Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025If low self-esteem is affecting your confidence, relationships, work, school, or daily decisions in Norfolk, this page can help you understand the pattern and plan for care around local logistics.
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 Partner/Husband/Wife, Life Transitions.
Integrative, somatic, trauma-informed psychotherapy. "You're not broken, your nervous system is trying to protect you."
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Remote only
Heather Whitney is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 30 years. They treat Self Esteem, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Trauma.
I have a group practice. We have combined over 26 years of experience. We work with our clients to empower them to live their best lives.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
900 Granby Street, Norfolk, Virginia 23510
Staci Briggs is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Norfolk, Virginia and has been in practice for 7 years. They treat Self Esteem, Social Anxiety, Relationship(s) with Friends/Roommates.
You don’t have to carry life’s challenges on your own.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
5540 Falmouth Street, Richmond, Virginia 23230
Stephen Barlow is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Richmond, Virginia. They treat Self Esteem, Social Anxiety, Personal Growth.
I help people overcome anxiety, depression, and stress stemming from relationships or past experiences, in individual or couples counseling.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
4000 Olympia Circle, Charlottesville, Virginia 22911
Brittany Sullivan is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Charlottesville, Virginia and has been in practice for 2 years. They treat Self Esteem, Eating Concerns, Relationship(s) with Friends/Roommates.
Therapy for teens, adults & couples navigating anxiety, overthinking, people-pleasing, and relationship stress toward clarity and connection.
Psychologist
Remote only
Christy Hofsess is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 4 years. They treat Self Esteem, Premarital Issues, Women's Issues.
My mission is to help individuals and couples reach their full potential for connection and growth using a holistic and culturally responsive approach.
Self-esteem is how you view and value yourself, including your sense of worth, competence, and belonging. Low self-esteem can show up as self-criticism, shame, anxiety, tension, fatigue, avoidance, overcompensation, or people-pleasing.
Self-esteem can be shaped by family history, social feedback, media or cultural pressure, perfectionism, bullying, discrimination, trauma, health concerns, sleep, substance use, and major life changes. It is not a personal flaw.
What you might notice internally:
- Shame, discouragement, or feeling on edge when you think you are not measuring up
- Replaying mistakes or taking neutral comments personally
- Tight chest, stomach knots, low energy, or urge to disappear
- Trouble focusing because of rumination
- Feeling dependent on approval to feel okay
What others might notice:
- People-pleasing or over-apologizing
- Avoiding challenges, feedback, or visibility
- Seeking reassurance often
- Shutting down when stress or criticism appears
- Avoiding eye contact, decisions, or direct communication
Self-esteem treatment often combines therapy, skills, support, and sometimes medication for related anxiety, depression, or sleep problems.
- CBT can help identify and challenge critical inner talk.
- ACT can support values-based action when self-doubt is present.
- DBT skills can help with emotional swings, boundaries, and relationships.
- Trauma-informed therapy can help when painful experiences affected self-worth.
- Group therapy or peer support can help you practice feedback and connection safely.
Look for a therapist licensed in Virginia with experience in self-esteem, anxiety, depression, trauma, identity, relationships, military-family stress, or student stress. Ask how they tailor treatment, how progress is measured, whether they offer telehealth, and how fees, insurance, military insurance, scheduling, parking, and waitlists work.
Norfolk access often depends on timing, parking, tunnels, bridges, transit reach, and neighborhood location. Downtown, Ghent, Ocean View, Larchmont-Edgewater, ODU, Norfolk State, and nearby areas may each have different travel needs. Telehealth can reduce traffic and parking barriers, and cancellation lists can help when waitlists are long.
Use supports that match self-esteem goals and practical needs:
- Contact Norfolk Community Services Board, Norfolk Community Health Center, Park Place Health & Dental Clinic, or Tidewater Community Health for behavioral health or health navigation.
- The LGBT Life Center, Norfolk YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia, Old Dominion University, Norfolk State University, or Tidewater Community College may offer community, student, or identity-affirming support.
- Use Town Point Park, Elizabeth River Trail, Ocean View Beach Park, Norfolk Botanical Garden, or East Beach Bay Oaks Park for short low-pressure routines.
- Practice one daily confidence action: state a preference, accept help, or complete one small task.
- Keep a list of fair, neutral facts about yourself to counter all-or-nothing 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 urgent options include Norfolk Community Services Board Emergency Services at 757-664-7690, Norfolk Child & Adolescent Mobile Crisis Team, Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Sentara Leigh Hospital, Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters, Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center, and Naval Medical Center Portsmouth.
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 Norfolk, it may help to tie practice to predictable parts of the week, such as tunnel or bridge traffic, military-family schedules, campus calendars, or waterfront walks. 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 persistent self-criticism, shame, or doubt affects relationships, work, school, or daily choices.
What if I do not connect with my therapist?
It is okay to discuss what is not working. If the fit still feels wrong, ask for referrals or try another provider.
Is online therapy effective for self-esteem?
Yes. Online sessions can be effective and may help when traffic, transit, parking, or military/family schedules make travel harder.
What should I ask a potential therapist?
Ask about self-esteem experience, treatment style, progress tracking, telehealth, fees, insurance, military insurance, parking, and waitlists.
Does therapy for self-esteem work?
Therapy can help people recognize critical self-talk, build self-compassion, and practice more confident choices over time.
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.
