Fareham Counselling Centre · Hampshire

Counselling for Confidence & Self-Esteem in Fareham, Portsmouth & Southampton

Support to quiet self-doubt and feel more solid in yourself — in person or online.

When the voice in your head is your harshest critic

Low self-esteem can quietly shape everything. You might put yourself down, hold back from things you want, find it hard to say no, or feel you have to earn your place. Compliments bounce off, while criticism sticks for days.

The way you see yourself was learned, which means it can change. With a therapist in Fareham, or online, you can understand where your inner critic came from, answer it more fairly, and build confidence that feels real rather than put on.

A client and therapist smiling together in a counselling session in Fareham
Confidence can be learned. At any age, and whatever has knocked it.

The critic, and a kinder voice

Pick a thought that sounds familiar, and see how it might be answered.

The critic says

A kinder, truer voice

In therapy, you practise this until the kinder voice starts to come naturally.

Does any of this sound like you?

Low self-esteem shows up in different ways. People come to us from Fareham, Portsmouth, Southampton and Gosport with things like these.

Putting yourself down Finding it hard to say no People-pleasing Comparing yourself to others Fear of failure Perfectionism Feeling like an impostor Brushing off compliments Avoiding new things Feeling judged Shyness in social situations Putting things off
A person looking calm and confident

Where low self-esteem can come from

Nobody is born thinking badly of themselves. It is usually shaped by experiences like these.

Early messages

Criticism, high expectations or not feeling noticed as a child.

Bullying

At school, at work or online, the words can linger for years.

Relationships

Being put down or controlled by a partner. Narcissistic abuse

Life's knocks

Losing a job, a separation, illness or a big setback.

Comparison

Social media and a constant stream of other people's highlights.

A woman smiling, feeling confident
★★★★★

“I can’t thank Sue and James enough for their care, kindness and generosity of spirit, helping me in my journey for positive change.”

D Jones, Fareham
From £72Counselling. CBT and hypnotherapy from £90
Real changeConfidence that lasts, not just a boost
In person or onlineFareham, Hampshire, or by video
No referral neededContact us directly

Questions about self-esteem therapy

A confident woman smiling at home
Can self-esteem really change?
Yes. The way we see ourselves is learned over time, which means it can be relearned. Many people are surprised how much can shift once they understand their inner critic and practise answering it.
What is the difference between confidence and self-esteem?
Confidence is about trusting your ability to do things. Self-esteem is about how you value yourself as a person. You can be confident at work but still feel you are not good enough, and therapy can help with both.
Which therapy is best for low self-esteem?
Counselling helps you explore where your beliefs came from, CBT gives practical tools to change them, and hypnotherapy can strengthen positive self-talk. Many people benefit from a combination, and we will help you choose.
Is low self-esteem linked to anxiety or depression?
Often, yes. Low self-esteem can feed anxiety and low mood, and the other way round. Working on how you see yourself often helps with both. See our anxiety and depression pages.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on what you want to change. Many people notice a difference within six to twelve sessions, and your therapist will review your progress with you as you go.
Can I have sessions online?
Yes. Every therapy we offer is available by secure video, at the same price as in person.
How much does it cost?
Counselling starts from £72 a session, and CBT and hypnotherapy from £90. Your first 15 minute call is free and confidential. See all our prices.
A forest by the sea at sunrise

You deserve to feel good about yourself

Start with a free, confidential 15 minute call. We will listen, and match you with the right therapist, in Fareham or online.

Book my free call Call free 0800 970 4776
Free, confidential, no obligation