Low Self-Esteem
What is Low Self-Esteem?
Low self-esteem refers to how you see and value yourself, often involving a persistent sense of not being good enough. It can affect your confidence, decision-making, and how you relate to others in everyday life.
For some people, it shows up as self-doubt or a lack of confidence in abilities. For others, it may feel like a constant inner critic that questions your worth or highlights perceived flaws.
These patterns often develop over time, shaped by experiences, relationships, and messages you have received about yourself. They can become deeply ingrained and difficult to challenge without support.
The aim of therapy is to help you understand where these patterns come from, reduce self-criticism, and build a more balanced and supportive sense of self.
How low self-esteem can show up
Low self-esteem can affect thoughts, emotions, and behaviour in different ways depending on the individual.
You may find yourself doubting your abilities, second-guessing decisions, or avoiding opportunities because you feel you might fail.
There may be a tendency to compare yourself to others or focus on perceived shortcomings rather than strengths.
You might also seek reassurance from others or struggle to accept positive feedback, even when it is genuine.
What causes low self-esteem
Low self-esteem often develops through a combination of past experiences rather than a single cause.
Early experiences, such as criticism, lack of support, or difficult relationships, can shape how you see yourself.
Life events, including setbacks, rejection, or ongoing stress, can reinforce negative beliefs over time.
Patterns of thinking, such as focusing on mistakes or expecting the worst, can also maintain low self-esteem.
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Low Self-Esteem
Therapists that work with
Low Self-Esteem
Insights for a clearer mind
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Client feedback
Here’s what our clients say about their journey—from first steps to lasting change.
‘’I consulted Shireen when I was overwhelmed with trauma that went back many years. I didn’t know what to expect with both CBT and EMDR. Shireen made me very comfortable with her, there is a certain warmth in her that helped me open up with much ease. She worked through all the years of my trauma very slowly, systematically whilst explaining the process to keep me informed.
Her work had miraculous effects on my emotional stability. Each session helped me instantly recover from parts of my negative experiences and cognition. Her therapy gave me a completely new outlook towards life and moving forward. I feel very positive, confident and happier to take on life’s challenges for better.’’
“With over 15 years of therapy behind me with lots of different therapists, Shireen has been the one to make a difference and have a positive impact on my life.
She has a gentle and empathetic approach, listening intently to you, whilst at the same time equipping you with the tools and confidence needed to tackle difficult situations.
Combining EMDR and CBT therapy with Shireen has been revolutionary to allow me to heal and move forward from past traumas and create new ways of approaching people and situations going forward.”
Prior to seeing Shireen, I was very skeptical about therapy as I’ve not had much past success. Due to having ASD and ADHD, I always felt previous therapists never truly understood me. However, my sessions with Shireen have completely changed my perspective. I reached out to Shireen regarding trauma and PTSD and needed intense therapy.
I was recommended EMDR. Within 8 sessions, I’ve come out of this a completely changed man. Shireen’s professionalism, empathy, patience, cooperatism, amazing listening and understanding skills; clear explanations and safe environment allowed me to be more open minded and gave me the confidence to be able to put my trust in her to work through my trauma and mental health, which has left me in a much better place mentally and emotionally. She was fully invested in me and took the time to truly listen and understand how I was feeling, which allowed us to work together to find the correct solutions.
Her EMDR sessions were intense, however, because I grew to trust her in the sessions leading up, she gave me the confidence to power through a lot of these sessions and my emotions, no matter how hard it was for me emotionally. She has been an absolute star and words cannot thank her enough for the time and effort she has put in to get me into a better place. I cannot recommend her enough, 11/10.
‘’Working with Shireen has been a truly transformative experience. She created a safe space where I feel heard and understood. Her empathy, insight and gentle guidance have helped me gain clarity, build healthier coping strategies and feel more confident in navigating life’s challenges. I deeply appreciate her professionalism, patience and genuine care for my well-being.’’
‘’Shireen took the time to truly understand me, my life, and exactly what I wanted to get out of therapy. When I first started seeing Shireen, I was going through a new relationship, and she helped me navigate it without repeating patterns I might have fallen into in the past. Later, we did several sessions of EMDR therapy, which have already made a huge difference in my way of thinking. In our final session, we were able to conclude my therapy in a thoughtful way, and I was given practical tools to take forward with me.
I wanted a therapist who wasn’t afraid to tell me the truth and keep me honest during times when I was being unreasonable, and Shireen did exactly that. Thank you, Shireen!’’
‘‘DR. Shireen helped me overcome agoraphobia-related anxiety and panic during a particularly challenging period of my life.
What I valued most was that she didn’t just listen, she provided practical CBT strategies and targeted exercises that gave me the tools to manage my anxiety, regain confidence, and better understand myself. Through her support, I developed greater self-awareness and continued to grow both personally and emotionally.
I am incredibly grateful for her help and would highly recommend her to anyone seeking a skilled, caring, and effective therapist.’’
Professional Accreditation and Regulatory body
All of our clinicians are registered with their relevant professional and regulatory bodies, ensuring that the care we provide meets recognised professional and ethical standards.
