How Therapy Can Help Improve Self-Esteem

Published on: 3rd September 2025

Let’s talk about self-esteem. That tricky inner voice that pipes up at the worst times, telling you you’re not good enough, smart enough, attractive enough… basically, not enough. Sound familiar?

Most of us struggle with self-esteem in one way or another. It’s not always obvious — it can show up in subtle ways, like avoiding opportunities, comparing yourself constantly to others, or feeling uncomfortable accepting compliments.

What even is self-esteem?

Self-esteem is essentially how you see yourself. It’s your sense of self-worth, self-respect and value. When it’s low, life can feel heavier. We second-guess everything, struggle to trust ourselves, and often put others’ needs far above our own.

How therapy can help

1. Challenging the inner critic

You know that voice in your head that sounds suspiciously like a Year 9 bully? Therapy helps you recognise it, understand where it came from, and gently start to challenge it. You don’t have to believe everything your brain tells you.

2. Building self-awareness

You can’t change what you’re not aware of. Therapy helps you tune into the beliefs you hold about yourself and the messages you may have absorbed over the years — from family, school, relationships, or society.

3. Rewriting the narrative

Together, we’ll look at the story you’ve been telling yourself about who you are and what you’re worth. Then we’ll start editing that script into something more compassionate, realistic and empowering.

4. Practising self-compassion

This one’s big. Therapy isn’t just about “fixing” things. It’s about learning how to treat yourself with the same kindness you’d offer a friend. Sounds simple, but it can be life changing.

5. Celebrating progress (even the tiny wins)

Therapy offers a space to reflect on growth, even if it’s just setting a boundary or not apologising for your own existence. Those moments matter, and they add up.

Final thoughts

Improving self-esteem isn’t about becoming arrogant or never having a wobble again. It’s about learning to like and respect yourself, even on the days when you feel a bit wobbly. Therapy gives you the space, tools and support to do just that.

If you’re tired of second-guessing yourself or feeling like you’re not quite “enough,” you’re not alone, and you don’t have to stay stuck.

Get in touch if you’re ready to start feeling more comfortable in your own skin.

Warmly,
Sarah

Integrative Psychotherapist offering online therapy across the UK