Self-Esteem Therapy in Vancouver
Counselling for Self-Esteem and Confidence
When your confidence is low, even simple things can feel hard. You might second-guess yourself constantly, downplay your accomplishments, or assume others are judging you—even if they aren’t. No matter how much you do, it never quite feels like enough.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. At ARC, we help clients quiet the inner critic and begin to build a stronger, more trusting relationship with themselves.
Are you struggling to feel good enough?
Struggles with self-esteem often go unnoticed by others—but internally, they can be exhausting. You might look like you have it together, but inside, you’re carrying self-doubt, comparison, or a deep fear of not measuring up.
Here are some signs low self-esteem might be affecting your life:
- Harsh self-criticism or negative self-talk
- Constantly comparing yourself to others
- Difficulty accepting compliments or acknowledging achievements
- Feeling like a fraud or imposter, even when things go well
- Struggling to set boundaries or advocate for your needs
- Seeking external validation to feel okay
- Fear of failure or rejection holding you back
- Feeling unworthy of love, success, or happiness
How self-esteem therapy can help
Therapy can help you understand where these self-critical beliefs came from, and also how to loosen their grip. As you reconnect with your strengths and values, you’ll begin to feel more at ease with yourself and how you move through the world.
Your ARC therapist will help you:
- Explore the root causes of your low self-esteem
- Challenge unhelpful beliefs and internalized criticism
- Develop self-compassion and a more balanced self-image
- Set healthier boundaries in relationships
- Build confidence in your strengths and values
- Practice affirming and accepting your authentic self
Let’s heal your self-esteem together
You don’t have to keep carrying the weight of self-doubt or shame alone. At ARC, we offer compassionate and effective therapy to help you build a stronger, kinder relationship with yourself.
Therapy isn’t just about feeling better—it’s about reconnecting with who you are beneath the fear, the pressure, and the old stories that no longer serve you. If you’re ready to start that journey, we’re ready to walk alongside you.
Meet Our Vancouver Therapists
Tianna Bobariu
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Amenda Kumar
Registered Social Worker (RSW)
Kristen Rattray
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Kiana Maeda
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Jack Wong
Registered Social Worker (RSW)
Danielle Simpson
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Elise Millett
Registered Social Worker (RSW)
Lilian Wang
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Getting The Help You Need is Easy
Reach Out
Fill out our easy contact form. All we need is your basic info, and a few words about what brings you to therapy.
Free Consultation
We’ll reach out to schedule your complimentary consultation. We’ll discuss your goals, questions, and make sure we’re the right fit.
Start Therapy
Feeling ready? We’ll book your first session and create a personalized plan to help you live the life you deserve.
What to Expect in Self-Esteem Counselling
Creating Safety
We begin by creating a warm, respectful space where you can be honest about how you feel without fear of judgment. Together, we’ll explore your story and how self-esteem issues have taken shape over time.
Exploring the Inner Critic
We’ll identify the inner dialogue that’s been keeping you stuck—and where it might’ve come from. Whether it’s messages from family, culture, or past relationships, we’ll begin separating your voice from those old influences.
Reframing Negative Beliefs
You’ll learn to gently challenge distorted or harsh thoughts about yourself. Using evidence-based tools, we’ll work to reframe your self-perception and create more space for self-acceptance and growth.
Strengthening Self-Compassion
We’ll help you cultivate a more supportive inner voice. Instead of only noticing what’s wrong or missing, you’ll learn to recognize your strengths, intentions, and humanity.
Practicing Confidence & Boundaries
As you build inner stability, we’ll practice using your voice in real-life situations—whether that’s setting boundaries, speaking up at work, or navigating relationships more authentically.
Building a Healthier Self-Image
In later stages, therapy focuses on helping you integrate the progress you’ve made into your identity. You’ll start living less from self-doubt and more from self-trust - fully rooted in who you are.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if therapy can actually improve my self-esteem?
Low self-esteem usually develops from painful experiences, unmet emotional needs, or repeated messages that shaped how you see yourself. Therapy can help you identify and challenge these old narratives, build self-trust, and practice new ways of relating to yourself with greater kindness and strength. Real change is possible—and it often starts by seeing yourself through a new, kinder lens.
What types of therapy do you use for self-esteem?
At ARC, we draw from evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). These methods help address the thoughts, emotions, and patterns that contribute to low self-esteem—while supporting you in developing a more compassionate, grounded relationship with yourself.
What’s the difference between low self-esteem and low self-worth?
While these terms are often used interchangeably, there’s a subtle difference. Self-esteem tends to relate to how you evaluate your abilities, achievements, or social standing—while self-worth is the deeper belief that you are valuable simply because you exist. Therapy can help strengthen both—by challenging critical self-judgments and nurturing a more unconditional sense of value.
Will therapy just be talking about my past?
Not at all. While we may explore how early experiences shaped your self-image, therapy is equally focused on the present and future. We’ll work together to understand how old patterns show up today, and more importantly, help you build new ways of thinking, feeling, and acting that foster confidence, self-respect, and a stronger sense of identity.
Can therapy help if I struggle with perfectionism or people-pleasing too?
Absolutely. Perfectionism, people-pleasing, and self-esteem struggles are often connected. You may have learned to earn approval by being “perfect” or taking care of others at your own expense. In therapy, we’ll gently explore these patterns and help you build self-worth that isn’t dependent on external validation—so you can move through life with more freedom and authenticity.
How long does self-esteem therapy take?
Healing self-esteem is a deeply personal process. Some clients start noticing shifts—like a quieter inner critic, more self-acceptance, or greater confidence—within a few sessions. For deeper, lasting change, ongoing therapy over several months is often helpful. We’ll tailor the pace to your goals, comfort, and growth.
Can therapy help even if I’ve struggled with low self-esteem for years?
Absolutely. Many people believe their self-doubt is simply “who they are” but those beliefs are often the product of old wounds, not your true self. Therapy can help you unlearn those internalized messages and reconnect with the worth, resilience, and strengths that have been there all along.
Is self-esteem therapy covered by insurance?
Yes. Most extended health plans cover counselling with a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC). After each session, we’ll provide you with a detailed receipt that you can submit for reimbursement—many clients are reimbursed within a few business days.
What if I’m nervous about starting therapy?
That’s completely understandable—especially if you’ve spent a long time carrying your struggles silently. We offer a free 30-minute consultation so you can meet your therapist, ask questions, and see if it feels like the right fit. You’ll never be pressured to share more than you’re ready for. Therapy is about moving at your own pace, and we will always respect that.
A Message of Support from Our Director
Hi, I’m Kelsey, the Clinical Director here at ARC. I want to start by saying something that doesn’t get said enough – it’s okay to need support.
If you’re reading this, you might be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply not yourself. At ARC, we understand how deeply personal it is to reach out for help. That’s why we’re so intentional about the care we offer. Every therapist on our team is here because they lead with heart, they know their stuff, and they truly care about helping people feel better.
We also know that feeling safe in therapy means feeling seen and respected. That’s why we’re committed to creating an inclusive space – one that honours your identity, your culture, and your lived experience.
My role is to make sure your experience here is thoughtful, safe, and meaningful – from your very first point of contact to the support you receive in therapy. If you’re unsure about where to start, I encourage you to reach out for a free consultation. I’ll personally take the time to read your request and match you with one of the therapists on our team.
You’ve already taken the first step by being here. When you’re feeling ready, take the next step by reaching out – and we’ll walk the rest of the way together.
Take the next step towards feeling better today
Location
470 Granville St, #922
Vancouver, BC, V6C 1V5
Our Hours
Mon – Fri: 09:00 – 21:30
Sat – Sun: 09:00 – 20:30