Low self-esteem and
poor self-confidence
Low self-esteem means having a negative perception of oneself and one’s qualities. This can lead to difficulty taking initiative, expressing opinions, or asserting oneself in social situations. Many people with low self-esteem struggle to accept compliments and may often feel insecure or anxious in various social settings.
Many individuals experience low self-esteem, poor self-confidence, or a negative self-image. At World Psychologists, we work with clients to explore whether their self-worth is based on external validation or internal self-acceptance.
A common pattern in low self-esteem is self-criticism – often much harsher than one would be towards a friend. By practising self-kindness, self-esteem can improve over time.
Common signs of low self-esteem
There are many signs of low self-esteem. Here are some of the most common:
Struggling to take initiative and express thoughts and opinions
Fear of making mistakes, being judged, or criticised by others
Difficulty accepting compliments, feeling uncomfortable when praised
Frequent comparison to others, feeling inadequate by their standards
Difficulty making decisions, feeling insecure in social situations
Downplaying achievements and focusing on perceived weaknesses
These are just a few examples – it is important to remember that self-esteem issues vary from person to person.
Behavioural analysis of low self-esteem
Low self-esteem manifests differently for each individual. That is why a behavioural analysis can be useful in understanding how it specifically affects a client.
In some cases, self-esteem can be improved by practising healthy assertiveness in relationships – expressing thoughts, feelings, needs, and desires without fear or avoidance.
However, this can challenge deep-seated core beliefs, such as the idea that one must perform well or seek approval to be accepted.
Through therapy, individuals can test new behaviours, such as prioritising authenticity over pleasing others. Often, the outcome is more positive than expected, as many people have never experimented with these new behaviours before.
Living in alignment with one’s core values fosters self-respect and personal growth, leading to stronger self-esteem.
The link between pride and self-esteem
Studies have shown that the feeling of pride is strongly linked to self-esteem. However, many people never allow themselves to feel proud of their achievements.
Being proud does not mean being arrogant.
It means recognising personal accomplishments without shame or self-doubt.
For some individuals, perfectionism is a sign of low self-esteem. They may believe that everything must be done perfectly to be worthy of acceptance.
In these cases, perfectionism becomes a compensatory strategy for the underlying belief that "I am not good enough as I am". Therapy can help clients embrace the concept of "good enough" and recognise that their self-worth is not defined by flawless performance.
Low self-esteem can lead to shame
Everyone experiences self-doubt and critical thoughts from time to time. However, the problem arises when these thoughts become overwhelming, leading to self-avoidance behaviours.
For example, someone with low self-esteem might:
Avoid meeting new people
Avoid applying for new jobs
Avoid taking risks or challenges
These avoidance behaviours reinforce self-doubt, creating a cycle of low self-confidence.
By taking small steps, facing challenges, and feeling competent, individuals can develop stronger self-esteem and a sense of self-worth.
A healthy self-esteem and the desire for approval
It is normal to want to feel competent and appreciated by others.
However, problems arise when the need for approval becomes excessive, interfering with:
Personal boundaries
Rest and recovery
Social relationships
Career progression
By identifying what truly matters, individuals can set meaningful goals, gaining a healthy sense of competence, validation, and self-worth.
Get help for low self-esteem and poor self-confidence
At World Psychologists, our psychologists and therapists specialise in helping individuals struggling with low self-esteem or self-confidence.
Book a free consultation to discuss your challenges and receive tailored support from the right expert.
What is self-esteem vs. self-confidence?
Although related, self-esteem and self-confidence are not the same:
Self-esteem refers to how one views oneself and their personal worth.
Self-confidence relates to how one believes they will perform in a given situation.
A person with high self-esteem has a positive view of themselves.
A person with low self-esteem has a negative view of themselves.
A person with high self-confidence believes they can handle most situations.
In summary:
Self-esteem = How you see yourself.
Self-confidence = How you believe you will perform in different situations.
"Self-esteem or self-concept refers to an individual's perception of themselves and their worth. Low self-esteem can involve both overestimating and underestimating one's abilities."
— Wikipedia
Therapy for self-esteem
It is easier to feel valuable when one is actively pursuing life goals and being true to oneself.
However, when negative thoughts and emotions arise, many people avoid challenges.
Therapy helps individuals take action despite self-doubt, leading to:
Long-term growth
A sense of accomplishment
Increased self-esteem
Poor self-confidence
Low self-confidence means having little belief in one’s ability to handle situations, leading to fear of failure and avoidance of challenges.
Many people with poor self-confidence:
Struggle to handle criticism
Are emotionally affected by others' opinions
Find it difficult to build and maintain relationships
How to improve self-confidence
Low self-confidence is a common issue, and help is available.
Through therapy and practical strategies, individuals can learn to believe in themselves and their abilities.
Studies show that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is effective in treating low self-esteem, helping individuals develop:
A healthier self-image
Greater self-confidence
Stronger coping mechanisms
However, results vary from person to person, and finding the right therapeutic approach is key.
CBT for self-esteem
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy used to treat low self-esteem.
CBT is based on the principle that:
Thoughts, emotions, and behaviours are interconnected
Negative thoughts influence emotions and actions
CBT exercises for self-esteem
CBT for self-confidence focuses on:
Identifying and changing negative thought patterns
Replacing negative thoughts with realistic and positive perspectives
Developing new behaviours to navigate challenges effectively
At World Psychologists, we help individuals develop lasting self-confidence and self-esteem through proven therapeutic techniques.