Written by Louis Chalouhi, Counsellor (Master’s in Counselling), ACA Level 2 and PACFA member.
Last updated
How you see yourself shapes your relationships, your work and your wellbeing.
A harsh inner voice can lead to perfectionism, procrastination, people-pleasing or a constant sense of not being good enough.
Counselling helps you understand where these beliefs came from and build a steadier, kinder relationship with yourself.
I draw on Compassion-Focused Therapy, which was developed to help people meet self-criticism and shame with understanding.
This may resonate if you
- Often feel not good enough, however much you achieve
- Find it hard to say no or ask for what you need
- Put things off because they have to be perfect
- Feel uncomfortable in your body or preoccupied with food and weight
- Want to feel more confident at work, in relationships or socially
Concerns I work with
- Low self-esteem
- Self-confidence
- Perfectionism
- Procrastination
- Body image issues
- Eating disorders
- Assertiveness and boundaries
- Shame and guilt
How we build self-worth
We combine Compassion-Focused Therapy with CBT and ACT, so you can notice self-critical thoughts, respond with understanding and take steps that match your values.
- Notice the inner criticWe explore the beliefs you hold about yourself and where they began.
- Build self-compassionYou practise speaking to yourself with the care you’d offer a good friend.
- Act with confidenceWe set small, values-based goals, from speaking up at work to setting a boundary at home.
Eating disorders and body image
Eating disorders are serious health conditions, and care from a GP and treating team is important.
I can offer counselling alongside that care, and the Butterfly Foundation’s helpline is available on 1800 33 4673.
In person or online
I see clients in person in Bella Vista, Liverpool and the Inner West, and online by Zoom or phone, anywhere in Australia or overseas.
Appointments run Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 7pm, subject to availability, and the days at each room vary.
You can book directly, with no GP referral needed, and your first step is a free 15-minute call.
Read more about online counselling, or about fees, rebates and booking.
Common questions
How long does it take to build self-esteem?
It varies from person to person.
Self-esteem grows through small, repeated experiences of treating yourself differently, and we’ll review your progress together as we go.
Who is self-esteem counselling for?
Self-esteem counselling is for any age.
I work with teenagers and adults at every stage of life.
What is assertiveness?
Assertiveness means expressing your needs, feelings and limits clearly and respectfully.
It’s a skill you can learn, and we can practise it together in sessions.
Support at any hour
Mind Therapy Room offers booked appointments, so for urgent support please use one of these services.
- Emergency000
- Butterfly (eating disorders and body image)1800 33 4673
- Lifeline, 24 hours, 7 days13 11 14