Understanding Self-Esteem

At Evolving Minds Counselling and Psychology in Menai, our psychologists and counsellors provide evidence-based, neuro-affirming therapy for low self-esteem in children, adolescents, adults and older adults across the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney. Sessions are available in person at our Menai practice and via secure online appointments.

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Self-esteem influences how a person sees themselves, relates to others, and responds to everyday challenges. When self-esteem is low, people may experience persistent self-doubt, harsh self-criticism, difficulty recognising strengths, or a strong fear of getting things wrong. Over time, this can affect relationships, school, work, identity, and confidence in making decisions.

 

Low self-esteem can develop through a combination of life experiences, relationships, bullying, trauma, perfectionism, criticism, rejection, or repeated experiences of feeling not good enough. It can also occur alongside anxiety, depression, eating disorders, school avoidance, perfectionism, personality disorders, or challenges with identity.

 

Some people notice patterns such as:

• persistent self-criticism

• difficulty accepting compliments

• comparing themselves to others

• fear of judgement or rejection

• people-pleasing tendencies

• difficulty setting boundaries

• withdrawing socially

• feeling not good enough despite achievements

 

These experiences can make it harder to trust yourself, recognise your strengths, or feel confident.

 

Therapy for Low Self-Esteem in Menai and the Sutherland Shire

 

At Evolving Minds Counselling and Psychology, therapy focuses on understanding the beliefs, patterns and past experiences that shape self-esteem. Counselling can support people to identify unhelpful thoughts, build self-awareness, strengthen emotional regulation, and develop a more balanced and compassionate relationship with themselves.

 

For children and adolescents, therapy may also explore friendship difficulties, school-related stress, identity development, emotional sensitivity, and the impact of social or academic pressures.

 

For adults, counselling may include work around relationships, boundaries, workplace stress, perfectionism, and reconnecting with a more grounded sense of self.

 

Our clinicians draw on a range of evidence-based approaches tailored to each person’s needs, goals and stage of life, including:

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• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• EMDR

• Emotion Focused Therapy

• Schema Therapy

• DBT-informed skills

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Where relevant, therapy may also address related experiences such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, school avoidance, perfectionism or trauma.

 

We provide self-esteem counselling for clients in Menai and surrounding suburbs including Bangor, Illawong, Alfords Point, Barden Ridge, Engadine, Woronora Heights, Sylvania, Kirrawee, Gymea, Miranda and Caringbah.

 

Counselling is available at our Menai practice and online for clients across Sydney.

 

If you’re unsure where to begin, our Client Care Team can assist. Call 02 8519 4197 or click the button below to request an appointment.