You don’t have to earn your worth.
Counselling for the harsh inner critic, people-pleasing and the feeling of never being enough.
Written by Elza Berk, Founder & registered counsellor · ASCHP WCW/271 · 20+ years’ clinical experience · Updated 28 September 2026
Low self-esteem often sounds like a constant internal commentary: you’re not good enough, you’ll get it wrong, they don’t really like you. It can keep you in relationships and jobs that don’t serve you, and stop you from trying things you want.
That voice usually has a history — critical parents, bullying, trauma, comparison, or messages about your body, race, gender or background that you absorbed long before you could question them.
In counselling we look at where the critic came from, practise speaking to yourself differently, and build a sense of worth that doesn’t depend on anyone else’s approval.
It can show up as
- Constant self-criticism
- Difficulty accepting compliments
- People-pleasing and fear of conflict
- Comparing yourself to others
- Staying small to avoid failure
- Feeling like an impostor
You don’t need a diagnosis to reach out.
How we work with you.
Meet the critic
Understanding where the harsh voice came from.
Self-compassion
Learning to treat yourself the way you would treat someone you love.
Act from worth
Setting boundaries and making choices from a steadier sense of self.
Choose who feels right.
Hèlet Boustred
Registered Psychological Counsellor
“I have a strong passion for trauma work using Somatic Experiencing — a gentle, body-oriented approach that helps release stress and restore balance from within.”
- Trauma (Somatic Experiencing)
- Anxiety & depression
- Grief & loss
Afrikaans · English
Chris Theron
Registered Counsellor
“Life teaches us to keep it together even when we’re falling apart. I believe healing starts when someone walks beside you — not ahead of you.”
- Trauma
- Anxiety & stress
- Life transitions
English · Afrikaans
Talita Kondlo
Registered Wellness Counsellor
“I take a compassionate, client-centred approach — creating a safe space to explore emotions, heal from the past, and build healthier ways of coping going forward.”
- Trauma
- Couples
- Anger management
English · isiXhosa · isiZulu
Jamie-Leigh Brickles
Registered Specialist Wellness Counsellor
“Counselling is collaborative, and at its core it’s about your heart. I believe we all have the answers deeply rooted within us; sometimes we just need the courage to reach for them.”
- Anxiety
- Grief & loss
- Trauma
English
Common questions
Can self-esteem really change as an adult?
Yes. The way we see ourselves is learned, and it can be relearned with support and practice.
Is this linked to childhood?
Often, but not always. We look at whatever shaped your view of yourself.
How many sessions will I need?
It varies. Many people notice shifts within a few sessions; deeper change takes longer. Packages of 6 or 12 sessions offer savings.
Your truth deserves to be heard.
Choose a counsellor who speaks your language and understands your world. Sessions are online, private and booked in minutes.