Low Self-Esteem

Eating difficulties can develop as a way to manage emotions or regain control. Therapy helps you understand these patterns and build a healthier, more compassionate relationship with food and your body.

Understanding Low Self-Esteem

Low self-esteem often develops over time, shaped by past experiences, criticism, trauma, or comparisons with others. You might find it difficult to recognise your strengths, accept praise, or believe you are “good enough.”

When self-critical thoughts become constant, they can affect confidence, motivation, and relationships — leaving you feeling stuck in patterns of self-doubt or avoidance.

Therapy can help you understand where these beliefs come from and begin building a kinder, more balanced view of yourself.

Main Symptoms

Low self-esteem can show up in many ways. Common experiences include:

  • Persistent self-criticism or negative self-talk

  • Difficulty accepting compliments or achievements

  • Comparing yourself harshly to others

  • Avoiding challenges or opportunities for fear of failure

  • Seeking reassurance or perfection to feel valued

  • Feeling undeserving, guilty, or “not good enough”

Impact Low Self-Esteem Can Have

Low self-esteem can affect all areas of life — from relationships and work to decision-making and self-care.

You may hold back from pursuing what you want, struggle to set boundaries, or feel unworthy of happiness or success. Over time, this can contribute to anxiety, low mood, and burnout.

Therapy offers a supportive and non-judgemental space to explore these patterns and begin changing how you relate to yourself.

How Therapy Helps

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) are both effective for improving self-esteem. They can help you:

  • Recognise and challenge unhelpful self-beliefs

  • Develop more balanced and compassionate thinking

  • Build confidence and self-acceptance

  • Strengthen self-worth based on your values, not perfectionism

At Shire Therapies, our accredited therapists work collaboratively, helping you move towards a more confident and compassionate relationship with yourself. Therapy is paced gently, with sensitivity and care.

Take The Next Steps

You don’t have to face this alone.

Book a session or Contact us to find out how therapy can help you move forward with confidence.