Therapy
Therapy for Self-Esteem and Self-Worth
If the voice in your head is harsher than anything you would say to a friend, therapy can help you turn the volume down and build a steadier sense of your own worth.
What low self-esteem feels like
Low self-esteem is rarely one big thought. It is hundreds of small ones: I always mess this up, they are just being polite, I should be further along by now. Over time those thoughts shape choices, like not applying for the job, staying quiet in relationships, or overworking to prove yourself.
Common signs
- Constant comparison with friends, coworkers or people online
- Brushing off compliments and remembering criticism for years
- Perfectionism, or not trying so you cannot fail
- Apologizing often, even when nothing went wrong
- Feeling like an impostor at work or school
- Staying in relationships that do not treat you well
Where it comes from
Self-esteem is often shaped early, by family messages, school experiences, bullying, cultural expectations or a hard loss. Understanding where your beliefs came from does not fix them by itself, but it makes them easier to question.
How therapy helps
- 1.
Catch the inner critic
Notice the exact words you use on yourself.
- 2.
Look at the evidence
Test those beliefs against what actually happens.
- 3.
Act as if
Try small behaviors that match the person you want to be.
- 4.
Build self-respect
Practice keeping promises to yourself and setting fair standards.
Self-esteem in children and teens
Kids and teens with low self-esteem may give up quickly, avoid new activities or say they are stupid. Nikki Holmes, Naim Karabanoff and Michelle Mitchell work with children and teens on confidence, and they include parents in the plan.
Confidence is a skill
Self-worth grows through experience, not just positive thinking. Therapy gives you a safe place to practice speaking up, setting goals and handling mistakes without falling apart. Small wins, repeated, become evidence your inner critic cannot argue with, such as finishing a project, keeping a boundary or trying something new and surviving the awkward first attempt.
Therapists for self-esteem
Dr. Kiran Mishra
Licensed Psychologist
Therapy for Adults
Naim Karabanoff, MS
LPC Associate
Therapy for Kids, Teens and Adults
Dr. Sunetra Martinez
Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and Licensed School Psychologist
Therapy and Clinical Supervision
Michelle Mitchell, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Couples, Family and Individual Therapy
Nikki Holmes, MEd
LPC Associate
Therapy for Children, Teens and Families
Questions
Is low self-esteem a diagnosis?
Not on its own, but it often travels with anxiety, depression or past trauma, and your therapist will look at the whole picture.
Can adults really change how they see themselves?
Yes. Beliefs that were learned can be relearned with practice.
Do you see teens for this?
Yes. Several of our therapists work with teens.
Be on your own side
Request an appointment online, or call or text 832-876-3232 and we will help you choose a therapist.