Low self-esteem is a persistent belief that you are not good enough, unworthy, or fundamentally flawed. It affects how people see themselves, relate to others, and cope with life’s challenges, even when there is plenty of objective evidence that a person is successful and “good enough”.
“No matter how well I did at work, I still felt like a failure. I never believed I deserved anything good.”
Low self-esteem often develops early in life due to critical environments, bullying, trauma, or unmet emotional needs. It can appear as chronic self-criticism, people-pleasing, or perfectionism. Many mask their insecurities through overachievement or emotional withdrawal. Others may stay in unfulfilling jobs or relationships because they don’t believe they deserve or are capable of better.
Low self-esteem often coexists with anxiety, depression, disordered eating, or emotional dysregulation. People may fear rejection, struggle with assertiveness, or obsess over perceived failures. Despite appearing confident to others, they may feel worthless, ashamed, or “not enough” inside. Therapy can help uncover and change these internal beliefs, building a more secure and compassionate sense of self.
“Helping people challenge these harsh inner voices and recognise their worth is deeply moving and life-changing work.”
At Bloomfield Health, we take a compassionate, evidence-based approach to understanding the roots of low self-esteem. Our assessments explore the early experiences and beliefs shaping your self-image. Psychological therapy may include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), compassion-focused therapy (CFT), schema therapy or psychodynamic therapy. We help you identify and challenge critical thinking patterns, build self-worth, and learn to relate to yourself with more kindness and confidence. Recovery is not about ego—it’s about balance, acceptance, and agency.
Not on its own, but it’s a key feature across many mental health conditions and can be addressed in therapy.
Yes. These beliefs and feelings can be change. Therapy can help you see yourself through a different, more compassionate lens.
Only if you want to. Understanding early influences on your self-esteem can help, but we’ll always work at your pace
No, but they often coexist. Low self-worth can be a symptom or a separate issue contributing to depression
CBT, compassion-focused therapy, and schema therapy all have strong evidence for improving self-esteem. Other types of psychological therapies might be more helpful if your experience of low self-esteem is connected with a specific mental health condition, like an eating disorder or chronic depression for example. During your assessment we will explain which therapy we think would be most effective given your unique circumstances.
Yes, absolutely. Many people overcompensate through outward success while feeling inadequate inside.
Yes. With the right support, you can build a more balanced and accurate sense of your worth.
Not at all. With consistent therapeutic work, low self-esteem can shift dramatically over time.
We are registered by the Care Quality Commission (CQC),
the independent regulator of health and social care in England.
