Therapy for Low Self-Esteem in Edinburgh and Online
“I’m not good enough.”
It’s one of the most common - and quietly painful - beliefs we hear people voice in therapy. Sometimes it surfaces right away; other times, it takes a little while to recognise. But when it does, its impact becomes clear: shaping how we relate to others, how we see ourselves, and how we move through the world.
This internal script can feel harsh, unfair, and deeply ingrained. Unlike unkind words from someone else, we can’t simply walk away from our own thoughts. That’s what makes them so powerful – and so important to address.
Working through low self-esteem can feel daunting at first. But you're not alone in it. Our therapists are experienced in helping people understand and gently challenge these beliefs, creating space for self-compassion, confidence, and change.
If you find yourself constantly second-guessing your worth or doubting your abilities, therapy can offer a path to understanding and rebuilding your confidence.
At Room for Therapy, we provide a safe, warm, and compassionate space where you can explore these feelings without judgement.
Understanding Self-Esteem Issues
Self-esteem is not simply about “being confident”—it’s about recognising your intrinsic value as a person. When self-esteem is low, you might:
Feel undeserving of love, respect, or success.
Avoid opportunities because of fear of failure or criticism.
Find it difficult to speak up for yourself or set healthy boundaries.
Experience constant negative self-talk or self-criticism.
Struggle to trust your own decisions.
Low self-esteem often stems from past experiences such as childhood criticism, trauma, bullying, or situations where your needs were ignored or dismissed. Over time, these experiences can create deep-rooted negative beliefs about who you are.
Mind UK offers helpful resources on understanding self-esteem and its impact.
How Therapy Can Help
Therapy for self-esteem allows you to explore where these beliefs come from and what keeps them in place. Through compassionate, personalised sessions, we help you:
Recognise and challenge damaging self-beliefs.
Understand how your past experiences have shaped your sense of self.
Develop healthier ways of relating to yourself and others.
Build self-compassion and resilience.
Reconnect with your strengths and values.
If your low self-esteem is linked to ongoing worry or negative thinking, you may also find it helpful to read about our therapy for anxiety.
Unlike approaches that focus on quick fixes or surface-level techniques, our therapy is about genuine, lasting change. We take a holistic, relational approach—working with you as a whole person, not just your symptoms.
What to Expect in Therapy
In therapy, there is no pressure to “perform” or say the right thing. Your sessions are your space to share, reflect, and process what’s going on for you. Together, we’ll look at the patterns that keep you feeling stuck and find ways to break free of them.
This process is unique to you. Some people begin to feel small shifts after a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term work to truly reshape their inner dialogue and self-image.
The NHS shares helpful information on how talking therapies can support self-esteem.
The Benefits of Improving Self-Esteem
Working on self-esteem can have far-reaching benefits, including:
Feeling more comfortable in your own skin.
Building stronger, healthier relationships.
Increased confidence to take on new challenges or life changes.
Reduced anxiety and self-doubt.
A more compassionate and kinder relationship with yourself.
Over time, therapy can help you create a foundation of self-worth that doesn’t rely on external validation.
FAQs About Therapy for Self-Esteem
1. How do I know if I have low self-esteem?
Signs of low self-esteem can include constant self-criticism, difficulty accepting compliments, feeling undeserving of happiness or success, and avoiding situations where you fear failure or judgement.
2. What kind of therapy do you use for self-esteem?
We use a relational, person-centred approach and a psychodynamic approach that helps uncover defenses, unconscious moitvations and past experiences that are impacting present feeling. This means our work focuses on understanding your experiences and helping you develop deeper self-acceptance and resilience.
3. How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies for each person. Some people notice improvements in a few weeks, while others choose longer-term therapy to address deeper patterns and build lasting self-confidence.
4. Can therapy help if my self-esteem issues are linked to past trauma?
es. Many self-esteem issues stem from early experiences or traumatic events. Our therapists are experienced in helping clients explore these connections safely and compassionately.
5. Is therapy for self-esteem only about talking?
While talking is central to therapy, we also focus on practical tools like self-compassion exercises, boundary-setting, and helping you recognise your strengths in everyday life.
6. What happens in the first session?
Your first session is an opportunity to share what brings you to therapy and what you hope to achieve. It’s also a chance for you to get a sense of whether the therapist you meet feels like the right fit for you.
Could Therapy for Self-Esteem Help You?
If you often feel “not good enough” or find that self-doubt is holding you back, therapy can make a real difference. Many clients find that developing self-esteem not only improves their emotional wellbeing but also positively affects their work, family life, and personal goals.
Our therapists also support people struggling with depression, where low self-worth plays a role.
Start Your Journey
At Room for Therapy, our experienced and compassionate therapists are here to listen, support, and guide you as you build a more confident, authentic sense of self.
Get in touch today to arrange your first session and take the first step towards a healthier, more positive self-image.
We offer therapy for anxiety in Edinburgh and online across the UK.