Amber Miller Licensed Professional Counselor, Wisconsin

What I treat · Self-esteem

Self-esteem therapy across Wisconsin.

Self-esteem work is rarely about adding confidence. It is usually about questioning a voice that has been telling you who you are for so long that you forgot it was a voice.

Low self-esteem in adults rarely looks like a person who openly says "I don't believe in myself." It looks like someone who apologizes a lot, agrees to things they did not want to do, struggles to accept a compliment, and runs a quiet internal commentary that would be considered cruel if it were aimed at anyone else.

This is workable. Slow, but workable. The voice you hear in your head was usually built early, by people who were not paying close enough attention, and what we do in therapy is start to question it more accurately than you have ever been allowed to.

How we work on it

Most of this work is person-centered. We listen for the voice. We slow it down. We try out, in the room, the possibility that it is not telling the truth. Cognitive behavioral tools come in for catching the voice in the act; the slower work is about whose voice it is and whether you owe it the airtime.

Self-esteem is not a personality trait. It is a relationship, between you and the voice you grew up with.

What to do next

If you've been reading this and recognizing yourself, the next step is to schedule the consultation or intake session. The free 15-minute consult is a low-stakes start - we talk through whether this is the kind of work you're up for right now.

Schedule a free 15 minutes consult

Common questions

Things people ask before reaching out.

How long does this take?

Often six months or more of weekly sessions. The voice you are working with has had a long time to root.

What does this cost on insurance?

For most plans, a small copay or nothing. Out-of-pocket is $125 per session. The insurance and fees page covers what to ask your insurer.

Where I can see you

By telehealth, anywhere in Wisconsin.

Common cities and college towns where I work with clients on this. If yours is not listed, telehealth covers you all the same.

A·M LPC 12237

Reaching out is the hardest part. After that, I take it from there.