Treatment for low self-esteem – Strengthen your relationship with yourself

What is low self-esteem?

Self-esteem is the fundamental sense of being a valuable person, regardless of achievements or other people’s approval. Low self-esteem develops when this sense of self-worth is weakened and can lead to a persistent feeling of inadequacy or inferiority. It is important to understand that low self-esteem is not the same as low self-confidence. Self-confidence relates to how capable you feel in specific situations, while self-esteem concerns your overall sense of worth as a person.

Self-esteem vs. self-confidence

Self-confidence relates to specific abilities, such as being good at sport or at your job. Self-esteem, on the other hand, is a deeper sense of self-worth that does not depend on external factors. Many people with low self-esteem may have strong self-confidence in certain areas while still feeling inadequate as a person.

Symptoms of low self-esteem

Low self-esteem can appear in many different ways. Common symptoms include a critical inner voice that constantly finds faults and a tendency to compare yourself negatively with others. Perfectionism, fear of failure and difficulty setting boundaries are also common. These patterns can affect both personal and professional relationships and may contribute to further stress or depression.

How low self-esteem affects relationships

People with low self-esteem may find it difficult to say no, set boundaries or express their own needs. This can lead to unbalanced relationships in which they regularly prioritise other people’s needs over their own. Over time, this can create frustration and a feeling of being taken advantage of.

Causes of low self-esteem

Low self-esteem often develops over time and may have its roots in childhood. For example, growing up with conditional approval or criticism from parents can contribute to feelings of inadequacy. Bullying, trauma or loss may also play a role. Perfectionistic expectations from others or from yourself can worsen the problem and maintain negative patterns of thinking.

The role of childhood in low self-esteem

Children who experience criticism, bullying or a lack of support may develop negative beliefs about their own worth. These beliefs can continue into adulthood and affect their ability to develop healthy self-esteem.

Treatment for low self-esteem

At Charlottenlund Private Hospital, we use cognitive behavioural therapy and metacognitive therapy, which are evidence-based approaches with documented effectiveness. Treatment focuses on changing negative patterns of thinking and beliefs that maintain low self-esteem. The aim is to help you develop a more stable and balanced relationship with yourself, based on your own sense of worth rather than external achievements.

How therapy can help

Therapy can help identify and challenge the negative thoughts and beliefs underlying low self-esteem. By working with a psychologist, you can learn new strategies for managing self-criticism and developing a healthier view of yourself.

How to start treatment

The first step towards improving your self-esteem is to contact a professional. At Charlottenlund Private Hospital, we offer individual treatment programmes tailored to your specific needs. Our experienced psychologists are ready to help you take the first steps towards a healthier relationship with yourself.

What can you expect from treatment?



During treatment, you will work closely with a psychologist to understand and change the patterns affecting your self-esteem. The course of treatment may include talking therapy, exercises and practical strategies for managing challenges in everyday life.