Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children.
Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children.
Self-esteem issues show up when someone often doubts their worth, feels not good enough, or struggles to recognise their strengths. It can look like harsh self-talk, avoiding challenges, people-pleasing, or needing constant reassurance. These patterns often stem from early criticism, bullying, or big life changes, and over time can affect confidence, relationships, and mental health. Treatment for self-esteem issues usually involves evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which helps shift unhelpful thinking patterns and build a more balanced self-view. Chatting with one of our clinical psychologists is a great first step toward feeling more confident and grounded.
These signs can impact confidence, relationships, and even overall wellbeing. If they’re sticking around, it might be worth exploring treatment for self-esteem issues with a clinical psychologist.
Often thinking things like “I’m useless” or “I’ll never be good enough”
Fearing failure or worrying too much about what others will think
Putting others’ needs ahead of your own to gain approval
Brushing off praise or feeling uncomfortable with it
Saying sorry all the time, even when you’ve done nothing wrong
Taking things very personally or avoiding feedback
Constantly feeling like you don’t measure up
A meta-analysis of 77 studies found that low self-esteem predicted later depressive symptoms.
A meta-analysis found that psychological interventions significantly improved adults’ self-esteem overall
A systematic review identified eight studies examining CBT based on the Fennell model for low self-esteem. Findings were promising, though further research is needed
A review of 10 papers found that compassion-focused interventions may improve self-esteem, although the evidence varies in quality
Self-esteem plays an important role in our mental health, relationships and daily lives. Healthy self-esteem can help people feel more confident and cope with setbacks. Low self-esteem can be associated with difficulties such as anxiety, depression and social anxiety.
A 2023 research review analysed 76 studies involving more than 35,000 participants and found a strong relationship between self-esteem and self-compassion. Both were associated with psychological wellbeing and fewer psychological difficulties. This suggests that developing self-compassion may be a helpful part of supporting healthy self-esteem.
Several psychological approaches may help people improve low self-esteem. The most appropriate approach depends on the person’s needs, experiences and circumstances.
CBT can help people identify unhelpful beliefs about themselves and develop more balanced ways of thinking. A systematic review and meta-analysis of self-esteem interventions in adults found that interventions were effective overall, with cognitive behavioural approaches tending to produce some of the strongest results.
EMDR may be considered when low self-esteem is connected to distressing memories or past experiences. A small randomised controlled trial found improvements in self-esteem following both EMDR and CBT, with gains maintained at a three-month follow-up. However, the study involved a small sample, so further research is needed.
Self-compassion involves responding to personal difficulties with understanding rather than harsh self-criticism. A systematic review and meta-analysis found that compassion-focused therapies and related interventions may improve self-esteem, although the available studies varied in quality and methodology.
Low self-esteem can be addressed with appropriate support. Psychological therapy can help people recognise unhelpful patterns, develop a kinder relationship with themselves and build confidence over time.
At MindBox Psychology, our clinical psychologists provide evidence-based support tailored to each person’s needs, which may include CBT and compassion-focused strategies.
A large research review published in 2023 looked at 76 studies involving over 35,000 people and found that self-esteem is closely linked to self-compassion. In fact, both were found to be equally important when it comes to boosting wellbeing and lowering emotional distress. So, when someone is struggling with self-esteem issues, building self-compassion is just as important as working on self-worth.
When it comes to treatment for self-esteem issues, the research is very clear: evidence-based therapies can make a big difference.
CBT is one of the most widely studied and effective treatments for low self-esteem. Research shows that CBT helps people identify and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns and replace them with more realistic, compassionate thoughts. The same 2023 review found that CBT led to medium-to-large improvements in self-esteem, and importantly, those gains lasted months after therapy ended. That means CBT doesn’t just help in the short term—it can lead to lasting change.
EMDR, which is often used for trauma, can also be effective in helping with low self-esteem—particularly when self-worth issues are linked to past emotional experiences or memories. While CBT tends to show stronger results overall, EMDR may still be a good option, especially when used in targeted ways with multiple sessions.
Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) and other self-compassion strategies, such as mindfulness and self-kindness exercises, are also backed by research. These approaches help people treat themselves with the same care and understanding they’d offer a friend. Studies show that these methods can significantly improve self-esteem and emotional wellbeing, especially for those who are self-critical or feel a lot of shame.
We often think of self-esteem as something you’re either born with or not—but the research tells a different story. With the right support, it’s absolutely possible to rebuild and strengthen self-esteem, even if you’ve struggled with it for years.
If you’re experiencing low self-worth or related challenges, treatment for self-esteem issues can help you gain confidence, feel more grounded, and improve your mental health. Our clinical psychologists offer evidence-based support tailored to your needs, whether through CBT, compassion-focused work, or other proven approaches.
*Sources:
Self-esteem and self-compassion: Muris & Otgaar (2023), full research article. PMC
CBT and self-esteem interventions: Niveau, New & Beaudoin (2021), systematic review and meta-analysis. It reviewed 119 studies. ScienceDirect
CBT and EMDR: Griffioen et al. (2017), randomised controlled trial. PubMed
Compassion-focused therapy: Systematic review and meta-analysis (2020). PubMed
Notice unhelpful thoughts and gently challenge them—ask yourself, Would I say this to a friend?
Do one thing each day that gives you a sense of achievement, no matter how small.
Cut back on social media that makes you feel "less than"—curate your feed to lift you up.
Clinical Psychologist, Director of MindBox Psychology
Our Psychologists are highly qualified, with Masters or Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology. We use evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Strength-Based Interventions, to help individuals build self-esteem, develop self-acceptance, and foster a more positive self-image.
Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
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