Self-esteem and identity shape how you experience nearly every part of life. They influence how you make decisions, set boundaries, relate to others, and respond to setbacks. When self-esteem is low or identity feels unclear, you may feel unsure of yourself, overly self-critical, or disconnected from who you are and what you want. Even external success may not translate into internal confidence.
Struggles with self-esteem and identity often develop over time and are deeply influenced by relationships, life experiences, and social expectations. Therapy can help you understand where these patterns came from and develop a more stable, compassionate, and authentic sense of self. We work with adults in Massachusetts who want support in strengthening self-esteem and clarifying identity.
Self-esteem refers to how you evaluate and relate to yourself, including your sense of worth, competence, and belonging. Identity involves how you understand who you are, what matters to you, and how you fit into the world.
Challenges in these areas often include:
Self-esteem and identity are shaped relationally, not in isolation.

Low self-esteem and identity confusion often develop in response to experiences such as:
Over time, people may internalize messages about who they are “supposed” to be or what they are worth.

These patterns often persist because:
Without intervention, these cycles can quietly narrow life.

Therapy focuses on building a more stable, internal sense of worth and clarity about who you are.
Therapy helps you:
The goal is not inflated confidence, but grounded self-respect.

We take an integrative, individualized approach that addresses both emotional and cognitive patterns.
Psychodynamic work helps uncover the roots of self-esteem and identity difficulties.
This may include:
Insight helps loosen the grip of old narratives.
Attachment-informed work focuses on how early relationships shape self-worth and identity.
This may involve:
CBT supports self-esteem work by addressing unhelpful thinking patterns.
CBT may involve:
CBT focuses on accuracy rather than positivity.
ACT is especially helpful when identity feels unclear or fragmented.
ACT may involve:
ACT supports living authentically rather than performing for approval.
DBT-informed skills can help with:
When identity questions involve purpose or direction, therapy may explore:
Therapy often includes:
In therapy, you may:
Progress often looks like greater self-acceptance, clarity, and confidence in how you move through the world.

No. It often reflects deep relational and emotional patterns.
Yes. Long-standing patterns can change with insight and practice.
No. Healthy self-esteem supports better relationships and boundaries.
If self-doubt, shame, or identity confusion are limiting your ability to live fully or authentically, therapy can help. Many people carry these struggles quietly for years. Support can help you develop a more stable and compassionate relationship with yourself.
Our work emphasizes understanding, authenticity, and growth. We help clients develop a grounded sense of self, clarify identity, and build self-esteem rooted in values and self-respect rather than external approval.