CLINICAL COUNSELLING SPECIALTY:

Low-Self Esteem

Do you find yourself feeling insecure, searching for love, acceptance, and validation externally? Does it feel like no matter what you do, deep inside you just don’t feel worthy, good enough or loveable? If you answered yes to either question, chances are you are struggling with low self-esteem.

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What is Low self-esteem?

Understanding Low Self-Esteem and When To Seek Help.

Low self-esteem often feels like an invisible weight impacting how you see yourself, how you relate to others, and what you believe you deserve. You may find yourself stuck in self-criticism, constantly comparing, or feeling like you’re never quite good enough.

If your self-esteem is affecting your relationships, decisions, or sense of peace, it may be time to talk to someone. You deserve to feel confident in who you are and you don’t have to work through it alone.

At Lyn Firth Counselling, you’ll find a safe, compassionate space to explore where these beliefs began and begin building a healthier, more confident sense of self.

You don’t have to carry this alone.

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What Low Self-Esteem Looks Like

Signs and Symptoms of low-self esteem

Recognizing the common signs of low self-esteem is the first step toward understanding how it may be affecting your life.

  • Frequently comparing yourself to others and feeling like you don’t measure up
  • Doubting your ability to make good decisions
  • Feeling like a failure or an imposter, even when you experience success
  • Focusing on your mistakes rather than your strengths or accomplishments
  • Struggling to say no and going out of your way to please others
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Understanding the Root Causes

Common Causes of Low Self-Esteem

To help understand what caused your low self-esteem, we can look at how your history and relationships with your primary care providers shaped your opinion of yourself and how other external influences contribute.

  • Being criticized a lot growing up
  • Growing up in a home with conflict or tension
  • Feeling ignored or emotionally unsupported
  • Being compared to others
  • Bullying or being left out
  • Pressure to be perfect
  • Social media and unrealistic standards
  • Difficult breakups or unhealthy relationships
  • Not being praised or encouraged
  • Major life changes or failures

IS LOw self-esteem holding you back?

how low self-esteem impacts your quality of life

Low self-esteem can quietly shape the way you experience your life—often without you even realizing it. It may leave you feeling weighed down by constant self-doubt, holding back in relationships, or stuck in patterns of fear and missed opportunities. When you don’t believe you’re worthy or capable, it can limit your happiness, strain your connections, and stop you from living the life you truly want.

Negative Emotions

Persistent self-criticism can result in feelings of sadness, anxiety, depression, anger, or shame.

Paralyzing Fears

Doubts about your abilities or self-worth may prevent you from taking risks or pursuing what you want in life, driven by the fear of failure or disappointing others.

Damaged Relationships

You may feel insecure around others, constantly worrying about being disliked, and struggle to assert yourself, leading to tolerating mistreatment.

Unhealthy Coping Strategies

Low self-esteem can lead to harmful behaviors like social withdrawal, substance abuse, eating disorders, or risky actions, which can worsen mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

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WHAT YOU CAN DO

Steps to Strengthen Your Self-Esteem

Self-esteem is a journey, not a quick fix. Progress takes time, patience, and consistency. Start by taking one small step forward—and celebrate it.

Treat yourself with the same kindness and patience you would offer a friend. Acknowledge your struggles without judgment especially when things don’t go as planned, and allow yourself the chance to grow.

Counselling is a very effective treatment for low self-esteem, it can help you:

  • Identify distorted thinking patterns (negative beliefs and assumptions you have about yourself and others)
  • Understand the source and challenging the negative beliefs and assumptions
  • Replace limiting behaviors with behaviors that will help you succeed, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone
  • Develop a toolbox of effective coping strategies

If constant comparison on social media is negatively affecting you, protect your self-esteem by limiting social media use. 
Follow accounts that promote positivity, personal growth, or topics that align with your interests and values.

Moving your body, even if it’s just for a short walk or stretching, helps release stress and boost your mood. Regular physical activity supports both your mental and physical health, helping you to feel a sense of accomplishment.

Saying no is a way to honor your own needs and create space for what matters to you. By setting healthy boundaries, you prioritize your well-being and build self-respect.

“Changing ingrained ideas can be difficult but it is a process that I am honoured to help you navigate successfully. If you are ready to make a positive change, I invite you to contact me and I look forward to meeting with you to answer any questions you may have for me.”

– Lyn Firth, MPCC, RQS

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