Self-Esteem Therapy
Navigating Self-Esteem: The Voice That Questions Your Worth
It’s that quiet, persistent whisper of “not enough.” The hesitation to speak up, the discomfort in receiving praise, or the way you replay every interaction wondering if you said the wrong thing. Low self-esteem can disguise itself as humility or self-awareness, but beneath it lies shame, self-doubt, and an inner critic that rarely rests. Let’s talk about it.
Low self-esteem isn’t always easy to spot. It can look like:
Constant self-doubt or second-guessing your decisions
Feeling undeserving of love or success
Struggling to accept compliments or recognition
Withdrawing socially or keeping your true self hidden
Difficulty setting boundaries or expressing needs
Pessimistic thinking or focusing on flaws over strengths
When Self-Reflection Turns Into Self-Criticism
Living with low self-esteem often feels like carrying a weight you can’t put down. Even when others see your strengths, you might only notice your shortcomings. You crave confidence but find yourself shrinking instead—worried about being “too much” or not enough. Over time, that inner narrative can seep into every area of life, from relationships to career to overall well-being.
You’re More Than Your Inner Critic
At Anne Giles Counseling, we understand how deeply self-esteem shapes your sense of identity and belonging. Through somatic work, EMDR, and parts-based (IFS) therapy, we help you uncover where these beliefs began and gently rewrite the story you tell yourself. Together, we’ll build self-trust, confidence, and a compassionate relationship with your worth—one that’s rooted in authenticity, not achievement.
Because you were never meant to prove your value. You were meant to know it.
Interested in self-esteem therapy? Send me a message!
The Subtle Weight of Low Self-Esteem in Our Lives
Imagine self-esteem as the lens through which you view yourself and the world around you. When it’s clear, you move with confidence and trust in your worth. But when that lens becomes clouded, every reflection feels distorted—your achievements seem smaller, your flaws feel magnified, and the voice of your inner critic grows louder with every step.
Low self-esteem has a way of quietly shaping your daily life. It convinces you that you’re undeserving of rest, praise, or love. It makes you question your decisions, second-guess your value, and withdraw from others to avoid being “too much.” Over time, it can seep into your relationships, work, and sense of identity, leaving you feeling disconnected from who you truly are.
You might notice it in your thoughts and behaviors:
Constant self-doubt or overthinking
Feelings of shame or unworthiness
Difficulty setting healthy boundaries
Withdrawing socially or avoiding vulnerability
Discomfort accepting compliments or recognition
Struggling to express yourself authentically
While low self-esteem can feel all-encompassing, it doesn’t have to define you. Working with a therapist can help you understand where these beliefs come from, soften your inner critic, and rebuild a compassionate sense of self-worth.
With support, you can begin to see yourself with clarity again—through a lens of acceptance, confidence, and truth.
Our Comprehensive Approach to Self-Esteem Therapy
At Anne Giles Counseling, we understand how low self-esteem can quietly shape the way you see yourself and move through the world. It can make your worth feel conditional—measured by how productive, successful, or likable you are. That inner critic grows louder, fueling self-doubt, shame, and the sense that you’re never quite enough.
Low self-esteem doesn’t stay confined to one part of your life—it can affect your relationships, emotional health, and overall sense of fulfillment. You might find yourself overextending to please others, struggling to set boundaries, or feeling uncomfortable accepting kindness or praise. These patterns often stem from old experiences that taught you your value was something to be earned rather than inherently felt.
Through Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, and somatic work, we explore the deeper roots of self-criticism and disconnection. These approaches help you process past experiences, develop self-compassion, and reconnect with the parts of yourself that have longed to be seen and valued.
Our goal isn’t just to quiet the inner critic—it’s to help you build genuine confidence and a lasting sense of self-worth. You deserve to move through life knowing your value isn’t something you have to prove—it’s something you already possess.
Frequently Asked Questions About Self-Esteem Treatment
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Low self-esteem often shows up as a persistent sense of “not enough.” You might find yourself doubting your abilities, feeling uncomfortable accepting compliments, or being overly critical of your mistakes. It can also appear as people-pleasing, perfectionism, or social withdrawal. If your inner dialogue tends to be harsh or self-critical, therapy can help you understand where these beliefs come from and begin to change them.
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Low self-esteem often develops from early life experiences—like criticism, neglect, emotional invalidation, or trauma—that shaped how you see yourself. Over time, these experiences can lead to internalized beliefs about worth and adequacy. Therapy helps uncover and heal these patterns so you can view yourself through a more compassionate, balanced lens.
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Self-esteem therapy focuses on helping you reconnect with your inner sense of value. Using Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, and somatic work, we identify and transform the critical or protective parts of you that developed to keep you safe. Together, we’ll build self-compassion, confidence, and the ability to show up authentically—without needing external validation to feel worthy.
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Everyone’s healing journey looks different. Some clients notice subtle shifts—like reduced self-criticism or greater self-trust—within a few weeks, while deeper work unfolds over time. The goal isn’t perfection but creating lasting change, where you feel grounded, confident, and comfortable in your own skin.
Reclaim Your Confidence — And Remember Your Worth
If self-doubt and harsh inner criticism have been running the show, therapy with Anne Giles Counseling can help you rediscover confidence, compassion, and a grounded sense of self-worth. Whether you prefer in-person sessions in Boulder, CO, or online therapy from the comfort of home, support is here when you’re ready.
You can schedule a free 15-minute consultation or reach out directly through the Anne Giles Counseling website to begin your journey toward self-trust, empowerment, and authentic confidence.
Self-Esteem, Therapy Boulder, CO
1650 38th Street Suite 100, Boulder, CO 80301