Low Self‑Esteem in Adults: Helpful Therapy Approaches in Portland, ME
You might look confident on the outside—but inside, you question your worth, downplay your strengths, and feel like you’re never enough. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
At Eastern Shore Counseling in Portland, Maine, our therapists offer compassionate, holistic support to help adults overcome low self-esteem, reconnect with their strengths, and develop true self-acceptance. Whether your struggles stem from childhood wounds, perfectionism, postpartum changes, or recent life stressors, therapy can help you rewrite the narrative.
“You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anyone.” – Maya Angelou
Key Takeaways
Low self-esteem can impact your confidence, relationships, and emotional well-being.
It’s often linked to past experiences like trauma, parenting, or toxic relationships.
Therapy can help you break patterns of self-doubt and build a healthier self-image.
Eastern Shore Counseling offers individualized support using CBT, ACT, and somatic tools.
You can book a free consultation to explore therapy that fits your needs.
What Is Low Self-Esteem in Adults?
Low self-esteem isn’t just feeling down once in a while—it’s a deep-rooted belief that you’re not good enough, smart enough, attractive enough, or capable enough. These beliefs often operate under the surface, showing up as:
Constant self-criticism or negative self-talk
Struggles with boundaries or people-pleasing
Comparing yourself to others
Avoiding risks or opportunities because of fear of failure
These patterns may have been learned early in life—but with the right support, they can be unlearned too.
Common Causes of Low Self-Worth
Your sense of self didn’t just happen—it was shaped by your experiences.
Childhood Experiences
Emotional neglect or lack of validation
Bullying or criticism from caregivers or peers
Trauma or instability in your early home life
Adult Life Challenges
Toxic or codependent relationships
Career burnout or job-related rejection
Postpartum identity shifts or parenting struggles
These experiences can quietly chip away at how you see yourself.
Signs You May Be Struggling with Self-Esteem
You might not always realize it, but low self-esteem shows up in your daily thoughts and behaviors. Here are some common signs:
Setting unrealistic goals or procrastinating out of fear
Withdrawing from social settings or challenges
Repeating critical inner thoughts about your worth
Measuring your value against others’ success or appearance
If you recognize these patterns, therapy can help you shift them.
How Low Self-Esteem Affects Your Life
Low self-worth doesn’t just stay inside—it impacts how you live, work, and relate to others.
Career Impacts
Fear of taking on leadership roles
Difficulty accepting constructive feedback
Avoiding promotions or growth opportunities
Relationship Impacts
Over dependence on others’ approval
Struggles with boundaries or codependency
Fear of abandonment, jealousy, or people-pleasing
These effects can leave you feeling stuck and disconnected—even from people who care about you.
How Therapy in Portland Can Help with Low Self-Esteem
At Eastern Shore Counseling, we don’t just focus on symptoms—we work with you to shift the beliefs and patterns that fuel low self-esteem.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps you recognize and reframe the negative thought patterns that keep you stuck. You’ll learn how to challenge that inner critic and build healthier thought habits.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT helps you move away from perfectionism and self-judgment. By identifying your values and practicing mindfulness, you learn how to live more confidently—even with hard emotions.
Somatic and Holistic Practices
Low self-esteem often lives in the body, too. We incorporate practices like:
Mindfulness and breathwork to regulate your nervous system
Somatic experiencing to release stored tension or trauma
Embodiment exercises to help you reconnect with your inner strength
You don’t have to talk your way out of self-doubt—you can feel your way out, too.
Personalized Self-Esteem Counseling in Portland, ME
Our therapists work with you to create a treatment plan that reflects your unique story and goals. We track your progress, revisit your goals regularly, and tailor your care as you grow.
Common Areas We Address:
Perfectionism and self-criticism
Shame, guilt, or imposter syndrome
Postpartum self-worth and identity
Boundaries and people-pleasing
Anxiety, depression, or past trauma linked to self-worth
Meet the Team: Who Can Help
At Eastern Shore Counseling, Amy Fort, LCSW, specializes in helping clients navigate self-esteem struggles, particularly those linked to depression, anxiety and identity issues. Lauren MacKellar, LCPC, specializes in helping women navigate self-esteem throughout pregnancy and postpartum.
Whether you’re a high-achiever who feels like a fraud, a new parent feeling lost, or someone simply tired of the inner critic running your life—Amy and Lauren both offer a grounded, compassionate space for you to heal and grow.
What to Expect When You Start Therapy
Your journey begins with a free consultation where you’ll discuss:
What you’re struggling with
Your goals for self-esteem and confidence
What type of therapy might be a good fit for you
We’ll walk you through how sessions work, what to expect over time, and answer any questions you have—no pressure, just support.
You Deserve to Feel Good About Yourself
Improving your self-esteem isn’t about becoming someone new—it’s about reconnecting with who you’ve always been. At Eastern Shore Counseling, we’re here to walk with you every step of the way.
Ready to begin?
Schedule your free consultation today and start feeling more grounded, confident, and connected to your worth.