8 Types of Therapy for Self-Esteem

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Feeling unworthy, doubting yourself, or struggling to feel confident in relationships? You are not alone. Many people with ADHD face challenges in maintaining strong relationships due to object permanence, the ability to remember and trust that people care even when they are not physically present. This can make self-esteem issues even harder to overcome.

At HU Centers Recovery, we understand these struggles. We know that building self-esteem is not just about positive thinking—it requires the right support and therapeutic approach. That’s why we offer different types of therapy for self-esteem to help you rebuild confidence, trust, and emotional security in your relationships.

How Therapy Helps Improve Self-Esteem

About 85% of people who receive therapy report improvements in emotional well-being, including self-esteem. Self-esteem plays a huge role in our emotional well-being. When it is low, it can lead to:

  • Feeling unworthy of love and support
  • Struggling with self-doubt and insecurity
  • Fear of abandonment in relationships
  • Difficulty trusting others
  • Anxiety and depression

Therapy helps by addressing these issues, giving you tools to rebuild self-confidence, and helping you create healthier relationships. Here are some of the most effective therapy options for self-esteem.

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective forms of therapy for self-esteem. It helps identify and change negative thought patterns that make you feel unworthy or not good enough.

How CBT Helps:

  • Identifies negative beliefs about yourself
  • Replaces self-criticism with positive thinking
  • Develop coping strategies for self-doubt
  • Encourages healthy relationship habits

At HU Centers Recovery, our CBT sessions guide you in breaking free from negative self-talk, helping you rebuild a positive self-image.

2. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT is a great option for people who struggle with emotional regulation and object permanence in ADHD relationships. Research has found that DBT reduces emotional distress by 58% in individuals struggling with self-worth issues and emotional dysregulation.  It combines mindfulness with practical skills to help manage emotions and build confidence.

How DBT Helps:

  • Teaches emotional regulation skills
  • Helps develop self-acceptance
  • Encourages healthier relationships
  • Supports self-awareness and self-worth

Our therapists use DBT techniques to help you feel more secure in your relationships and strengthen your self-esteem.

3. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT helps individuals embrace their thoughts and feelings without judgment. Instead of avoiding difficult emotions, ACT teaches you how to accept them while committing to self-growth.

How ACT Helps:

  • Encourages self-acceptance
  • Reduces fear of failure
  • Improves decision-making and confidence
  • Helps break the cycle of self-doubt

With ACT, HU Centers Recovery helps you stop fighting negative feelings and start building self-worth through meaningful actions.

4. Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic therapy focuses on uncovering deep-seated beliefs from past experiences that affect self-esteem today. This approach is helpful for those who have unresolved emotional wounds.

How Psychodynamic Therapy Helps:

  • Identifies unconscious negative beliefs
  • Heals past emotional wounds
  • Builds healthier self-perceptions
  • Strengthens emotional resilience

Our team at HU Centers Recovery guides you through this process to help you rediscover your self-worth and confidence.

5. Group Therapy

Sometimes, healing happens best in a supportive group setting. Group therapy allows you to connect with others who share similar struggles, creating a space where you can grow and learn together.

How Group Therapy Helps:

  • Builds social confidence
  • Creates a sense of belonging
  • Encourages mutual support and understanding
  • Develops communication and relationship skills

At HU Centers Recovery, our group therapy sessions provide a safe and supportive environment where you can share experiences, receive encouragement, and build stronger self-esteem.

6. Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Mindfulness-based therapy helps individuals stay present and focused, reducing overthinking and self-criticism. This approach is particularly helpful for people who struggle with object permanence in relationships. Studies indicate that practicing mindfulness for just 8 weeks can increase self-compassion by 43%, which is directly linked to higher self-esteem.

How Mindfulness-Based Therapy Helps:

  • Reduces self-judgment
  • Encourages self-compassion
  • Helps manage anxiety and stress
  • Improves focus and emotional awareness

Our mindfulness programs at HU Centers Recovery teach you how to quiet self-doubt and develop a kinder relationship with yourself.

7. Somatic Therapy

Somatic therapy focuses on the connection between the body and mind, helping release stored trauma and emotional tension that affect self-esteem.

How Somatic Therapy Helps:

  • Releases negative emotions stored in the body
  • Reduces stress and anxiety
  • Encourages self-empowerment
  • Strengthens emotional resilience

Through somatic therapy, we help you reconnect with your body and emotions, fostering a stronger sense of self-worth.

8. Narrative Therapy

Narrative therapy allows individuals to reframe their personal stories in a way that empowers them. It helps shift from a negative self-image to a more positive and confident one.

How Narrative Therapy Helps:

  • Changes negative self-perceptions
  • Encourages self-reflection and growth
  • Strengthens emotional independence
  • Helps create a more empowering self-narrative

At HU Centers Recovery, we help you rewrite your story in a way that promotes self-confidence and self-love.

Take the First Step Towards Healing

Struggling with self-esteem can feel isolating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. The right therapy for self-esteem can help you rebuild confidence, improve relationships, and embrace self-worth.

At HU Centers Recovery, we offer professional support to guide you through this journey. Our expert therapists understand the challenges of object permanence in ADHD relationships and work with you to create a personalized healing plan.

Are you ready to boost your self-esteem and build healthier relationships? Contact HU Centers Recovery today and start your journey toward healing.

FAQs

Q. What therapy is best for self-esteem?
A. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective therapies for self-esteem. It helps identify negative thought patterns, challenge self-doubt, and build confidence. Other therapies like DBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapy also support self-worth and emotional resilience.

Q. What are the 3 C’s of self-esteem?
A. The 3 C’s of self-esteem are Confidence, Competence, and Connection. Confidence comes from self-belief, competence grows through skills and achievements, and connection strengthens self-worth by fostering healthy relationships with others. These three elements are essential for building lasting self-esteem.

Q. What therapy activities build self-esteem?
A. Therapy activities like positive affirmations, journaling, role-playing, and self-compassion exercises help build self-esteem. Cognitive restructuring in CBT, mindfulness practices, and group therapy discussions also support self-confidence by promoting self-awareness and reducing negative self-talk.

Q. How do you fix low self-esteem?
A. Fixing low self-esteem involves identifying negative thoughts, practicing self-compassion, setting achievable goals, and seeking professional therapy. Techniques like CBT, mindfulness, and affirmations help replace self-doubt with confidence, while supportive relationships encourage self-worth and emotional growth.

 

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