Support for
A quieter inner critic and a steadier sense of self through therapy.
Therapy to rebuild self-esteem, address self-critical thinking, and develop a more compassionate relationship with yourself.
Key information you should know
- Low self-esteem is not who you are — it's a set of patterns that therapy can help shift.
- Evidence-based approaches like CBT, ACT, and Schema Therapy work specifically with self-worth, identity, and inner-critic patterns.
- Many self-esteem difficulties trace back to early experiences — we work with the present and the patterns that shaped it.
Signs you might benefit from self-esteem and confidence support
- A persistent inner critic — harsh, perfectionistic, never satisfied
- Discounting compliments and discounting your own achievements
- Difficulty saying no, setting limits, or asking for what you need
- Comparing yourself to others and feeling like you fall short
- Avoiding opportunities because 'I'm not good enough'
- Defining your worth by external achievement, others' approval, or appearance
- Feeling like an impostor — that people don't really see you
How therapy can help with self-esteem and confidence
Low self-esteem often shows up as harsh self-talk, perfectionism, people-pleasing, or avoiding opportunities. It frequently links to earlier experiences that shaped how you see yourself.
Therapy targets inner critic patterns, self-compassion, and behaviours that reinforce worthlessness. Confidence grows through small, repeated shifts rather than a single insight.
Psychologists who support self-esteem and confidence
9 psychologists with experience in self-esteem and confidence.
Accepting new clientsBook with AdriannaAdrianna Soulis
Psychologist
Adrianna is a warm, highly experienced psychologist who brings nearly a decade of clinical practice to helping people feel understood, supported and confident as they work towards meaningful change.
Works from Succoris Tweed Heads
Accepting new clientsBook with CarolineCaroline Gorman
Psychologist & Clinic Manager
Caroline is an experienced psychologist who supports clients across the lifespan to work towards meaningful therapeutic outcomes. With more than 15 years of experience, she brings a thoughtful, non-judgemental approach.
Works from Succoris Sunbury
Dr Kim Mihaljevic
Clinical Psychologist
Kim offers a compassionate, person-centred approach, supporting individuals to improve their emotional wellbeing and live a meaningful life. She works collaboratively with clients aged 15 and over.
Works from Succoris Sunbury
Kristy Ward
Psychologist & Director
Kristy is a warm, highly experienced psychologist who brings nearly two decades of clinical practice to helping people feel understood, supported and confident as they work towards meaningful change.
2 clinics
Accepting new clientsBook with LianaLiana Harris
Psychologist
Liana provides a gentle and supportive approach, helping clients work through emotional and interpersonal challenges. She works collaboratively with individuals to create a safe and compassionate space.
Works from Succoris Tweed Heads
Accepting new clientsBook with MaiaraMaiara Kunzler
Psychologist
Maiara is passionate about creating a safe, warm, and collaborative space where clients feel supported, respected, and empowered throughout the therapeutic process.
2 clinics
Nikita Kettlewell
Clinical Psychologist & Clinic Manager
Nikita works collaboratively with clients to identify goals and strategies for each individual, using a warm, empathic and non-judgemental approach. She has a background in individual and group therapy.
Works from Succoris Bendigo
Sophie Lord
Clinical Psychologist
Sophie provides warm, thoughtful therapy for children, adolescents and adults via telehealth. She is culturally aware, inclusive, and brings genuine curiosity to each person's story.
2 clinics
Accepting new clientsBook with SumairaSumaira Yousaf
Psychologist
Sumaira Yousaf is a registered General Psychologist with extensive international clinical experience across Australia and the UAE. She works with children, adolescents, adults, and families with a warm, strengths-focused approach.
Works from Succoris Sunbury
Common questions about self-esteem and confidence
What affects self-esteem?
Self-esteem is how you value and see yourself, and it is shaped by experiences, relationships, and the messages we absorb over time, often from early life. Low self-esteem is not a fixed trait or who you truly are. It is a set of learned patterns, including a harsh inner critic, that can be understood and changed with support.
How do I know if low self-esteem is a problem for me?
Signs include persistent self-criticism, doubting your worth, difficulty accepting compliments, fear of failure or judgment, and holding back from opportunities or relationships. Low self-esteem often sits quietly beneath other difficulties like anxiety or low mood. If the way you see yourself is holding you back or causing distress, therapy can help you build a kinder, steadier relationship with yourself.
Can therapy really build confidence and self-worth?
Yes. Evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, schema therapy, and compassion-focused and mindfulness-based work address self-critical thinking, core beliefs about worth, and the experiences that shaped them. Therapy helps you notice and challenge unhelpful patterns, treat yourself with more compassion, and build confidence through gradual, real steps. Change tends to grow steadily rather than overnight, and many people find it genuinely freeing.
Do I need a referral for self-esteem counselling?
No referral is needed to book with Succoris. If you see your GP and they prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates on individual sessions. Sessions are available in person across our clinics and by telehealth anywhere in Australia. Contact us and we can help match you with a psychologist who fits what you are working on.
What is the difference between self-esteem and self-confidence?
Self-esteem is your overall sense of your own worth, how much you value and accept yourself. Self-confidence is more specific, a belief in your ability to do particular things, like speak in public or start a new job. You can feel confident in some areas while still having low self-esteem underneath. Therapy can help with both, though lasting change usually comes from strengthening the deeper sense of self-worth.
Prefer to reach out directly? We're happy to help.