Self-esteem counseling to help you see your worth again

Low self-esteem looks different from person to person. You may notice constant comparison, trouble accepting compliments, fear of being found out at work or school, saying yes when you mean no, or holding yourself back from things you want because you're sure you'll fall short. Sometimes it shows up as perfectionism. Sometimes it looks like not trying at all.

None of this is a character flaw. The way we see ourselves is shaped by our families, our communities, our experiences, and the messages we absorbed along the way. Counseling helps you separate those messages from the truth about who you are.

Our approach is strengths-based. We help you recognize what is already working in you, and build confidence from there, at a pace that feels respectful rather than rushed. The aim is to help you understand your worth and feel empowered to reach your full potential.

How we help

Our clinicians draw on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), narrative approaches, solution-focused work, and Motivational Interviewing, along with strengths-based care. Together, you'll work on both the thoughts that keep you small and the actions that help you grow.

• CBT to catch and question harsh self-talk that feels like fact
• Narrative work to rewrite the story you've been told about who you are
• Naming your strengths and resources, not just your struggles
• Practicing boundaries and saying no without guilt
• Support for body image, impostor feelings, and social anxiety
• Small, real steps that build confidence through experience

What working together looks like

A calm, human first step

1. 1

   Book a free 10-min consult

   Tell us what's bringing you in — no pressure, no clinical detail required.

2. 2

   Match with the right therapist

   We'll pair you with a clinician whose training fits what you need.

3. 3

   Start where you are

   Warm first session at your pace. You choose what to share.

4. 4

   Grow — in person or online

   Ongoing support across Illinois, Georgia, and Florida.

Self-esteem at every stage of life

For teens, self-esteem can be tangled up with bullying, body image, and fitting in. For young adults, it can show up as impostor feelings in a first job or a new school program. For adults, it can surface during a divorce, a career change, parenting, or after years of putting everyone else first.

Our clinicians work with teens and adults, and you don't need to have it all figured out to start. A free 10-minute consult is a simple way to talk about what you're noticing and what kind of support would fit.

When self-esteem connects to something else

Low self-worth can travel with anxiety, depression, or past hurt. If those are part of the picture, your therapist will help you look at them too, so you're not working on confidence while ignoring what's weighing it down.

Tools between sessions

Building confidence happens between sessions as much as in them. It can help to keep notes on moments you handled well, or to use guided resources like our Journal Your Journey self-help guide or our 24/7 Mental Health online course, which includes confidence-building exercises. These resources are meant to supplement therapy, not replace it.

Who on our team works with this

These clinicians name self-esteem, confidence, or strengths-based work in their own profiles. Your consult helps us match you by age, style, schedule, and location.

• 
  Sybria Davis, MSW, LSW

  Licensed Social Work - Therapist

  Lists self-esteem, body positivity, impostor syndrome, social anxiety, and bullying among her areas of focus.

• 
  Joanne Sainvilier, MA, LPC

  Licensed Professional Counselor

  Uses CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and solution-focused techniques to help teens and adults build confidence and create meaningful change.

• 
  Freddie Williams, MSW, LSW

  Counseling Therapist

  Strengths-based therapist who helps clients recognize their strengths and build the skills and confidence for positive change.

Common questions

• What causes low self-esteem?

  There usually isn't one cause. Family messages, school or work experiences, bullying, discrimination, trauma, and ongoing stress can all shape how you see yourself. Therapy looks at your particular story rather than a one-size-fits-all explanation.

• Do you work with impostor syndrome?

  Yes. Impostor syndrome is among the areas of focus Sybria Davis, MSW, LSW, lists in her profile. Feeling like a fraud despite real accomplishments is something you can work on in therapy.

• Do you see teens for self-esteem?

  Yes. We see adults, teens, couples, and families. Teen sessions are confidential in the ways they need to be, with parents kept informed of anything that affects safety.

• How do I get started?

  Book a free 10-minute phone consult. We'll ask a few questions about what you're navigating and match you with the clinician most likely to work well for you. Online booking is a request, so please call our office to confirm your exact time.

Keep exploring

Not sure where to start? A 10-minute call is a low-pressure way to find the right fit.

This page is for information only and is not a substitute for medical or mental-health advice. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.