Therapy for Low Self-Esteem
Specialist online psychotherapy for children and young people struggling with low self-esteem. Available in the UK, without the wait.
What is Low Self-Esteem?
It is completely normal for children and young people to experience moments of self-doubt, particularly during the challenges of adolescence. Low self-esteem is different. It is a persistent and deeply held negative view of oneself that affects how a young person thinks, feels and behaves across all areas of their life.
Young people with low self-esteem typically have an overwhelmingly negative internal narrative. They may believe they are unlikeable, unintelligent or fundamentally different from their peers in ways that are difficult to articulate. These beliefs feel true and fixed, and are resistant to evidence to the contrary. A genuine compliment is dismissed, an achievement is attributed to luck, and a criticism confirms what they already believed about themselves.
Low self-esteem is not a character trait or a reflection of the reality of a young person's worth or abilities. It is a psychological pattern that develops over time and responds well to the right therapeutic support.
Where Does Low Self-Esteem Come From?
Low self-esteem rarely develops from a single cause. It is usually the result of a combination of experiences, relationships and circumstances that accumulate over time, shaping the way a young person sees themselves.
Experiences of bullying, criticism or rejection, whether from peers, family members or figures of authority, can have a profound impact on a developing sense of self. Repeated experiences of feeling different, excluded or not good enough leave a lasting impression that can be difficult to shift without support.
Academic pressure and a culture of comparison, both in school and on social media, can also contribute significantly. Young people today are exposed to an unprecedented volume of curated images and highlight reels from their peers, making it easy to feel inadequate by comparison. The gap between how others appear to be doing and how a young person feels inside can feel enormous.
Low self-esteem can also develop alongside or as a result of other conditions, including anxiety, depression, OCD and trauma. In these cases, addressing the underlying condition is an important part of improving self-esteem, though the two often need to be worked on together.
Why Getting Help Early Matters
Adolescence is a critical period for identity formation. The beliefs a young person develops about themselves during this time tend to be deeply ingrained and can shape their confidence, relationships and choices well into adulthood. Low self-esteem that is left unaddressed during adolescence does not simply resolve as a young person gets older. In many cases it becomes more entrenched, affecting their ability to form healthy relationships, pursue opportunities and cope with the inevitable setbacks that life brings.
This is not about putting pressure on parents to act, but about recognising that adolescence is also a period of significant psychological plasticity. Young people respond well to therapy, and the skills and perspectives developed during this time can have a lasting positive impact. Getting support during these formative years gives young people the best possible foundation for adult life.
Hi, I'm Christina
I have worked with many young people struggling with low self-esteem throughout my career, including during my years as a CAMHS therapist. Low self-esteem can have a profound impact on every area of a young person's life, and seeing a young person's confidence grow over the course of therapy is one of the most rewarding parts of this work.
Hi, I'm Christina
I have worked with many young people struggling with low self-esteem throughout my career, including during my years as a CAMHS therapist. Low self-esteem can have a profound impact on every area of a young person's life, and seeing a young person's confidence grow over the course of therapy is one of the most rewarding parts of this work.
How We Treat Low Self-Esteem
At Sulis Therapies, we treat health low self-esteem using two evidence-based therapies: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). CBT is the NICE recommended treatment for low self-esteem, though EMDR may be recommended depending on your child's individual needs.
Following a comprehensive assessment, and in conjunction with discussion with the young person and/or parent/carer(s), we will recommend the approach that is best suited to your child's individual needs, in some cases this may be a combination of both.
CBT for low self-esteem helps young people identify and challenge the deeply held negative beliefs they hold about themselves. Through structured sessions, young people learn to recognise the patterns of thinking that maintain low self-esteem, develop a more balanced and compassionate view of themselves, and build the confidence to engage more fully with the people and opportunities around them.
Where low self-esteem is rooted in specific painful experiences such as bullying, rejection or trauma, EMDR can be an effective approach. By reprocessing the memories that have shaped a young person's negative self-image, EMDR can reduce their emotional impact and allow a more positive and accurate sense of self to emerge.
Quick Answers
How do I know if my child needs therapy for low self-esteem?
If your child's negative view of themselves is persistent, is affecting their ability to engage with school, friendships or activities they would otherwise enjoy, or is causing them significant distress, therapy is likely to help. Low self-esteem that is deeply held and resistant to reassurance rarely improves on its own. If your child seems unable to recognise their own worth despite your best efforts, professional support can make a real difference.
What ages do you treat?
We work with children and young people up to the age of 26.
How many sessions will my child need?
This depends entirely on your child and the nature of their difficulties. The initial sessions focus on understanding what your child is experiencing and putting together a clear plan for therapy. At that stage we will be able to give you a much clearer idea of how many sessions we feel would be beneficial.
How often will my child need to attend sessions?
We recommend sessions at least once a week for the best results, though we can discuss a more intensive programme if that suits your child's needs. We offer flexible appointments including evenings and weekends to fit around your family's schedule.
How much do sessions cost?
CBT sessions last 60 minutes and cost £85. EMDR sessions last 90 minutes and cost £100. A free initial consultation is available so we can discuss your child's needs before committing to a programme of therapy.
If your child is struggling with low self-esteem, we're here to help. Get in touch today to arrange a free initial consultation and find out how we can support your family.
