Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025If low self-esteem is affecting your confidence, school, work, or relationships in Champaign-Urbana, this page can help you understand the pattern, compare care options, and use local supports while you look for therapy.
Psychologist
1829 East Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514
Justine Grosso is a Psychologist in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and has been in practice for 10 years. They treat Self Esteem, Relationship(s) with Parents/Children/Family, Social Anxiety.
Integrative, somatic, trauma-informed psychotherapy. "You're not broken, your nervous system is trying to protect you."
Certified Mental Performance Consultant, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
Remote only
Shannon Suffoletto is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 20 years. They treat Self Esteem, Physical Stress, Compulsive Exercise.
I specialize in achieving peak performance through the integration of the mind and the body.
Psychologist
Remote only
Christy Hofsess is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 4 years. They treat Self Esteem, Personal Growth, Relationship(s) with Partner/Husband/Wife.
My mission is to help individuals and couples reach their full potential for connection and growth using a holistic and culturally responsive approach.
Psychologist, Sport Psychologist
7401 Metro Boulevard, Edina, Minnesota 55424
Carlin Anderson is a Psychologist in Edina, Minnesota and has been in practice for 22 years. They treat Self Esteem, Loneliness/Isolation, Body Image.
Grounded in empathy and evidence-based interventions, we are 20+ sport psychology experts providing service & care to individuals, teams, & sport orgs.
Psychotherapist, Psychologist
255 South 17th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
Hider Shaaban is a Psychotherapist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They treat Self Esteem, Sleep Concerns, Body Image.
Your emotional wellbeing is our priority. We will work together to not just get you unstuck, but help you thrive and flourish.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
206 North Randolph Street, Champaign, Illinois 61820
Kevin Shepherd is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Champaign, Illinois and has been in practice for 11 years. They treat Self Esteem, Depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
I am experienced in working with people with a variety of challenges and mental health concerns especially those centered around academic stress.
Self-esteem is how a person views and values themself, including their sense of worth, capability, and belonging. Low self-esteem can shape thoughts, emotions, body sensations, and behavior. It may appear as self-criticism, shame, anxiety, tension, withdrawal, perfectionism, or people-pleasing.
Self-esteem can be affected by temperament, trauma, caregiving history, bullying, criticism, perfectionism, discrimination, academic stress, work stress, financial strain, and social comparison. It is not a personal flaw.
What you might notice internally:
- Persistent self-doubt, shame, or feeling not good enough
- Harsh self-criticism or rumination
- Tight chest, stomach knots, low energy, or restlessness
- Fear of feedback, mistakes, or being judged
- Trouble focusing because comparisons take over
What others might notice:
- Avoiding new situations or opportunities
- Overpreparing, perfectionism, or people-pleasing
- Shutting down when feedback appears
- Difficulty accepting compliments
- Withdrawing from school, work, or social life
Treatment usually combines skills, support, and sometimes medication when anxiety or depression is also present.
- Individual therapy can help change self-critical beliefs and build self-compassion.
- CBT, ACT, DBT, and trauma-informed therapy may be used depending on the person and goals.
- Group therapy or peer support can reduce isolation and provide safe practice with feedback.
- Practical habits such as sleep routines, movement, stress management, and small lifestyle changes can support mood and follow-through.
- A medication consult may help if anxiety, depression, or sleep symptoms are making self-esteem work harder.
Search for providers who list self-esteem, anxiety, depression, trauma, student stress, or relationship concerns. Ask about their approach, how progress is tracked, whether they offer online sessions, and how insurance, fees, waitlists, and scheduling work. During academic peak periods, it can help to join more than one waitlist and ask about short-term skills groups.
Campus schedules, limited parking near campus, winter weather, and bus routes can affect attendance. Campustown, Downtown Champaign, Downtown Urbana, West Champaign, Urbana East Side, Savoy, and nearby neighborhoods may each require different planning. Telehealth can help when parking, weather, or class schedules create barriers.
Use specific supports and routines that connect to self-esteem:
- Contact NAMI Champaign County for education, peer/family support, and local navigation.
- Students can check University of Illinois Counseling Center or Parkland College student support services for counseling, workshops, or groups.
- Promise Healthcare and Champaign-Urbana Public Health District may help with community health navigation.
- Use Meadowbrook Park, Hessel Park, Crystal Lake Park, Busey Woods, or Japan House and Arboretum for low-pressure routines and movement.
- Track one small daily win and one fair thought that counters harsh self-talk.
Call 988 or 911 if low self-esteem includes suicidal thoughts, self-harm, inability to stay safe, severe panic, or immediate danger. Local options include Champaign County Crisis Line at 217-359-4141, Rosecrance Central Illinois Mobile Crisis Response through CARES/988 linkage, Carle Foundation Hospital, and OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center.
A first self-esteem therapy session usually focuses on when self-criticism shows up, what situations make confidence drop, and how low self-esteem affects relationships, school, work, body image, boundaries, or decision-making. A therapist may ask about anxiety, depression, trauma, bullying, family messages, social comparison, sleep, and stress because self-esteem often overlaps with other concerns.
Over time, therapy may include identifying unhelpful beliefs, practicing more balanced self-talk, setting small goals, building assertiveness, and learning how to handle feedback without spiraling. Progress is often gradual. The goal is not to feel confident every minute; it is to build a steadier sense of worth and more flexible ways to respond when doubt appears. Therapy can also help you practice repair after mistakes, notice strengths without dismissing them, and make choices based on values instead of fear.
Self-esteem improves faster when therapy skills are practiced in ordinary moments. Start with one repeatable exercise: write down a harsh thought, replace it with a fairer sentence, and take one small action that supports the fairer view. Examples include sending a message, asking a question, taking a walk, applying for something, asking for help, or saying no to a request you cannot realistically manage.
In Champaign-Urbana, it may help to tie practice to predictable parts of the week, such as class schedules, bus routes, campus parking, or winter weather. Keep the plan small enough to repeat during busy weeks. If transportation, cost, weather, or waitlists make therapy inconsistent, ask about telehealth, group options, campus services, sliding-scale care, or community supports while you continue practicing the skills you already have.
How do I know if I need a therapist?
Therapy may help if low self-worth, self-criticism, or comparison affects mood, relationships, school, work, or daily choices.
What if I do not connect with my therapist?
You can ask for a different approach or switch providers. Online options may help widen choices when local waitlists are long.
Is online therapy effective for self-esteem?
Yes. Online therapy can be effective and may fit better when parking, weather, or campus schedules make travel difficult.
What should I ask a potential therapist?
Ask about self-esteem experience, treatment approach, goals, between-session practice, availability, fees, insurance, telehealth, and waitlists.
Does therapy for self-esteem work?
Therapy can help people build a kinder, steadier view of themselves and practice confidence in daily life.
Recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive community, and the right professional care, you can overcome challenges and build a fulfilling life. We’re here to help you find the support you need.
