What is Identity & Self‑Esteem?
Identity refers to our understanding of who we are—our values, beliefs, roles, and sense of belonging. Self‑esteem reflects the value we place on ourselves. Together, they form the foundation of mental well‑being. Strong identity and healthy self‑esteem allow individuals to navigate life with confidence, make choices aligned with their true selves, and build meaningful relationships. Therapy in this area helps uncover and strengthen the core sense of self.
Why it Helps
Working on identity and self‑esteem empowers individuals to break patterns of self‑criticism and people‑pleasing. It fosters self‑acceptance, resilience to criticism, and clarity in life direction. Improved self‑esteem often translates into healthier boundaries, richer connections, and stronger mental health.
How It Works
Therapy around identity and self‑esteem typically begins by exploring personal history—family dynamics, cultural influences, inner critical voices, and life experiences shaping self‑perception. Through reflective exercises, journaling and compassionate dialogue, clients learn to separate external expectations from authentic desires. Therapists may incorporate techniques from person‑centred therapy, schema therapy, or ACT to help clients challenge negative self‑beliefs, build core self‑compassion, and experiment with small behavioural changes that reinforce self‑worth.
Who This Therapy Is For
This work is beneficial for anyone experiencing persistent self‑doubt, impostor syndrome, or confusion around their life path or values. It supports those navigating identity transitions—from career shifts or cultural relocation to life stages like parenthood or retirement. It’s also valuable for individuals recovering from trauma, discrimination, or marginalisation who wish to build a stronger self‑identity and belief in their own value.
Benefits and Outcomes
Clients often report greater inner stability, confidence to pursue meaningful goals, and improved relationships free from excessive comparison or self‑neglect. Over time, many notice a deep sense of alignment between their actions and values, reduced anxiety around approval, and increased emotional resilience, enabling them to respond adaptively to life’s challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does this therapy last?
Some clients see positive shifts within a few sessions, while deeper identity work may take months. - Can this help with low mood?
Yes—building self‑esteem often reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety. - Is this therapy one‑on‑one only?
It can be effective in individual, couple or group formats depending on the context. - Do I need to identify a specific issue first?
No—therapy can begin with general curiosity and grow into deeper self‑understanding over time.
Case Examples
Liam, a 34‑year‑old marketing manager, constantly second‑guessed his career and felt “not good enough” despite success and praise. In therapy, we traced these feelings to early family messages that linked love to achievement. Through person‑centred and schema‑therapy techniques, Liam learned to challenge his inner critic and develop self‑compassion. He experimented with setting realistic goals and boundaries at work. Six months in, he began expressing ideas more confidently, setting healthier work‑life boundaries, and noticing a sense of pride in his choices rather than perfection.
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