Self-Esteem
Low self-esteem often shows up as an inner critic that never goes quiet and a sense that everyone else has it figured out. It is a learned pattern, and learned patterns can change.
Where low self-esteem comes from
Low self-esteem is usually a learned belief, built from criticism, comparison, invalidation, trauma, or a lifetime of being told (explicitly or implicitly) that you weren't quite enough.
For neurodivergent people, this is especially common. Years of not fitting in, masking and trying to meet standards that weren't made for your brain leave a mark.
We work honestly on how you see yourself, where those beliefs came from and whether they're accurate, then build something more solid in their place. We don't use toxic positivity.
Session info
- 50-60 minute sessions
- In person, at home, or online
- Qualified, experienced counsellors
- NDIS and fee-for-service
What self-esteem work covers
Sessions often cover these areas.
Tracing the beliefs back
We work out where your self-critical beliefs came from, because naming the origin takes away some of their authority.
In practice: Identifying a core belief like "I'm not good enough" and tracing it back to its earliest memory, then examining whether the source was reliable.
The inner critic
We work on the voice in your head, understanding its function, challenging its content, and learning to respond differently to it.
In practice: Giving the inner critic a name and practising responding to it out loud in session, like "Thanks for your opinion, but I don't agree."
Self-compassion (without being cheesy)
We work on practical ways to treat yourself as you'd treat a friend.
In practice: Writing down what you'd say to a friend in your exact situation, then reading it back to yourself and noticing the difference in tone.
Building evidence of your worth
Low self-esteem ignores evidence that contradicts it. We build a case against the critic, using your own life as the evidence.
In practice: Keeping a daily evidence log for one week, noting anything that contradicts the "not enough" belief, then reviewing the list together.
Self-esteem & neurodivergence
Masking, rejection sensitivity, and years of being "too much" or "not enough" leave a particular kind of hurt, and we work with it directly.
In practice: Sorting the things you find hard because of a mismatch with a neurotypical world from actual personal shortcomings, and adjusting how you assess yourself.
Assertiveness & boundaries
Low self-esteem and poor boundaries are linked. As one shifts, so does the other, so we work on both together.
In practice: Role-playing a specific conversation where you need to set a limit, practising the words, then debriefing how it felt and what to adjust.
Who this is for
- Anyone who feels they're never quite enough
- People with a relentless inner critic
- Neurodivergent people post-diagnosis rebuilding identity
- Those who struggle to set limits or ask for what they need
- People who people-please at the expense of themselves
- Anyone who knows they're capable but can't feel it
Start working on how you see yourself.
Book a free chat and we'll talk about where to start.
Book a free chatCost, eligibility & getting started
What it costs
Sessions for self-esteem work follow the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, with the cost depending on the type of session and whether it's a weekday, evening, or weekend appointment. You can also access this support privately, without NDIS funding, or through other schemes. Whatever the funding path, cost is always confirmed in writing before anything starts.
Am I eligible?
Support for self-esteem usually sits under Capacity Building, Improved Daily Living. If your NDIS plan includes that funding, you can use it for this work. A support coordinator or plan manager can help confirm what's in your plan. No relevant NDIS funding? Private, self-funded sessions are available too, and you don't need a diagnosis to reach out.
Where we work
We're based in Thomastown and work across Greater Melbourne, including the northern, western, and eastern suburbs. Online telehealth sessions are available too, and some of our support extends into regional Victoria. We'll figure out what's practical for you.
How to start
Get in touch by phone, our contact form, or email. The first conversation is about what's going on for you, and you share as much as you want to. From there, we match you with a counsellor who suits you and aim to have a first session booked within a few business days.
Start working on how you see yourself.
Book a free chat and we'll talk about where to start.
Call (03) 9968 7766