Counseling for Self-Esteem & Confidence Building

Having a healthy sense of self-esteem and self-confidence can help us keep moving forward when we face challenges. The terms ‘lack of confidence’ and ‘low self-esteem’ are often used interchangeably. However, they actually mean different things.

Self-Confidence

How well you believe you can handle various situations—your perception of your competence and skill—is a reflection of your self-confidence. When we are more confident in our own abilities we are more likely to be motivated to get things done.

Our current and future competence can be improved or undermined by what we tell ourselves. It is possible to view ourselves fairly, in healthy ways that keep us motivated and build on where we are in the moment.

Perfectionism, as well as procrastination, can also be expressions of a lack of confidence. If you’ve ever invested large amounts of time getting things ‘just right’ because anything less than perfect is unsatisfactory these words may speak to you. Maybe your perfectionism has stopped you in your tracks to the point where you procrastinate and don’t finish what you need or want to do.

Even high achieving individuals can have a crisis of confidence and suffer from something known as imposter syndrome. This means failing to internalize your own successful performances and being fearful of being found out as an imposter.

Self-Esteem

Your self-esteem is your sense of self-worth. It is closely related to your sense of well-being.

Sometimes people with low self-esteem present a confident exterior to the world but, inside, they question their worthiness and have a fear of being discovered to be ‘less than’.

You may be surprised to learn that rebellion can also be an expression of low self-esteem. If you find yourself frequently defying authority, angrily not accepting responsibility or feedback, or placing blame on others for your own actions, it may be time for a closer look at what is underlying your emotions.

Low self-esteem may leave you feeling shy, awkward, out-of-place, or self-conscious around others. You might even feel this way around people you are close to. This can lead to a lack of balance in your relationships.

Low self-esteem may also produce feelings of helplessness. In turn, this  can grow into “learned helplessness” where you increase your reliance on others beyond what is called for by the situation.

If you have been saying …

• I’m ready to feel more comfortable in new situations…at work or school…in groups of people…in my own skin.
• I’d like to feel more sure of myself and I want other people to see that in me, too.
• I am ready to take more control over my life including standing up for what I want and need.
• Even when times are stressful, I’d like to feel good about myself and function well.
• I want to find a different way to handle my negative emotions when I am not feeling good about who I am or what I’m capable of doing.
• I don’t have to stay stuck or be hard on myself. Even if things don’t turn out as well as I like, turning my thoughts into actions gives me the knowledge and experience to do even better in the future.

…let’s connect!

I’m here to guide and encourage you while you take increasingly confident steps to becoming more self-assured, self-reliant, content, and happier with your life.

I use cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) along with an integrated approach of other therapy techniques to help you make the adjustments in your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions that increase self-confidence and improve self-esteem.

We’ll work at your pace and on the goals you set for yourself. Call me today to schedule a free 20-minute consultation or an initial appointment.