Low Self-Esteem & Self-Criticism

Low Self-Esteem & Self-Criticism

If you often feel "not good enough," struggle with confidence, or speak harshly to yourself internally, therapy can help you develop a more compassionate relationship with yourself. We explore where these beliefs may have formed and begin building greater self-worth and emotional resilience.

The Inner Critic

Low self-esteem often shows up as a harsh inner voice that:

• Constantly criticizes and judges you
• Compares you unfavorably to others
• Discounts your achievements or minimizes your worth
• Assumes you're not good enough, smart enough, or worthy enough
• Drives perfectionism and fear of failure

Where It Comes From

Low self-esteem is not an accurate reflection of who you are, but a belief system that developed over time. Often it comes from:

• Childhood experiences where love or approval felt conditional
• Early environments where you didn't feel seen or valued
• Difficult relationships or experiences where you internalized criticism
• Societal messages about who you should be

Building Genuine Self-Worth

We work to:

• Understand where your critical voice came from
• Separate who you are from what you believe about yourself
• Develop a more compassionate inner relationship
• Ground your worth in something deeper than achievement
• Build genuine confidence based on self-understanding

You May Also Find Helpful

Related Support