Self Esteem Therapists in Dunedin
These are the main issues I can help you with: I work with clients struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression.
Tired of living in your head? I work with people caught in patterns of overthinking, people pleasing, and ADHD – people who look fine on the outside but who feel quietly exhausted and disconnected on the inside. Maybe you've spent years making yourself smaller to make others feel more comfortable. I believe you already have most of the answers – sometimes you just need a space that's safe enough to hear them. Together, we’ll work toward reconnecting you with your conscious and authentic self: grounded in your emotions, confident in yourself, and secure in your relationships.
These are the main issues I can help you with: I work with clients struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression.
Tired of living in your head? I work with people caught in patterns of overthinking, people pleasing, and ADHD – people who look fine on the outside but who feel quietly exhausted and disconnected on the inside. Maybe you've spent years making yourself smaller to make others feel more comfortable. I believe you already have most of the answers – sometimes you just need a space that's safe enough to hear them. Together, we’ll work toward reconnecting you with your conscious and authentic self: grounded in your emotions, confident in yourself, and secure in your relationships.
With gentle support and guidance, I will help you navigate your chosen path, whether that involves reducing stress, attaining inner peace, worrying less about others' opinions, gaining self-confidence, fostering enjoyable relationships, or enhancing your work life.
As a psychotherapist, I offer a warm, compassionate space to explore what’s going on beneath the surface. My approach combines psychodynamic and relational therapy, attachment theory, and therapeutic cards, a creative tool that promotes self-expression when words fall short. It’s a unique mix of depth and creativity designed to support meaningful change.
With gentle support and guidance, I will help you navigate your chosen path, whether that involves reducing stress, attaining inner peace, worrying less about others' opinions, gaining self-confidence, fostering enjoyable relationships, or enhancing your work life.
As a psychotherapist, I offer a warm, compassionate space to explore what’s going on beneath the surface. My approach combines psychodynamic and relational therapy, attachment theory, and therapeutic cards, a creative tool that promotes self-expression when words fall short. It’s a unique mix of depth and creativity designed to support meaningful change.
In my counselling work, I prioritise you as the expert in your own life and learn about your current position in what you’re experiencing. In time, we can work together to build pathways toward a life that is empowering to you, your family, and your community. I use methods such as externalising problems, re-authoring your stories, and working with community
In my counselling work, I prioritise you as the expert in your own life and learn about your current position in what you’re experiencing. In time, we can work together to build pathways toward a life that is empowering to you, your family, and your community. I use methods such as externalising problems, re-authoring your stories, and working with community
Hi I have been practicing working with people towards change for 20t years now. In counselling , group work, external supervision. During this time I have learnt a lot to put into my kete of knowledge to help with you to move forward to the life you will happy with.
Hi I have been practicing working with people towards change for 20t years now. In counselling , group work, external supervision. During this time I have learnt a lot to put into my kete of knowledge to help with you to move forward to the life you will happy with.
I’m a registered psychotherapist (PBANZ); I specialise in psychodynamic and psychoanalytic psychotherapy and supervision; I am ACC registered; and I welcome all those who are struggling with mental health difficulties and those who want to have a greater understanding of who they are.
I’m a registered psychotherapist (PBANZ); I specialise in psychodynamic and psychoanalytic psychotherapy and supervision; I am ACC registered; and I welcome all those who are struggling with mental health difficulties and those who want to have a greater understanding of who they are.
Kia ora, I’m Josh. I am a counsellor and adventure therapist committed to supporting people on their journey toward balance, wellbeing, and meaningful personal growth. I work to create a safe, genuine, and collaborative therapeutic space where you feel seen, heard, and supported.
Kia ora, I’m Josh. I am a counsellor and adventure therapist committed to supporting people on their journey toward balance, wellbeing, and meaningful personal growth. I work to create a safe, genuine, and collaborative therapeutic space where you feel seen, heard, and supported.
The experience of engaging in counselling is a deeply personal journey that affects all of us in different ways, and sometimes in ways we would never have expected.
My areas of specialisation include couples work, family work, trauma, men’s work, mid-life crisis, personality insight and supervision, both clinical and professional. These sit at the heart of how I approach my clinical practice.
By talking together through your concerns, counselling and supervision can support you to see solutions you didn’t know were there. It can also help you find ways to manage more effectively and move forward in your life.
The experience of engaging in counselling is a deeply personal journey that affects all of us in different ways, and sometimes in ways we would never have expected.
My areas of specialisation include couples work, family work, trauma, men’s work, mid-life crisis, personality insight and supervision, both clinical and professional. These sit at the heart of how I approach my clinical practice.
By talking together through your concerns, counselling and supervision can support you to see solutions you didn’t know were there. It can also help you find ways to manage more effectively and move forward in your life.
My ideal clients are children, adolescents, and adults seeking clarity on their unique neurodevelopmental or learning profile. You might be wondering why certain tasks feel harder for you or your child, particularly regarding focus, learning, or emotional regulation. While my background includes working in specialist mental health services and at the University of Otago, my private practice is currently dedicated exclusively to psychological assessments. I work with those looking for a formal understanding of their needs to better navigate challenges and unlock their full potential.
My ideal clients are children, adolescents, and adults seeking clarity on their unique neurodevelopmental or learning profile. You might be wondering why certain tasks feel harder for you or your child, particularly regarding focus, learning, or emotional regulation. While my background includes working in specialist mental health services and at the University of Otago, my private practice is currently dedicated exclusively to psychological assessments. I work with those looking for a formal understanding of their needs to better navigate challenges and unlock their full potential.
I am available for therapeutic conversations and counselling support.
I provide Clinical/Practice Supervision to meet your CPD needs as a practitioner, clinical manager, peer support and mental health worker.
I prepare cultural reports for court (family, youth and district).
I have a practice background working with young people and children, adults with repeat and recidivist offending behaviour; complex mental health and addictions, sexually harmful behaviours, trauma, hurt and pain.
I provide Cultural Supervision from a kaupapa Māori lens and I will walk alongside you to explore your own cultural practice.
I am available for therapeutic conversations and counselling support.
I provide Clinical/Practice Supervision to meet your CPD needs as a practitioner, clinical manager, peer support and mental health worker.
I prepare cultural reports for court (family, youth and district).
I have a practice background working with young people and children, adults with repeat and recidivist offending behaviour; complex mental health and addictions, sexually harmful behaviours, trauma, hurt and pain.
I provide Cultural Supervision from a kaupapa Māori lens and I will walk alongside you to explore your own cultural practice.
It takes a lot of courage to reach out to a person you don’t know to work through challenges. I will meet you with compassion, for you, and hold space for your human experiences. We will build safety and trust together as we seek to acknowledge, understand, heal, and integrate what you have been through. I am passionate about supporting the diverse humans I work with to build resilience, cope, and process their experiences. I support my clients to live a life where their minds are a bit kinder to them.
It takes a lot of courage to reach out to a person you don’t know to work through challenges. I will meet you with compassion, for you, and hold space for your human experiences. We will build safety and trust together as we seek to acknowledge, understand, heal, and integrate what you have been through. I am passionate about supporting the diverse humans I work with to build resilience, cope, and process their experiences. I support my clients to live a life where their minds are a bit kinder to them.
Do you need help through a major life transition - to help build confidence, develop life direction, improve communication and relationship skills, manage stress, anger, depression and anxiety, and encourage wellbeing and self care? I can help, and welcome your enquiry. I can also assist with conflict resolution and Short Intervention Addiction Therapy (great for highly motivated people looking to change negative habits).
I currently work with a variety of people including business owners, tradespeople, homemakers, farmers, artists, and students. Preferred provider for Auckland Chamber of Commerce. Registered with EAP providers.
Do you need help through a major life transition - to help build confidence, develop life direction, improve communication and relationship skills, manage stress, anger, depression and anxiety, and encourage wellbeing and self care? I can help, and welcome your enquiry. I can also assist with conflict resolution and Short Intervention Addiction Therapy (great for highly motivated people looking to change negative habits).
I currently work with a variety of people including business owners, tradespeople, homemakers, farmers, artists, and students. Preferred provider for Auckland Chamber of Commerce. Registered with EAP providers.
I work with adults experiencing anxiety, the effects of trauma, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, chronic stress, and life transitions.
Are you struggling with anxiety, past trauma, difficult relationships or a sense that you keep repeating the same painful patterns despite your best efforts to change? Perhaps you've learned ways to cope, yet something still feels unresolved beneath the surface.
I offer a thoughtful, depth-oriented approach for people who want more than symptom management alone. We can explore how past experiences, attachment patterns, and unconscious expectations may continue to shape your current relationships, emotions, and sense of self. The goal is not simply to feel better temporarily, but to create deeper understanding and lasting change.
I work with adults experiencing anxiety, the effects of trauma, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, chronic stress, and life transitions.
Are you struggling with anxiety, past trauma, difficult relationships or a sense that you keep repeating the same painful patterns despite your best efforts to change? Perhaps you've learned ways to cope, yet something still feels unresolved beneath the surface.
I offer a thoughtful, depth-oriented approach for people who want more than symptom management alone. We can explore how past experiences, attachment patterns, and unconscious expectations may continue to shape your current relationships, emotions, and sense of self. The goal is not simply to feel better temporarily, but to create deeper understanding and lasting change.
Many people who find their way to this work have spent a long time trying to put words to experiences that don’t always fit easily into ordinary conversation. They may feel things intensely, think in complex or creative ways, or find that their inner world moves in images, sensations, or metaphor rather than straightforward explanations.
I work especially well with people who feel deeply, think creatively, or have struggled to find therapy that makes space for imagination, sensitivity, or non-linear ways of processing experience.
Many people who find their way to this work have spent a long time trying to put words to experiences that don’t always fit easily into ordinary conversation. They may feel things intensely, think in complex or creative ways, or find that their inner world moves in images, sensations, or metaphor rather than straightforward explanations.
I work especially well with people who feel deeply, think creatively, or have struggled to find therapy that makes space for imagination, sensitivity, or non-linear ways of processing experience.
I am a registered Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years' experience working in a range of adult settings. I offer comprehensive assessments including neuroaffirming assessments for autism, and therapy for a wide range of concerns including for challenges experienced by autistic persons such as autistic burnout, and shutdowns and meltdowns. I have provided supervision and training in specialist areas for clinical psychologists and mental health professionals and have a commitment to clinical expertise. My aim is to provide a safe space and ensure that the process resonates with each person’s needs and preferences.
I am a registered Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years' experience working in a range of adult settings. I offer comprehensive assessments including neuroaffirming assessments for autism, and therapy for a wide range of concerns including for challenges experienced by autistic persons such as autistic burnout, and shutdowns and meltdowns. I have provided supervision and training in specialist areas for clinical psychologists and mental health professionals and have a commitment to clinical expertise. My aim is to provide a safe space and ensure that the process resonates with each person’s needs and preferences.
As Bessel van der Kolk notes, trauma is specifically an event that overwhelms the central nervous system, altering the way we process and recall memories. “Trauma is not the story of something that happened back then," he adds. "It's the current imprint of that pain, horror, and fear living inside people.” I am a well-established health professional who has dedicated my professional life working on releasing trauma in a natural, nurturing way, returning my clients to their natural state of wholeness. I call this "The Journey Home". I work from a neuroscience perspective. Harmonizing all aspects of our being Mind, Body and Soul
As Bessel van der Kolk notes, trauma is specifically an event that overwhelms the central nervous system, altering the way we process and recall memories. “Trauma is not the story of something that happened back then," he adds. "It's the current imprint of that pain, horror, and fear living inside people.” I am a well-established health professional who has dedicated my professional life working on releasing trauma in a natural, nurturing way, returning my clients to their natural state of wholeness. I call this "The Journey Home". I work from a neuroscience perspective. Harmonizing all aspects of our being Mind, Body and Soul
You might be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or navigating a difficult life change and unsure where to begin. Many people come to counselling during times of loss, relationship changes, identity shifts, or when life simply no longer feels the same. Grief can follow bereavement, but it can also appear in quieter ways through life transitions, health changes, or the loss of a version of life we expected.
I’m Hannah Wilkes, a Bachelor-qualified counsellor and NZAC member. I offer a calm, grounded space where you can talk openly about whatever you’re carrying, whether that’s sadness, anxiety, confusion, or feeling disconnected from yourself
You might be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or navigating a difficult life change and unsure where to begin. Many people come to counselling during times of loss, relationship changes, identity shifts, or when life simply no longer feels the same. Grief can follow bereavement, but it can also appear in quieter ways through life transitions, health changes, or the loss of a version of life we expected.
I’m Hannah Wilkes, a Bachelor-qualified counsellor and NZAC member. I offer a calm, grounded space where you can talk openly about whatever you’re carrying, whether that’s sadness, anxiety, confusion, or feeling disconnected from yourself
I help individuals to thrive - predominately in relationship. As a couples counsellor/therapist I use Positive Psych, Relational Life Therapy, and Attachment Theory; adding mindfulness (presence skills) so clients can co-regulate, in session and in their lives. This model is a place of sharing - where any work that the individual needs, is witnessed and compassionately attuned to, by the partner. Many of my clients are Adult Diagnosed ADHD or AuDHD; Gifted; or partnered with such. 'Normal' is as unique as single individual I see. With communication skills, honesty, and intent - we can see you back to thriving.
I help individuals to thrive - predominately in relationship. As a couples counsellor/therapist I use Positive Psych, Relational Life Therapy, and Attachment Theory; adding mindfulness (presence skills) so clients can co-regulate, in session and in their lives. This model is a place of sharing - where any work that the individual needs, is witnessed and compassionately attuned to, by the partner. Many of my clients are Adult Diagnosed ADHD or AuDHD; Gifted; or partnered with such. 'Normal' is as unique as single individual I see. With communication skills, honesty, and intent - we can see you back to thriving.
I specialise in providing a safe, inclusive space for marginalised communities, including LGBTQIA+, sex worker, and neurodiverse clients. I understand the challenges of navigating identity, stigma, and societal pressures. In my practice, I offer a collaborative, non-judgmental space for clients to explore, affirm, or reflect on their identities. Together, we build resilience, address challenges, and focus on growth. Therapy is tailored to each individual’s unique journey, ensuring a respectful and empowering experience for all.
I specialise in providing a safe, inclusive space for marginalised communities, including LGBTQIA+, sex worker, and neurodiverse clients. I understand the challenges of navigating identity, stigma, and societal pressures. In my practice, I offer a collaborative, non-judgmental space for clients to explore, affirm, or reflect on their identities. Together, we build resilience, address challenges, and focus on growth. Therapy is tailored to each individual’s unique journey, ensuring a respectful and empowering experience for all.
we all experience some type of setbacks during our lifetime. Things like anxiety, identity crisis, grief, break ups, etc. having an impartial, non-judgmental with a counsellor can help gain clarity, understanding and tools to work with the issue.
we all experience some type of setbacks during our lifetime. Things like anxiety, identity crisis, grief, break ups, etc. having an impartial, non-judgmental with a counsellor can help gain clarity, understanding and tools to work with the issue.
I work with those facing stress and life issues, with organisations & leaders (see Leaders.DrPaul.Online) and supervise professionals (see Supervision.DrPaul.Online). More than just counselling, as a Registered Clinical Psychologist, I offer structured assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based solutions. Clients' feedback: 'Paul was able to articulate what was going on for me'. I highly recommend him. His approach was 'methodical, thoughtful, interesting and implementable, and made me feel comfortable and listened to'. 'Seeing Paul, I am now more confident, relaxed and a better person as a result' (see Feedback.DrPaul.Online).
I work with those facing stress and life issues, with organisations & leaders (see Leaders.DrPaul.Online) and supervise professionals (see Supervision.DrPaul.Online). More than just counselling, as a Registered Clinical Psychologist, I offer structured assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based solutions. Clients' feedback: 'Paul was able to articulate what was going on for me'. I highly recommend him. His approach was 'methodical, thoughtful, interesting and implementable, and made me feel comfortable and listened to'. 'Seeing Paul, I am now more confident, relaxed and a better person as a result' (see Feedback.DrPaul.Online).
Self Esteem Counsellors
When should a person seek therapy for low self-esteem?
When self-esteem problems begin to disrupt the healthy daily functioning of an individual, it may be a good time to look into therapy. If a person finds that they are not engaging with friends for fear of being judged, not completing work assignments because they don’t think they’re capable, or not finding romantic love because they don’t feel they’re worthy of it, a therapist may be able to help.
What are the signs of low self-esteem?
Low self-esteem is a common issue that can affect a person's mental and emotional well-being. Some common signs of low self-esteem include negative self-talk, perfectionism, social anxiety, difficulty making decisions, an inability to set boundaries, people-pleasing, and others. A lack of belief in oneself or one’s abilities and a feeling of not being worthy or deserving underlie most of these characteristics.
What causes low self-esteem?
Feelings of low self-worth can begin in childhood or adulthood. Being raised by a highly critical parent or growing up feeling constant disapproval can stay with a person well into adulthood. Specific issues in adulthood may also be a cause of low self-esteem. An unhappy relationship, a dysfunctional work or school experience can impact a person’s feelings of self-worth.
How can therapy improve self-esteem?
Therapists can help identify negative thought patterns that keep the client stuck in a loop of destructive self-talk and develop coping skills to change the voice in their head. A therapist can help with goal-setting, so that clients are better able to stay on task and build confidence from successfully completing work they’re proud of. Coaching a client on how to better communicate can improve relationships. These skills can result in someone with low self-esteem feeling empowered and living with less fear.