Self-esteem and confidence
Self-Esteem & Confidence Counselling
Building a kinder relationship with yourself.
I’m Emily Corkery, a Registered Psychotherapist (CRPO #006695) and former teacher. I see children from age 4, teens, young adults, adults and families in person in Stittsville (Ottawa) and online anywhere in Ontario, and I’m accepting new clients. The first step is a free 15-minute call.
Do you find yourself questioning your decisions, comparing yourself to others or feeling like you’re never quite doing enough?
Low self-esteem can influence many parts of life. It may show up in relationships, at work or school, when making decisions or when trying something new. You might be quick to recognize your mistakes but find it difficult to acknowledge your strengths and accomplishments.
You may appear confident to others while privately struggling with self-doubt.
Counselling can help you understand these patterns and begin developing a more balanced relationship with yourself. I work with children (age 4+), teens and adults.
How low self-esteem can show up
You might experience:
- Frequent self-doubt or second-guessing.
- Comparing yourself to others.
- Feeling like you’re not good enough.
- Difficulty recognizing your strengths.
- Perfectionism or fear of making mistakes.
- People-pleasing or difficulty saying no.
- Relying heavily on others for reassurance.
- Being overly critical of yourself.
- Feeling uncomfortable taking up space or expressing your needs.
Self-esteem in children and teens
Children and teens are still forming their sense of who they are. A child might say “I’m bad at everything,” give up quickly, or avoid trying new things in case they get it wrong. A teen might compare themselves constantly, especially online, or set impossibly high standards.
As a former teacher, I’ve seen how much a child’s confidence shapes how they learn, try new things and connect with friends. With children and teens, we work on noticing their strengths, quieting the inner critic and practising small, brave steps. I also share ideas with parents so confidence can keep growing at home. See counselling for children and counselling for teens.
How counselling can help
Together, we can work toward:
- Noticing and understanding the patterns behind self-criticism.
- Recognizing your strengths and accomplishments.
- Responding to yourself with more kindness and self-compassion.
- Loosening the hold of perfectionism and fear of mistakes.
- Setting boundaries and expressing your needs.
- Building confidence through small, manageable steps.
My approach
I draw on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) to identify and question unhelpful beliefs about yourself, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), including mindfulness skills, to step back from the inner critic and act in line with what matters to you. With children, I also work with parents using Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT).
Our work is collaborative and paced according to your needs. See counselling for adults.
Sessions, fees and scope
Sessions are 50 minutes: $170 for individual sessions and $200 for family sessions. No HST, and I provide receipts for insurance. See Fees and the FAQ for details.
Counselling with me focuses on emotional and everyday mental health concerns. I don’t provide diagnoses or formal assessments; if another kind of support would serve you better, I’ll help you think about where to turn.
Common questions
Is low self-esteem a reason to start counselling?
Yes. You don’t need a diagnosis or a crisis to start counselling. Many people come because self-doubt is getting in the way of their lives.
Do you help children with confidence?
Yes. I work with children from age 4 and teens, and share ideas with parents to use at home.
Can we meet online?
Yes. Online sessions are available anywhere in Ontario.
Related support
Let’s take the first step
You deserve to see yourself with the same kindness you offer others. A free 15-minute call is an easy way to ask questions and see if we’re a good fit.
Book a free 15-minute callPrefer to talk? Call 613-577-2275
50-minute sessions · $170 individual · $200 family · No HST · Receipts for insurance