Online Counselling
Counselling for Self-Esteem & Confidence
Online counselling for low self-esteem, harsh self-criticism and shaky confidence — with Lisa Brathwaite, a BACP-registered counsellor working with adults across the UK.
What does low self-esteem look like?
Low self-esteem is the quiet belief that you are not quite good enough — not clever enough, likeable enough, capable enough. It often runs in the background, shaping how you speak to yourself and what you allow yourself to want.
It can show up as constant self-criticism, comparing yourself to others, struggling to accept compliments, saying yes when you mean no, or holding back from opportunities in case you fail. For many people it is so familiar that they assume it is simply 'who they are' — but it is something that can change.
Signs counselling might help
People often come to me about self-esteem when they recognise some of the following:
- •A harsh inner critic that rarely lets up
- •Feeling like a fraud, or that you are not good enough
- •Difficulty setting boundaries or saying no
- •Putting everyone else's needs ahead of your own
- •Comparing yourself unfavourably to other people
- •Avoiding challenges or opportunities through fear of failing
- •Struggling to accept praise, or to celebrate your own wins
- •A deep need for approval or fear of being judged
How counselling helps with self-esteem
Low self-esteem is rarely the truth about you — it is usually a story you learned, often early on, from how you were treated or the messages you took in. Counselling helps you trace where that story came from, so it loosens its grip.
In our work together, you experience being accepted exactly as you are, without having to earn it. That relationship itself starts to challenge the belief that you are not enough. We gently examine the critical voice, understand what it is trying to do, and build a steadier, more compassionate sense of yourself.
Over time, people often find they can set boundaries, take up space, and make choices based on what they actually want — rather than on fear of not being good enough.
My approach
I am a BACP-registered counsellor with an integrative approach — Person-Centred therapy, Transactional Analysis, Gestalt and Psychodynamic ideas. Person-Centred work in particular is well suited to self-esteem, because being met with genuine, unconditional acceptance is exactly what helps it grow.
There is no script to follow and nothing you need to fix about yourself to deserve support. We work at your pace, in a warm and non-judgmental space.
What to expect from your first session
Your first session is a gentle introduction. You can share as much or as little as feels comfortable, and I will ask some questions to understand what has brought you to counselling. We will cover how sessions work and confidentiality.
Beforehand, you can book a free 20-minute consultation to ask questions and see how it feels to talk. Sessions are £40 per hour, delivered online by video.
Take the first step
If anything you have read here sounds like you, get in touch for a free 20-minute consultation. There is no pressure — it's simply a chance to ask any questions and see how it feels to talk.