Therapy for self-esteem and confidence
Learn to see yourself with the same kindness you offer others
What low self-esteem can feel like
Low self-esteem can show up in different ways, and many people don’t realize how deeply it affects their daily life until they begin exploring it in therapy.
If any of these feel familiar, therapy can help you understand where these patterns come from and what may support you in feeling more grounded and confident.
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Avoiding opportunities due to fear of failure
People-pleasing or prioritizing others’ needs first
Difficulty making decisions or trusting your judgment
Staying in unfulfilling relationships or environments
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Feeling not good enough or overly self-critical
Difficulty accepting praise or acknowledging strengths
Feeling undeserving of support, success, or care
Persistent worry about how others see you
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Tension or discomfort when receiving attention
Feeling overwhelmed by expectations
Disconnection from your own needs or preferences
How therapy helps
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Identify and challenge unhelpful beliefs
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Build self-compassion and confidence in your abilities
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Strengthen communication and boundary-setting skills
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Encourage resilience and a more balanced sense of identity
Self-esteem therapy in Scarborough
Our Scarborough clinic offers a warm, welcoming space where you can explore your experiences and build confidence at a pace that feels comfortable. Meeting with a therapist in person can provide a sense of safety, consistency, and connection. This can support the kind of meaningful work that helps things shift over time.
We support children, teens, and adults navigating challenges with self-esteem and confidence. You don’t need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. We’re here to help you make sense of what you’re feeling, understand where it comes from, and grow in ways that feel steady and sustainable.
Online self-esteem therapy across Ontario and Nova Scotia
If in-person sessions aren’t accessible or comfortable for you, we also offer online therapy using secure video sessions. This option is available to clients across Ontario and Nova Scotia and provides the same thoughtful, compassionate care as our in-person services.
Working with an online self-esteem therapist can be especially helpful if you prefer flexibility, privacy, or the comfort of connecting from home.
What contributes to low self-esteem
Self-esteem is shaped by many different experiences. You may notice it has been influenced by:
Critical, inconsistent, or emotionally unpredictable caregiving
Childhood moments where your feelings were minimized or misunderstood
Academic, social, or performance-related pressures
Perfectionism or holding yourself to very high standards
Difficult relationships, breakups, or unresolved past hurts
Comparing yourself to others in ways that feel discouraging
Experiences of discrimination, marginalization, or exclusion
Therapy provides a supportive space to understand how these patterns developed and begin rebuilding a sense of self that feels grounded, compassionate, and genuinely confident.
More about how self-esteem therapy with us can help you
Self-esteem therapy helps you reconnect with your strengths and develop a more balanced, compassionate view of yourself. At Thrive Psychology, we draw from evidence-based approaches—including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and relational, trauma-informed practices—to support meaningful, sustainable change.
Therapy can help you:
Understand where critical self-talk comes from
Gently challenge beliefs that no longer reflect who you are
Build confidence in your strengths and abilities
Strengthen self-trust and emotional resilience
Set clearer boundaries and communicate more effectively
Nurture relationships that feel supportive and reciprocal
Explore values and goals that feel authentic to you
Many people share that, over time, they feel more grounded, more capable of making decisions, and more connected to who they are becoming.
Who we support
Self-esteem challenges can show up at any age through self-doubt, comparison, perfectionism, or difficulty trusting your own abilities. We help children, teens, and adults understand where these patterns come from and build confidence that feels steady and sustainable.
Children
Children may express low self-esteem through self-doubt, hesitation with school tasks, avoidance, or strong emotional reactions. Therapy helps them make sense of their feelings, notice their strengths, and build confidence through approaches that feel supportive and age-appropriate.
Teens
Teens often navigate intense social and academic pressures. We help them explore identity, friendships, confidence, and the expectations they carry. Therapy offers a grounded, non-judgmental space where they can build skills that feel empowering and realistic in their day-to-day lives.
Adults
Adults may notice patterns of self-criticism, doubt, or relationship challenges that have developed over many years. Therapy creates space to understand these experiences with compassion and to develop more supportive, balanced ways of relating to yourself and the people around you.
What contributes to low self-esteem
You might question your worth, struggle to say what you need, or hold yourself to impossible standards. It may feel easier to shrink back than to risk disappointment or judgment. Over time, doubt replaces confidence, even in areas where you used to feel sure.
Our approach to supporting you
We use CBT, narrative, and strengths-based approaches to help you rewrite old stories and recognize your value. Sessions are collaborative and affirming, with a focus on small shifts that lead to lasting change.
Frequently asked questions
about therapy for self-esteem
What is the root cause of low self-esteem?
Low self-esteem often develops from experiences where emotional needs weren’t met, where criticism or inconsistency was common, or where you learned to question your worth. Relationship patterns, trauma, and social pressures can all shape how you see yourself.What trauma causes low self-esteem?
Experiences such as emotional neglect, bullying, inconsistent caregiving, or relational trauma can deeply influence self-worth. Therapy can help you understand how these moments shaped your beliefs and how to reconnect with a more grounded sense of self.Why am I losing confidence as I get older?
Shifts in identity, career, relationships, or life stress can all impact confidence over time. Therapy provides space to explore what has changed and to rebuild trust in your strengths and values.What kind of therapist helps with low self-esteem?
Registered therapists trained in approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and relational, trauma-informed therapy can all support self-esteem work. At Thrive, our team works collaboratively to help you understand your experiences and build confidence.How does therapy help improve self-esteem?
Therapy helps you explore the beliefs that influence how you see yourself, reduce self-criticism, and develop a more compassionate, balanced inner voice. Over time, many people notice clearer boundaries, greater resilience, and more confidence in their decisions.Can low self-esteem improve without therapy?
Some people notice improvement through supportive relationships, reflection, or life changes. Therapy offers a structured, personalised space to deepen that growth and create change that feels sustainable.How long does self-esteem therapy take?
The length of therapy varies. Some people notice shifts within a few sessions, while others prefer longer-term support to explore deeper patterns. Your therapist will help you find a pace that feels comfortable and meaningful.Is online therapy effective for self-esteem?
Yes. Online therapy can be just as effective as in-person sessions and offers flexibility and privacy for clients across Ontario and Nova Scotia. You can book a session in whichever format feels best for you.Reach out for support with self-esteem whenever you’re ready
If you’re struggling with your self-esteem or confidence, we are here for you. The first step is a 15-minute phone or video consultation. It’s a chance to share what’s been happening and ask any questions you have about getting started.