Self-Esteem

What is Low Self-Esteem? 

Self-esteem is the internal idea or representation of ourselves.

It is a collection of opinions and feelings connected to identity that are influenced by our comparisons between what we think we are and what we think we should be, and between our conception of ourselves and of others.

A low self-esteem is a pessimistic opinion of who we are. People who run low self-esteem are unsatisfied with themselves and underappreciate the gravity of their accomplishments.

This is an unrealistic self-assessment.

​Extreme self-criticism, shyness, perfectionism, fear of judgement and a need to feel confident before acting characterises people with low-self esteem.

Effects of ​​Low Self-Esteem

Low self-esteem tends to justify inaction. When we believe we’re not good enough, not attractive enough, or not smart enough, we set unhealthy limitations for ourselves.

​More often than not, these standards stop us from acting until we feel that our opinions of ourselves match the requirements of the given situation (e.g., asking someone on a date, participating in events, going to a party, etc.).

That day is unlikely to come, not because we’ll never improve (which we will), but because our perceptions of worth are constantly updating to higher and higher standards.

​When we fail to recognise the strengths within us, when we continuously go over scenarios in our head, and when we try to control the external world, inaction becomes all the more easy. 

Treating Low Self-Esteem

The solution to low self-esteem is not confidence building. It’s not even having high self-esteem.

Aiming for these traits will often lead back to low self-esteem, as the expectation that we should feel confident all the time or feel great about ourselves is not possible.

At times, failing to meet this goal can make us feel more like a failure. In this scenario, we're just replacing one extreme with the other.

The likelihood of us succeeding in everything is zero. And that's ok. 

The correct solution to low self-esteem is more nuanced and less black and white than low or high.

What is needed is the ability to realistically self-assess. This means accepting every part of ourselves and challenging those destructive thoughts that go unchecked.

​Through hypnotherapy and strategic psychotherapy, we'll explore what criteria you use to determine your self-worth, and teach you the skills necessary to overcome the problem.

The Role You Play

While the method we choose to assess ourselves can be influenced by the high expectations of others, they cannot control the decisions we make, or the actions we take.

​The questions we should be asking ourselves is 'How do we decide what standards are appropriate and which ones are not?', 'How do we decide what to let in and what not?' and 'How do you determine what other people control within you, and what you control?'

Who We Are

Sebastian Deverson, founder of Stirling Hypnotherpay, specialises in the treatment of anxiety based issues including generalised anxiety, social and performance anxiety, self-esteem issues and avoidance.

His clients present these issues in a range of areas including relationships, sport and exercise, business and university study.

Sebastian has been highly trained in cognitive psychotherapeutic methodologies at the Institute of Applied Psychology, the school at the forefront of clinical hypnosis and strategic therapy education in Australia.

​Sebastian is skilled in applying strategic psychotherapy and gordian therapy through the medium of hypnosis; as well as using counselling methodologies in his work.
Ph.D. Researcher
​University of Adelaide

BPsych (Hons) (1st Class)
University of Adelaide

Dip. Clinical Hypnosis
​and Strategic Psychotherapy
Institute of Applied Psychology

Pricing Options

One Session Package

$185

Multi Session Package

from $650