love because they don’t feel they’re worthy of it, a therapist may be able to help.
What are the signs of low self-esteem?
Low self-esteem is a common issue that can affect a person's mental and emotional well-being. Some common signs of low self-esteem include negative self-talk, perfectionism, social anxiety, difficulty making decisions, an inability to set boundaries, people-pleasing, and others. A lack of belief in oneself or one’s abilities and a feeling of not being worthy or deserving underlie most of these characteristics.
What causes low self-esteem?
Feelings of low self-worth can begin in childhood or adulthood. Being raised by a highly critical parent or growing up feeling constant disapproval can stay with a person well into adulthood. Specific issues in adulthood may also be a cause of low self-esteem. An unhappy relationship, a dysfunctional work or school experience can impact a person’s feelings of self-worth.
How can therapy improve self-esteem?
Therapists can help identify negative thought patterns that keep the client stuck in a loop of destructive self-talk and develop coping skills to change the voice in their head. A therapist can help with goal-setting, so that clients are better able to stay on task and build confidence from successfully completing work they’re proud of. Coaching a client on how to better communicate can improve relationships. These skills can result in someone with low self-esteem feeling empowered and living with less fear.