Struggling with self-esteem can affect nearly every part of life. It may show up as constantly comparing yourself to others, worrying about what people think, being overly critical of yourself, avoiding challenges because you’re afraid of failing, or feeling like you’re simply not good enough.
For children and teens, low self-esteem may appear as sensitivity to criticism, difficulty with friendships, giving up quickly, perfectionism, negative self-talk, or reluctance to try new things. A child who seems unmotivated or unwilling to participate may sometimes be protecting themselves from the possibility of failing or feeling embarrassed.
For young adults, self-esteem concerns can become especially noticeable during college, relationships, entering the workforce, and other periods of increased independence. Comparing yourself to peers, uncertainty about the future, social pressure, academic or career setbacks, and difficulty figuring out where you fit can all affect how you see yourself.
For adults, low self-esteem can affect relationships, work, decision-making, boundaries, and the ability to recognize personal strengths and accomplishments.
Therapy can help with:
- Negative self-talk and self-criticism
- Social insecurity and difficulty with friendships
- Comparing yourself to others
- Perfectionism and fear of failure
- Difficulty recognizing strengths
- Anxiety and self-doubt
- Confidence at school, college, work, or in relationships
- Developing a stronger and more realistic sense of self
Building Confidence and Self-Esteem
Improving self-esteem isn’t about convincing yourself that everything is perfect or simply “thinking positively.” Therapy can help you better understand the experiences, thoughts, and patterns that affect how you see yourself and begin developing a more balanced and realistic perspective.
Confidence often grows through experience. Part of therapy may involve helping clients become more comfortable taking appropriate risks, tolerating mistakes and setbacks, speaking up for themselves, and trying things even when they aren’t certain how they will turn out.
At Endeavor Psychotherapy Associates, our clinicians help children, teens, young adults, and adults identify patterns that may be holding them back, recognize their strengths, develop healthier ways of responding to mistakes and setbacks, and become more confident navigating relationships and everyday challenges.
If low self-esteem or self-doubt is getting in the way for you or your child, contact Endeavor Psychotherapy Associates in Woodbury, NY. We work with clients throughout Nassau County and Long Island and can help determine the right next step.