aPPROACHES
Self-Esteem Therapy in Tampa & St. Petersburg
Struggling with low self-esteem can quietly erode your confidence, relationships, and your dreams. At It Begins Within, our licensed therapists specialize in self-esteem counseling for professionals, parents, children and high achievers. Through evidence-based therapy, we help you challenge inner criticism, rebuild self-worth, and feel more secure in who you are.
Transform Your Self-Esteem with It Begins Within
This is for you if... you’re a high-achieving parent, professional, or executive in Tampa, St. Petersburg, or Sarasota who looks successful on the outside—but silently struggles with self-doubt, perfectionism, or never feeling “good enough.” Our therapy is designed for those who are ready to shift their inner voice and reconnect with their worth.
understanding cognitive therapy for low self esteem
Cognitive therapy helps you identify and challenge the critical inner voice that drives feelings of unworthiness. By reshaping negative thought patterns, you can build healthier self-perception, increase confidence, and make lasting emotional shifts. At IBWHC, we tailor this evidence-based approach to fit your unique story and goals.
Meet Our Self Esteem Therapists in Tampa, St. Petersburg & Sarasota
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Ciana Nguyen, MS, LCSW
Ciana helps adults and teens break free from negative self-talk and unrealistic expectations. Her clients often describe her as both grounding and empowering—ideal for those ready to rebuild their inner confidence.
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Melissa Zentner, MS, LMHC
Melissa works with clients navigating anxiety, high-functioning depression, and people-pleasing. She specializes in helping women and professionals reconnect with their self-worth and reclaim their voice.
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Amanda Farris, MS, LCSW
Amanda supports clients through life transitions that often trigger self-esteem issues—like breakups, career shifts, or identity changes. Her work blends cognitive therapy with deep emotional support.
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Ashley Canto, MS, LCSW
Ashley creates a safe space for clients to challenge inner criticism, rewrite limiting beliefs, and heal from perfectionism. She’s especially passionate about helping young women and high-achieving adults feel “enough.”
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Mary Perleoni, Ph.D., LMHC
Dr. Mary brings decades of insight into how early experiences shape self-esteem. Using CBT, CPT and relational therapy, she guides clients in replacing shame with self-trust and resilience.
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Tyler MacDonald, MA, LMHC
Tyler helps men and young professionals unpack the silent pressure to succeed. His holistic, direct style empowers clients to build true confidence and live from inner alignment.
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Annie Mowbray, BA
As a pre-licensed therapist, Annie supports clients working on self-image, comparison, and confidence-building. Her approach is relatable and thoughtful.
How Therapy Can Help Improve Self-Esteem
Mental health therapy can play a crucial role in overcoming low self-esteem by helping individuals identify and challenge negative beliefs about themselves, develop healthier ways of thinking, and build a stronger sense of self-worth. Through various therapeutic approaches, individuals can gain the tools and insights needed to reshape their self-image and improve emotional well-being. Signs that you may benefit from therapy to increase self-esteem may include: persistent feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt, difficulty accepting compliments or acknowledging achievements, avoidance of social situations due to fear of judgment, struggles with decision-making and assertiveness, etc.
Benefits of self-esteem therapy include
Increased self-confidence - Clients learn to trust their abilities and value themselves, leading to more positive self-regard.
Improved relationships - As individuals gain confidence and set healthy boundaries, their interpersonal relationships often improve.
Reduced anxiety and depression - Addressing the negative self-perceptions that fuel anxiety and depression can help alleviate symptoms.
Better decision-making - Enhanced self-esteem leads to a clearer sense of self, which can improve choices in various areas of life, from work to relationships.
Enhanced resilience - Strengthened self-worth helps individuals cope more effectively with challenges and setbacks.
Self-esteem therapy in Tampa encourages a healthier and more realistic sense of self, fostering personal growth and emotional wellbeing.
Types of Self-Esteem Therapy We Offer
CBT helps you identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors to build a more positive self-view.
Person-Centered Therapy
Offers a supportive environment to explore your feelings and build self-acceptance through empathy and understanding.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
teaches you to observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment, fostering self-compassion and reducing negative self-talk.
Self-Compassion Therapy
encourages you to treat yourself with the same kindness you’d offer a friend, reducing self-criticism and feelings of unworthiness.
ACT helps you accept your thoughts and feelings while guiding you to act in ways that align with your values and true self.
Narrative Therapy
Narrative Therapy helps you rewrite your personal story to highlight strengths and achievements, reshaping how you see yourself.
Our Approach to Self-Esteem Therapy in Tampa
At It Begins Within Healing Center our compassionate therapists specializing in self-esteem issues personalize their approach to therapy for each individuals needs. We create a supportive environment that focuses on long-term empowerment and sustainable self-improvement. Schedule a free phone consultation with one of our therapists to take the first step in improving your self-esteem and living a more fulfilling life.
Self-Esteem Therapy in Tampa and Beyond
At IBW we offer expert self-esteem therapy to children and adults across Tampa, St. Petersburg, and the greater Tampa Bay area. Within our practice we’ve found the need for self-esteem support has continued to grow.
Facts about self-esteem
The American Psychological Association (APA) reports that 31% of U.S. adults aged 25–44 experience significant stress affecting their self-worth, a struggle shared by many in the Tampa Bay region. Source: APA
In Florida, a 2023 Mental Health America survey found that 19.5% of adults report frequent feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem, higher than the national average, impacting lives from Tampa to St. Pete. Source: MHA
A 2018 study in Journal of Clinical Psychology found that cognitive-behavioral therapy for low self-esteem significantly improved self-worth in 68% of participants after just 10 sessions, offering proof that help works for those who are ready. Source: *Journal of Clinical Psychology*
These numbers echo what we see every day within our Tampa practice. Low self-esteem can weigh on your mental health, relationships, and daily life. You’re not alone in feeling this way, and with evidence-based self-esteem therapy, real change is possible. Whether you’re in St. Petersburg seeking confidence or in South Tampa aiming to quiet that inner critic, our skilled therapists are here to support you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Self-Esteem Therapy
Is self-esteem therapy worth it?
Absolutely. Low self-esteem affects nearly every part of life—relationships, work, parenting, and mental health. Therapy gives you the tools to identify negative thought patterns, rebuild inner trust, and feel more confident in who you are. At IBWHC, many clients say therapy helped them show up more fully in every area of life.
How long does therapy take to improve self-esteem?
While every client is different, many start noticing shifts in their self-perception within 6 to 12 sessions. Long-standing patterns may take longer, especially if connected to childhood experiences or trauma. We tailor each plan based on your goals—whether you’re looking for a reset or deeper transformation.
Can my spouse attend sessions with me?
Yes, in some cases. If low self-esteem is impacting your relationship, couples sessions can be a powerful way to build understanding and connection. We also offer marriage and couples counseling as a standalone service, helping both partners learn how to support each other’s emotional growth.
What do self-esteem therapy sessions include?
Sessions typically involve exploring the roots of your inner dialogue, identifying patterns of self-criticism, and practicing skills to build self-compassion and confidence. Depending on your needs, we may use CBT, EMDR, mindfulness, or narrative therapy techniques.
Do you offer virtual therapy for Hillsborough & Pinellas counties?
Yes! We offer secure, HIPAA-compliant teletherapy for clients across Tampa, St. Petersburg, and all of Florida. Virtual sessions are a great option for busy professionals, parents, or anyone seeking flexible, high-quality care from home.
Schedule Free Consultation for Confidence Counseling
We offer comprehensive mental health services and free consultations for all of our skilled therapists. If you are looking for the top youth sports psychologist near me, you’ve found the right place.