Self-Esteem Therapy
Self-Esteem Therapist in Chicago | Build Genuine Confidence & Self-Worth
Struggling with low self-esteem, negative self-talk, or lack of confidence? Our team of male and female therapists in Chicago specialize in self-esteem therapy—helping adults build genuine confidence, develop self-worth, and challenge limiting beliefs. At Modern Therapy Alliance in Chicago, we provide practical strategies to improve how you see yourself and show up in the world, whether in person at our Chicago office or through telehealth sessions available throughout Illinois.
Why Self-Esteem Struggles Happen
Self-esteem struggles usually begin early in life. Family roles, old expectations, or the way you saw yourself growing up can quietly shape how you feel as an adult. Unlike some areas of therapy that stay focused only on the present, self-esteem work often involves looking at the past—but not to dwell on it. The goal is to notice how those old stories are still shaping your self-image, and then carefully rework them so they no longer hold you back.
Self-esteem issues often hide behind competence, achievement, and independence. People may appear confident while privately carrying harsh self-criticism, chronic doubt, or a sense that they’re never quite enough. Self-esteem therapy focuses on understanding how these internal patterns developed and how they continue to shape daily life.
Low self-esteem is not simply about thinking more positively. It’s often rooted in long-standing beliefs about worth, safety, and acceptance that formed in response to early experiences and reinforced over time. Therapy helps bring those beliefs into awareness and examine them carefully rather than trying to override them with affirmations.
Our Approach to Self-Esteem Therapy
Our approach to self-esteem therapy in Chicago is intentionally supportive. We give you space to sit with the uncomfortable parts of self-doubt—without pushing you to “perform” confidence or cover it up with quick fixes. This is the place where you can say what you can’t say to friends or colleagues, especially if you’re worried about judgment. That support is balanced with evidence-based methods that are proven to help. We draw from trusted frameworks like Internal Family Systems (IFS), which helps identify and work with the different “parts” of you that may hold shame or self-criticism, and Relational Frame Theory, which clarifies the language and narratives you use about yourself. Along the way, we use cognitive and behavioral tools to challenge distorted thinking and reshape the stories that keep you stuck. Sessions are available at our Chicago office or via telehealth throughout Illinois.
At Modern Therapy Alliance, self-esteem work emphasizes emotional honesty and accountability. This means learning to recognize self-critical patterns without automatically believing them, and developing a more grounded, compassionate internal stance. Over time, clients often notice shifts in how they relate to work, relationships, and themselves.
What You’ll Gain in Self-Esteem Therapy
Space to sit with your doubts without judgment
Supportive guidance that balances exploration with action
Evidence-based tools (IFS, Relational Frame Theory, CBT)
A healthier, more authentic narrative about yourself
Confidence that feels natural, grounded, and sustainable
- Tools to break free from imposter syndrome and step into authenticity
How we help
✓ Building genuine self-confidence
✓ Challenging negative self-talk
✓ Overcoming impostor syndrome
✓ Assertiveness and boundary-setting
✓ Self-worth in relationships and career
✓ Healing from criticism and rejection
✓ Developing self-compassion
Self-esteem therapy isn’t about becoming overly confident or eliminating doubt entirely. It’s about building a more stable sense of self that can tolerate imperfection and uncertainty without collapsing into self-attack. That stability allows people to take risks, set boundaries, and engage more fully with their lives. We’re not here to prop you up with praise or hand out empty affirmations. Validation alone won’t create lasting change. At Modern Therapy Alliance, our male and female therapists specialize in self-esteem therapy that helps adults build authentic, lasting confidence—grounded in self-understanding, healthy relationship patterns, and practical tools you can carry into every part of your life.
Ready for Self-Esteem Therapy in Chicago?
You deserve to feel confident in who you are. Our Chicago male or female therapists help you build authentic self-esteem and develop the confidence to pursue what you want in life. Schedule your free 15-minute consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions about Self-Esteem Therapy:
How long does self-esteem therapy take?
Most clients notice shifts within 8-12 sessions.
What causes low self-esteem?
Typically develops from early experiences and family dynamics.
Can therapy help with confidence?
CBT and IFS help restructure limiting beliefs.
Do you offer telehealth?
Yes, available throughout Illinois.