Therapy for Self-esteem in San Diego and across california

Build Confidence, Quiet Your Inner Critic, and Feel More Secure in Yourself

To others, it looks like you have it all together.

But inside, you regularly doubt yourself and struggle with feeling enough. You probably:

  • constantly second guess your judgment and decisions

  • compare yourself to others

  • feel like you are always “failing” despite your success

  • feel anxious in relationships

  • worry about being rejected or not valued

Over time, this inner doubt can impact your confidence, relationships, and emotional well-being.

At Cove Counseling Group, we specialize in helping adults heal the deeper roots of low self-esteem using trauma-informed therapy approaches like EMDR, Parts Work, and attachment-focused therapy.

Rather than simply trying to “think more positively,” we help you understand where your self-doubt came from and challenge those self-limiting beliefs that are holding you back.

Signs You Struggle with Low Self-esteem

You might notice:

  • A harsh inner critic or constant self-judgment

  • Feeling like you’re “not enough” no matter how hard you try

  • Difficulty setting boundaries or limits

  • Fear of rejection or abandonment

  • Overthinking social interactions or relationships

  • People-pleasing or prioritizing others over yourself

  • Feeling anxious about making mistakes

  • Comparing yourself to others and feeling inadequate

  • Having a difficult time asking for help or support

  • Self-gaslight (i.e. dismiss or minimize your feelings or experiences)

Often, these patterns are not personality flaws — they are protective strategies that developed earlier in life.Therapy helps you understand and heal the deeper roots behind them.

Low Self-Esteem has deep roots

Many people believe confidence and self-esteem are things you can simply build. But for many adults, low self-worth is connected to earlier experiences such as:

  • childhood emotional neglect

  • constant criticism or high expectations growing up

  • attachment wounds in early relationships

  • past trauma or difficult life experiences

  • messages and narratives internalized from parents or caregivers

  • beliefs passed down through families and across generations

These experiences shape core beliefs about yourself, such as:

  • “I’m not good enough”

  • “I’m too much”

  • “I’m not lovable”

  • “I will be rejected”

These beliefs, while often operating outside of conscious awareness, can deeply influence how you view yourself, experience relationships, and feel about your own abilities and worth.

The good news is? These patterns can change. And we can help.

How therapy can help build real confidence

At Cove Counseling Group, we focus on helping you heal the root of self-doubt — not just manage symptoms.

Our trauma-informed therapy helps you:

  • understand the origin of your inner critic

  • reduce shame and self-judgment

  • build a more compassionate relationship with yourself

  • feel more confident expressing needs and boundaries

  • develop secure and fulfilling relationships

  • trust yourself and your decisions

Over time, many clients begin to notice they feel:

  • less reactive

  • less self-critical

  • more confident in relationships

  • more secure in their sense of self

Self-Esteem Therapy in San Diego at Cove Counseling Group

Cove Counseling Group is a trauma-focused therapy practice in San Diego specializing in helping adults heal:

  • self-esteem and confidence issues

  • anxiety and self-criticism

  • relationship and attachment struggles

  • trauma and emotional wounds

Our therapists are trained in EMDR, Parts Work, and attachment-focused therapy, helping clients create deeper and more lasting change.

We offer both in-person therapy in San Diego and online therapy throughout California.

Start Therapy for Self-Esteem

You don’t have to keep living with constant self-doubt or feeling like you’re not enough.

With the right support, it’s possible to develop a more confident, compassionate, and secure relationship with yourself.

Meet Our California Based Trauma-Informed Therapists

At Cove Counseling Group, all of our therapists are trauma-informed. Each brings a unique approach, but all share a commitment to helping you feel safe, seen, and supported.

A woman smiling, with shoulder-length dark hair, wearing a brown long-sleeve top and light blue jeans, standing indoors against a plain light-colored wall.
Headshot of Diana Rabban, LCSW,  trauma informed therapist and co-founder of Cove Counseling Group- a California based group therapy practice .

Leah Aguirre, LCSW

Diana Rabban, LCSW

Laura Mclean, LMFT teen and tween therapist at Cove Counseling Group offering in person therapy in San Diego and virtual support to residents throughout california.

Laura McLean, LMFT

A woman with long black hair and a nose piercing, smiling in front of a green, leafy background.

Tara D’Mello, LMFT

Alexa Methratta, PsyD, LP