Self-Esteem
What are the common symptoms?
Self-esteem refers to the overall sense of self-worth and personal value. It reflects how individuals perceive themselves and their abilities. A healthy level of self-esteem enables confidence, resilience, and positive relationships, while low self-esteem can lead to self-doubt and emotional distress.
Self-esteem develops through life experiences, feedback from others, and personal achievements. It influences decision-making, motivation, and mental health. People with balanced self-esteem tend to handle challenges effectively and maintain a realistic view of their strengths and weaknesses.
Conversely, poor self-esteem often results in negative self-talk and avoidance of opportunities. Understanding its importance is crucial for personal growth and emotional well-being.
- Persistent self-criticism
- Fear of failure
- Difficulty accepting compliments
- Social withdrawal
- Indecisiveness
- Sensitivity to criticism
- Negative self-talk
- Lack of confidence
Why do I feel like this?
Low self-esteem often stems from how we perceive ourselves and interpret our experiences. It can feel overwhelming because it influences thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, creating a cycle of self-doubt. When confidence is low, even small challenges seem daunting, and achievements feel insignificant. This mindset can develop from past criticism, unrealistic expectations, or comparing ourselves to others. Understanding why you feel this way is the first step towards change. By identifying the root causes and adopting healthier coping strategies, you can gradually rebuild self-worth and foster resilience. Here are four key reasons why low self-esteem might affect you.
Negative Self-Talk
Past Experiences
Social Comparison
Comparing yourself to others—especially on social media—can distort reality. Highlight reels make others appear more successful, attractive, or happy, leading you to undervalue your own progress. This constant comparison fosters feelings of inferiority and dissatisfaction, eroding confidence over time.
Unrealistic Standards
Setting perfectionist goals creates pressure and disappointment when they’re unmet. Striving for flawlessness often leads to burnout and self-criticism rather than growth. Accepting that mistakes are part of learning helps break this cycle and encourages a healthier, more compassionate view of yourself.
How does therapy help?
Identify Root Causes
Therapy explores early experiences and negative beliefs that shape self-esteem, helping individuals understand their origins and break free from harmful patterns that perpetuate self-doubt.
Challenge Negative Thoughts
Using CBT techniques, therapy reframes destructive thoughts into balanced perspectives, reducing self-criticism and promoting healthier thinking habits that support confidence and emotional stability.
Build Self-Compassion
Therapy encourages kindness towards oneself, replacing harsh self-judgement with empathy. This shift fosters resilience, emotional well-being, and a stronger sense of personal worth.
Develop Practical Skills
Therapy teaches goal-setting, assertiveness, and boundary management, empowering individuals to handle challenges confidently and improve relationships through effective communication and self-advocacy.
Improve Mental Health
By addressing low self-esteem, therapy reduces risks of anxiety, depression, and isolation, promoting overall psychological health and a more positive outlook on life.
Strengthen Relationships
Therapy enhances interpersonal skills and self-worth, enabling healthier connections, reducing dependency, and fostering mutual respect in personal and professional relationships.
What are the therapy options that Transformations Clinical Psychology can offer me?
Please contact us or follow this link if you would like to set up an assessment with a psychologist at Transformations Clinical Psychologist.
Meet Our Team
Meet our friendly and experienced team, here to help you with confidence and care.
Amy Wang
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We are here to support you
Please contact us or click on this link if you would like to see one of our experienced psychologists
FAQ
Q1. What happens in the first session? Do I need to prepare?
Your first appointment is 50–60 minutes. We’ll get to know you—what’s been hard, what you’d like to change, and what’s helped before. You’re welcome to bring notes or just come as you are; we’ll go at your pace. Please complete the online intake and consent forms beforehand. Sessions are available in person (Sydney) or via secure telehealth across Australia. We’ll finish with a clear plan and time for your questions. If you’re in immediate danger, call 000.
Q2. How do fees and Medicare/private insurance work? Do I need a GP referral?
You can book without a referral. If your GP provides a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate. We’ll check your eligibility and confirm your out-of-pocket cost before you commit. Private health (Extras) can’t be claimed with Medicare for the same session—please check your fund for coverage. If cost is a concern, let us know and we’ll talk through options.
Q3. Will my information be kept confidential?
Yes. Your sessions and records are kept private under strict legal and ethical standards. There are a few exceptions—if there’s a serious risk of harm, concerns about a child or vulnerable person, or a court order. If we ever need to share information, we’ll explain why, what will be shared, and involve you as much as possible.