Online Therapy for Low Self-Esteem
If your inner voice is consistently critical, it can be hard to recognise strengths or feel comfortable making decisions. Therapy may help you explore where these beliefs came from and develop a fairer view of yourself.
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What is self-esteem?
Self-esteem is how you see and value yourself. It can vary across situations and over time. Low self-esteem is not itself a mental health diagnosis, although it can affect wellbeing and relationships.
How might low self-esteem show up?
You may dismiss compliments, assume mistakes prove you are inadequate, avoid opportunities or compare yourself harshly with others. Some people work excessively hard to avoid criticism.
What shapes self-esteem?
Early experiences, criticism, bullying, discrimination, difficult relationships and life changes can all contribute. There is rarely a single cause, and people respond differently to similar experiences.
How can therapy help?
Therapy can help you notice harsh self-judgements, explore their origins and practise more balanced responses. CBT may examine unhelpful beliefs and behaviours; other approaches may explore relationships and self-acceptance. See NHS guidance on low self-esteem.
What might an online session involve?
For example, you might explore why receiving constructive feedback at work leads to the thought “I always fail”. A therapist may help you examine the evidence, recognise context and plan a more useful response.
Self-esteem and other difficulties
Low self-esteem can accompany anxiety, depression or social fears, but it should not automatically be treated as proof of a disorder. If you are experiencing persistent low mood or significant distress, discuss this with a qualified professional.
Choosing a therapist
Ask about the therapist’s approach, experience and how they work with self-criticism or confidence. You can compare independent therapists on Veyro, ask about their relevant training and approach, and agree goals together. Online therapy may be convenient, but it is not the right option for every person or situation.
Clinically reviewed by Daniel Rosenberg, Senior Counsellor | ACCPH Member | General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR) Registrant on 5 November 2026.
Find therapists who can help with low self-esteem
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How Veyro works
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Meet your therapist online from wherever you feel comfortable.
Frequently asked questions
Is low self-esteem a mental illness?
Not by itself. It is a pattern of self-evaluation that can affect wellbeing and sometimes accompanies other conditions.
Can therapy improve confidence?
It may help you understand self-critical patterns and practise different responses, but outcomes and timeframes vary.
What is the difference between confidence and self-esteem?
Confidence often concerns your belief in your ability to do something; self-esteem concerns how you value yourself more broadly.
Can childhood experiences affect self-esteem?
They can, although experiences later in life and present circumstances may also matter.
Is CBT useful for low self-esteem?
CBT can help some people explore unhelpful beliefs and behaviours. Ask a therapist how their approach fits your goals.
What if low self-esteem comes with depression?
Low self-esteem and depression can overlap but are not the same. Read our depression therapy page.
Where can I find self-help advice?
See the NHS self-esteem guidance for practical suggestions.