What is Self-Esteem?

Self-esteem is the opinion you hold about yourself. It’s not something most of us think about day to day, but it has a powerful impact on how we live, how we love, and how we cope.

If your self-esteem is low, you might carry a harsh internal voice that tells you you’re not good enough. You may not like parts of who you are or feel like you don’t measure up.

When your thoughts about yourself are mostly positive (or even neutral), you tend to feel more confident, capable, and secure in your place in the world. You believe you can face life’s challenges and bounce back from setbacks. But when your internal voice is mostly negative, it can make you feel like you’re not worthy, and everyday life becomes harder to navigate.

Learning to accept yourself, truly accept yourself, is one of the most powerful things you can do. It doesn’t mean being perfect. It means knowing you’re valuable and worthy just as you are. And when your self-esteem grows, so does your ability to have healthier relationships and a more fulfilling life.

• Let others treat you poorly or cross boundaries

• Struggle to say no, even when you want to

• Avoid situations where you might be judged

• Feel the need to overachieve or be perfect

• Use unhealthy coping strategies (alcohol, drugs, food)

• Lack confidence in your decisions or abilities

• Find relationships difficult to maintain

• Avoid social events or stay home to feel safe

• Feel like you don’t have a voice in your relationships

Everyone’s experience is different — but if some of these feel familiar, you’re not alone.

Can Self-Esteem Be Improved?

Yes, it absolutely can.

Supporting people as they rebuild their self-esteem is one of the most meaningful and rewarding parts of the work I do at Affinity Counselling in the Hills District Sydney. Lasting change doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right support and guidance, it’s not only possibl, it can be life-changing.

Today, I see more and more teenagers struggling with low self-esteem. Addressing these issues early can make a huge difference, helping young people build confidence, resilience, and a stronger sense of self as they navigate the challenges ahead.

But self-esteem isn’t just a teenage issue.

Many adults carry self-doubt that quietly affects their daily life. In their careers, relationships, parenting, and how they see themselves in the world. If you’ve been feeling “not good enough” for a long time, you’re not alone.

It’s okay to take the first step gently. You didn’t end up here overnight, and you don’t have to rush the process of healing. But with the right tools and a safe space to explore what’s going on, you can change how you feel about yourself and that shift can impact every part of your life.

If you’re looking for support with self-esteem, whether you’re navigating it as a teen or an adult, you’re welcome at Affinity Counselling.

What is self-esteem?

Self-esteem is how you view and value yourself. It’s your internal sense of self-worth, how much you believe you matter, how capable you feel, and how you relate to who you are as a person.
Healthy self-esteem helps you navigate life with confidence and resilience. When it’s low, it can impact how you think, feel, and behave in relationships, work, and everyday life.

How do I know if I have low self-esteem?

Low self-esteem often shows up as self-doubt, harsh inner criticism, or constantly feeling “not good enough.” You might struggle to accept compliments, compare yourself to others, or avoid challenges because you’re afraid to fail.
At Affinity Counselling in the Hills District Sydney, I work with people in the Hills District and around the world who are quietly carrying these thoughts, and often, they don’t realise just how much it’s been affecting them until they talk about it.

Can self-esteem be improved as an adult?

Yes, absolutely. No matter how long you’ve struggled with self-doubt, self-esteem can be rebuilt at any stage of life.
Many people I support through counselling have been living with low self-worth for years. Through gentle reflection, new tools, and consistent support, they begin to see themselves differently and that shift can positively affect every area of life.
If you’re ready to explore this, Affinity Counselling in the Hills District offers a supportive space to help you begin that process.

How does low self-esteem affect relationships?

When you don’t feel good about yourself, it can be hard to feel secure in your relationships. Low self-esteem might lead to over-apologising, jealousy, withdrawal, or difficulty setting healthy boundaries.
In couples therapy, I often see how one partner’s inner self-doubt quietly influences the dynamic even when there’s love and care present.
Working on your self-esteem can improve communication, closeness, and trust. That’s something I regularly help clients with at Affinity Counselling, based in Baulkham Hills, Castle Hill, and the wider Hills District.

Can counselling help with low self-esteem?

Yes counselling is one of the most effective ways to improve self-esteem.
Talking with a professional helps you understand where your self-doubt comes from and how to shift the way you think and feel about yourself. It’s not about “fixing” you it’s about rediscovering your strengths and building self-worth from the inside out.
At Affinity Counselling, I specialise in supporting clients with low self-esteem. If you’re in the Hills District or prefer online sessions, I provide a safe, down-to-earth space to help you reconnect with who you really are.

Your local counselling centre, helping individuals in the Hills District for over 15 years. Based in Baulkham Hills and supporting people in Norwest, Castle Hill, Kellyville, Winston Hills, Rouse Hill and surrounding areas.