Self-Confidence, Self-Esteem, and Self-Worth
Understanding Your Relationship With Yourself
These three terms—self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-worth—are closely linked. While they each have subtle differences, they all reflect how we see and value ourselves.
They shape the way we think, feel, and act in everyday life. If you struggle in one of these areas, it’s likely that the others are affected too.
What is Self-Esteem?
Self-esteem is how you view and value yourself. It’s shaped by your beliefs and feelings about who you are and what you’re worth.
When your self-esteem is healthy, you’re more likely to:
- Like and value yourself as a person
- Feel confident making decisions and asserting your needs
- Recognise your strengths and positive qualities
- Be willing to try new or challenging things
- Treat yourself with kindness and patience
- Move on from mistakes without harsh self-judgment
- Take time for yourself without guilt
- Believe that you are enough—just as you are
- Feel you deserve love, happiness, and success
What Affects Self-Esteem and Self-Worth?
Self-esteem isn’t fixed. It can shift depending on life experiences, our relationships, and the messages we’ve received (and believed) over time. Sometimes these changes happen gradually. Other times they come suddenly—after a specific event or series of events.
Common experiences that can lower self-esteem or damage self-worth include:
- Bullying or abuse (physical, emotional, or verbal)
- Discrimination, stigma, or prejudice
- Losing your job or difficulty finding one
- Stress or burnout at work or while studying
- Health problems, either physical or mental
- Breakdown of a relationship, divorce, or rejection
- Worries about appearance or body image
- Financial or housing difficulties
- Unrealistic expectations from childhood or society
Sometimes, you may not even be sure why your confidence or self-worth has dropped. It can feel like something is “off” internally, even if everything seems fine on the outside.
How Therapy Can Help
Low self-esteem can keep us stuck in a cycle of negative thinking, self-doubt, and avoidance. But these patterns can be changed.
At Bedfordshire Therapies, we work with evidence-based methods such as:
- BWRT (BrainWorking Recursive Therapy) – Reprogram the subconscious beliefs that hold you back.
- Hypnoanalysis – Explore and resolve the root emotional causes of low self-worth.
- Self-Compassion Training – Learn how to respond to yourself with care instead of criticism.
You don’t have to stay trapped in feelings of “not good enough.” With the right support, you can reconnect with your strengths, rediscover your value, and begin living with confidence again.
Next Step: A Free Confidential Consultation
If any of this feels familiar to you, reach out today for a free and confidential consultation. Together, we can explore what’s holding you back and find the most effective way to help you move forward.
💬 “You’ve been criticising yourself for years and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.” – Louise Hayparticular cause.
BWRT has a specific protocol that can directly work with this issue and can provide rapid change.
Tim Grover - Bedfordshire Therapies 