CBT Therapy For Low Self Esteem UK
Self-esteem refers to how you see yourself and your worth. When you have low self-esteem, you often struggle with negative thoughts about yourself, doubting your abilities, low self confidence and feeling undeserving of success or happiness. This can create a cycle of self-criticism, making it difficult to lead a fulfilling and confident life.
When you’re dealing with low self-esteem, you may struggle to allow yourself to access help, as it directly impacts your worldview and perception of yourself. It’s important to take a step back and acknowledge that low self-esteem is detrimental to your wellbeing, and it deserves to be addressed as much as any other health problem.
The best therapy for low self-esteem is the therapy that works for you. As an accredited, qualified therapist, my aim is to provide care tailored to your specific needs, offering a comprehensive approach that gets to the root of your personal experiences. I offer face-to-face sessions in Leicester including: Oadby, Wigston, Blaby, Countesthorpe, Lutterworth, Broughton Astley, Market Harborough, or online anywhere in the UK.
Signs of Low Self-Esteem
Low self-esteem can manifest in many different ways, and you might experience several of these signs. Everyone's experience is unique, but some common indicators of low self-esteem include:
• Constantly thinking or speaking negatively about yourself
• Being overly critical of your own actions or appearance
• Experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, depression, anger, anxiety, shame, or worthlessness
• Taking the blame for things that go wrong, even when they are beyond your control
• Frequently making self-deprecating jokes or comments
• Downplaying your accomplishments and focusing solely on your mistakes or perceived flaws
• Avoiding challenges or new experiences out of fear of failure
• Believing that others are inherently better or more deserving than you
• Feeling unworthy of enjoying positive experiences, such as receiving nice things or having fun
• Struggling to accept compliments or positive feedback
• Feeling deeply hurt by criticism, disapproval, or any form of negative feedback
How Low Self-Esteem Impacts Daily Life
Low self-esteem doesn’t just stay in your head—it spills over into all areas of your daily life, affecting how you think, feel, and behave. It can shape your relationships, work, and even your overall sense of well-being.
1. Relationships:
Low self-esteem can make it difficult to form healthy relationships. You might constantly seek validation from others, fear rejection, or struggle to set boundaries. This can lead to unhealthy relationships where you put others' needs above your own or tolerate mistreatment because you don’t believe you deserve better.
2. Work and Career:
At work, low self-esteem can hold you back. You might avoid taking on new challenges or responsibilities because you don’t believe in your capabilities. You may also find yourself downplaying your achievements or not seeking promotions, believing that you're not "good enough" for them.
3. Social Life:
Social situations can be overwhelming when you have low self-esteem. You might feel self-conscious or worry excessively about what others think of you, leading to social withdrawal or avoiding situations where you have to interact with others.
4. Decision Making:
When you doubt your worth, making decisions can feel daunting. You might second-guess yourself constantly, avoid making choices altogether, or rely heavily on others to make decisions for you. This can lead to feelings of helplessness and further erode your confidence.
5. Mental Health:
Low self-esteem is often linked to mental health issues like anxiety and depression. The constant self-criticism and negative self-talk can contribute to feelings of hopelessness and stress, making it even harder to break the cycle.
Physical Symptoms of Low Self-Esteem
Low self-esteem doesn’t just affect your thoughts and emotions—it can also manifest in your body. The stress and anxiety associated with low self-worth can lead to a range of physical symptoms, including:
• Fatigue: Constantly battling negative thoughts can be exhausting, leaving you feeling drained and tired, even after a full night's sleep.
• Tension and muscle pain: Stress and anxiety can lead to muscle tension, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and back.
• Digestive issues: Worry and stress can disrupt your digestive system, leading to stomach aches, nausea, or changes in your bowel habits.
• Headaches: The mental strain of low self-esteem can trigger headaches or migraines, often linked to stress.
• Sleep problems: You may find it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep due to racing thoughts or worries, which can further affect your energy levels and mood.
How Can We Help with Low Self Esteem?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), we can help you challenge the negative beliefs that hold you back and develop a healthier, more positive view of yourself. CBT is a practical, solution-focused approach that empowers you to change the way you think and act.
The best therapy for low self-esteem is the therapy that works for you. As an accredited, qualified therapist, my aim is to provide care tailored to your specific needs, offering a comprehensive approach that gets to the root of your personal experiences. I offer face-to-face sessions in Leicester, including: Oadby, Wigston, Blaby, Countesthorpe, Lutterworth, Broughton Astley, Market Harborough, or online anywhere in the UK.
