CBT For Low Self Esteem
What Is Low Self-Esteem?
Low self-esteem refers to having a negative view of yourself, often shaped by deeply ingrained beliefs about your worth, abilities, and value as a person. These beliefs can develop from various experiences, such as criticism, rejection, trauma, or unmet expectations during childhood or adulthood. Over time, these thoughts may feel less like opinions and more like undeniable truths, making it difficult to see yourself in a positive light.
When you struggle with low self-esteem, it can affect many aspects of your life. You may doubt your decisions, shy away from opportunities, or feel undeserving of love, success, or happiness. It can influence how you interact with others, leading to strained relationships, difficulty asserting yourself, or a tendency to compare yourself unfavourably to others.
Low self-esteem doesn’t just impact your emotions—it can also affect your physical and mental wellbeing, contributing to stress, anxiety, depression, and even physical health issues. Understanding and addressing these beliefs is the first step toward building a healthier relationship with yourself and improving your overall quality of life.
Symptoms of Low Self-Esteem
Low self-esteem can present in various ways, including:
- A lack of confidence in yourself and your abilities.
- Persistent self-doubt, especially in challenging or stressful situations.
- A tendency to think negatively about yourself.
- Holding a generally poor opinion of your own worth or value.
- Frequently judging or criticising yourself harshly.
If you’d like to discuss your concerns or book an appointment, call us on 0114 383 0004.
How Can Therapy Help?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a practical approach to understanding and addressing low self-esteem. Your therapist will help you explore the origins of your low self-esteem and identify the thinking patterns and behaviours that maintain it in your daily life.
Through therapy, you’ll learn:
- How to recognise and evaluate negative self-talk.
- Techniques to challenge unhelpful beliefs about yourself.
- Skills to develop self-acceptance and cultivate a more balanced, healthy view of yourself.
You’ll also practice new habits, such as recording and reframing your thoughts, to build greater self-awareness and resilience over time.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
The number of sessions required varies from person to person. Low self-esteem often develops as a response to challenging life circumstances and can be closely linked to conditions like depression. For many clients, CBT for low self-esteem aligns with depression treatment protocols, typically requiring 8 to 12 sessions.
Every journey is unique, and your therapist will tailor the approach to meet your specific needs.
If you’d like to discuss your concerns or book an appointment, call us on 0114 383 0004.
Further information regarding Low Self Esteem can be found at www.nice.org.uk