Low self-worth and a harsh inner voice

Self-worth usually grows from early experiences. Children who were often criticised, compared with siblings or others, or loved mainly when they achieved, can learn that their value depends on performance. Bullying, a difficult relationship or a major setback later in life can have a similar effect.

In many Indian families, love is expressed through high expectations. That care is real, but a child can still hear "you are only enough when you do well". The habit of self-criticism can then continue long after the original voices have gone quiet.

Low self-worth is often linked with anxiety, low mood and people-pleasing. It is a pattern, not a truth about who you are.

• Noticing the inner critic and naming it, rather than treating it as fact.
• Asking: "Would I speak to someone I love this way?"
• Keeping a short daily note of things you handled, not only things you achieved.
• Practising small, low-risk "no"s and noticing that relationships survive them.
• Spending more time with people who value you as you are.

These steps feel awkward at first. That is normal. New patterns take repetition.

Individual therapy with our team gives you a space to understand where your beliefs about yourself came from and how they show up today, at work, in relationships and in the way you treat yourself.

We draw on approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy and compassion-focused work to help you question old rules, build a fairer inner voice and practise new ways of acting. For people whose self-doubt shows up mostly at work, coaching can sit alongside therapy, focusing on confidence, boundaries and leadership.

Sessions are in person at our studio in Nerul, Navi Mumbai, or online from anywhere.