Self-esteem plays a crucial role in our mental health and overall wellbeing. It influences how we perceive ourselves, interact with others, and handle challenges in daily life. When self-esteem is healthy, it fosters confidence, resilience, and a sense of self-worth. However, low self-esteem can contribute to a range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, and difficulties in relationships.
At Cova Psychology, our experienced psychologists in Melbourne provide evidence-based therapy to help individuals improve self-esteem. Whether you prefer in-person sessions at our Melbourne CBD clinic or the convenience of telehealth, our clinical psychologists offer compassionate and tailored support to guide you toward greater self-acceptance and confidence.
Self-esteem refers to how we view and value ourselves. It develops over time and is shaped by life experiences, relationships, and societal influences. When self-esteem is low, it can manifest in several ways, such as:
Persistent self-doubt and critical thoughts
Avoidance of social situations or challenges
Difficulty asserting needs or setting boundaries
Fear of failure and excessive perfectionism
Feeling unworthy of love, success, or happiness
These patterns can become deeply ingrained, making it difficult to break free from negative self-perceptions. Fortunately, therapy with a skilled psychologist can provide practical tools to challenge unhelpful beliefs and foster a healthier self-image. For more information about self-esteem and its effects, you may find this resource from Better Health Channel helpful.
At Cova Psychology, we take a personalised approach to self-esteem therapy. Our clinical psychologists use evidence-based treatments to help clients develop self-compassion, challenge negative thought patterns, and build confidence in themselves. Some of the therapies we incorporate include:
CBT is a widely used therapeutic approach that helps individuals identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns. Many people with low self-esteem hold deeply rooted negative beliefs about themselves. CBT works by restructuring these beliefs, replacing self-criticism with balanced and realistic self-appraisal. Through practical exercises and real-world applications, clients learn to challenge their inner critic and develop a more positive and confident outlook.
ACT helps individuals move away from self-judgment and towards self-acceptance. Instead of struggling against negative thoughts, ACT encourages people to acknowledge and accept their emotions while committing to actions that align with their values. This approach fosters a more flexible mindset, reducing self-criticism and increasing confidence in one’s ability to navigate life’s challenges.
Mindfulness teaches individuals to be present in the moment rather than dwelling on past mistakes or worrying about future judgments. Many people with low self-esteem experience frequent self-critical thoughts. Mindfulness helps cultivate self-awareness and emotional regulation, allowing individuals to respond to negative thoughts with greater self-compassion rather than engaging in harsh self-criticism.
CFT specifically addresses self-criticism and shame, which often accompany low self-esteem. This therapeutic approach encourages individuals to develop a kinder and more supportive relationship with themselves. By fostering self-compassion, CFT helps people build resilience against negative self-perceptions and enhances their overall emotional wellbeing.
Low self-esteem is often linked to various mental health conditions. People who struggle with self-worth may be more vulnerable to:
Anxiety: Constant self-doubt and fear of judgment can lead to excessive worry and avoidance behaviours.
Depression: Persistent feelings of shame, inadequacy, and self-criticism can contribute to a low mood and loss of motivation.
Social Anxiety and Withdrawal: Fear of rejection or failure may cause individuals to avoid social interactions, reinforcing feelings of isolation.
Perfectionism: Holding excessively high standards can create a cycle of self-judgment and frustration, making it difficult to feel satisfied with achievements.
Addressing self-esteem issues with a psychologist can significantly improve mental health and overall quality of life. By working through these challenges, individuals can experience greater confidence, emotional stability, and stronger relationships.
At Cova Psychology, we understand that reaching out for support can feel daunting. Our approach is warm, collaborative, and non-judgmental, ensuring a safe space for individuals to explore their concerns. Therapy sessions are tailored to each person’s unique experiences, with a focus on helping them develop self-confidence and resilience.
When working with a self-esteem psychologist in Melbourne, clients can expect:
A Thorough Initial Assessment: The first session involves a discussion about your experiences, challenges, and goals for therapy.
A Personalised Treatment Plan: Your psychologist will develop an approach suited to your specific needs and circumstances.
Evidence-Based Strategies: Techniques such as cognitive restructuring, behavioural experiments, and mindfulness practices will be introduced to help shift self-perception.
Practical Skills for Daily Life: Therapy focuses on equipping you with tools to manage self-doubt, set healthy boundaries, and build resilience against criticism.
Ongoing Support and Reflection: Regular sessions provide an opportunity to reflect on progress, address new challenges, and reinforce self-empowerment.
We recognise that accessibility is essential when seeking mental health support. Our Melbourne psychologists offer both in-person and telehealth sessions, allowing clients to receive therapy in a way that suits their lifestyle and preferences.
For those attending in person, our Melbourne CBD clinic provides a welcoming and professional environment. Alternatively, telehealth sessions allow clients to receive the same high-quality care from the comfort of their own home. This option is particularly beneficial for individuals with busy schedules, mobility concerns, or those living outside of Melbourne.
If low self-esteem is affecting your mental health, relationships, or daily life, seeking support from a psychologist can be a transformative step. Our experienced team at Cova Psychology is dedicated to helping individuals develop a healthier sense of self-worth and emotional wellbeing.
Reaching out for therapy is not a sign of weakness but rather an investment in your personal growth and happiness. With the right support, it is possible to build lasting confidence and move towards a more fulfilling life.
If you are waiting for an appointment with a psychologist, there are several self-help strategies you can explore to begin working on your self-esteem in the meantime. Taking proactive steps can provide relief and help you start building confidence before therapy begins.
Practice Self-Compassion – Instead of criticising yourself, try speaking to yourself with kindness and understanding. Research shows that self-compassion can improve emotional resilience and overall wellbeing.
Challenge Negative Thoughts – Start noticing unhelpful thoughts about yourself and question their accuracy. Ask yourself: “Would I say this to a friend?” If not, try reframing the thought in a more balanced way.
Engage in Mindfulness and Relaxation – Practising mindfulness can help you become more aware of self-critical thoughts and reduce their impact.
Set Small, Achievable Goals – Accomplishing small tasks can boost confidence. Whether it’s trying a new hobby, exercising, or engaging in social activities, taking small steps can reinforce a sense of capability.
Use Self-Help Resources – There are many useful resources available online that provide practical exercises and insights for improving self-esteem. The Centre for Clinical Interventions (run by the Government of Western Australia) offers a self-esteem workbook among other valuable resources.
If you are looking for a self-esteem psychologist in Melbourne, we are here to help. Get in touch with us to book an appointment or to learn more about our services:
Call (03) 9654 3557
Use our online contact form
We are available face to face in the Melbourne CBD or online via telehealth.
Call us today to discuss your needs and connect with a psychologist from our Melbourne team.
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Let’s discuss your needs and match you with the right Melbourne psychologist.
Let’s discuss your needs and match you with the right Melbourne psychologist
Acknowledgement of Country
Cova Psychology acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land where our Melbourne CBD practice is located—the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong/Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation. We pay respect to their Elders, past and present, as well as the Elders of other Aboriginal communities in Melbourne and beyond.
We Welcome all People
We Work With
We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which the practice is located. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and the Aboriginal Elders of other communities who may be here today.
