Therapy for Low Self-Esteem and Feeling “Not Good Enough”

Many people come to me with feelings of not being “good enough.” They feel defective or different in some way. Deep down, they may believe they are unlovable or unlikeable, and one thought keeps returning: “There is something wrong with me.”

If this sounds familiar, you are not alone, and you don’t have to feel this way forever. Click on Contact above to schedule a free 15 minute consultation.

Why Do I Feel Like Something Is Wrong With Me?

First of all, everyone feels they are not good enough in some way. It is a universal part of being human.

These feelings usually have roots. They may come from messages we absorbed from parents, teachers, our culture, bullying, or religion, to name a few. Over time, those messages can turn into a voice inside that feels like the truth, even when it isn’t.

Social Media and Self-Esteem

Social media keeps these feelings alive. Scrolling can fuel thoughts like “I’m not good enough,” “My life isn’t good enough,” “I don’t look good enough,” or “I’m not doing all the exciting things my friends are doing.”

What we see online is a highlight reel, not real life. Therapy can help you step out of the comparison trap and reconnect with what truly matters to you.

How to Stop Negative Self-Talk and Be Kind to Yourself

Many people beat themselves up and say things to themselves they would never say to a friend. How do you learn to be kind to yourself? How can you become your own best friend and feel good about who you are?

These are skills that can be learned. In therapy, we’ll work on:

•         Noticing your inner critic and the harsh things it says

•         Questioning negative thoughts with CBT, so they lose their power

•         Using mindfulness to step back from painful thoughts instead of believing them

•         Practicing self-compassion, treating yourself with the warmth you’d offer someone you love

•         Understanding the parts of you that feel “not good enough,” and what they need

How Therapy Helps You Accept Yourself

Therapy can help you free yourself from the thought “there is something wrong with me” and the negative thinking that comes with it. Step by step, you can move toward accepting yourself and feeling good about yourself, just the way you are.

I draw on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, self-compassion, and parts work, tailoring our work to you.

Online Therapy Across New York

I offer secure online therapy for adults anywhere in New York State, from New York City, Long Island and Westchester to the Hudson Valley, Albany, Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo.

•         Session length: 45 minutes

•         Fees and insurance: Private pay and insurance accepted: United Healthcare, Medicare, Aetna, Anthem BC/BS, Cigna, Emblem, MVP, Carelon