Self-Esteem & Sense of Self
Our experiences can shape how we come to see and feel about ourselves. You might find yourself being highly self-critical, doubting your own judgement, or carrying a persistent sense of not being good enough. You may struggle to recognise your strengths, feel uncomfortable with positive feedback, or find it difficult to know what you genuinely think or feel.
Self-criticism and feelings of inadequacy
For some people, self-criticism becomes an almost automatic response. You might hold yourself to high standards, focus on what you have done wrong, or feel that what you achieve is never quite enough. Even when things are going well, it can be difficult to feel satisfied or recognise your own efforts.
There may also be a persistent sense of shame, inadequacy or feeling somehow at fault. These feelings can be difficult to understand, but may influence how you approach everyday experiences, decisions and challenges.
Sense of self and identity
Your sense of who you are can feel uncertain or difficult to hold onto. You might find yourself questioning your own perceptions, feeling disconnected from what matters to you, or being unsure of what you genuinely want.
You may also find it difficult to feel comfortable with different aspects of yourself, including your strengths, limitations, preferences and imperfections. At times, you might have a clearer sense of who you think you should be than who you actually feel yourself to be.
Therapy may be helpful if you are experiencing
Persistent self-criticism or feelings of inadequacy
A sense of not being good enough
Shame or feelings of being fundamentally flawed
Perfectionism and difficulty tolerating mistakes
Difficulty recognising your strengths or achievements
Difficulty accepting positive feedback or feeling comfortable with success
Doubting your own judgement, perceptions or feelings
An uncertain or unstable sense of identity
Feeling disconnected from yourself or unsure what you want
How I work with relationship difficulties
My approach to individual therapy is relational psychodynamic and attachment-informed. I am interested in how you have come to experience yourself in the ways you do, and how earlier experiences and ongoing patterns of thinking and feeling may continue to shape your sense of self.
Rather than focusing only on changing negative thoughts or building confidence, therapy can involve exploring the feelings, beliefs and expectations that sit beneath how you see yourself. We can become curious about where these experiences developed, what they mean to you, and how they continue to affect your life.
Thinking about beginning therapy?
If difficulties with self-esteem or your sense of self are bringing you to therapy, you're welcome to get in touch. The first few sessions give us time to understand what has brought you here and whether working together feels like the right fit.
Individual Therapy for Self-Esteem in East Melbourne
I offer individual therapy in East Melbourne and via telehealth across Australia for adults experiencing low self-esteem, self-criticism, feelings of inadequacy, shame and difficulties with their sense of self.