Living with constant self-criticism can feel deeply draining, making it hard to trust your own worth. Shame often carries physical tension and fuels a persistent internal referee. Online therapy offers a compassionate space where we can work gently with shame and support healthier self-esteem.
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Where guilt says you made a mistake, shame makes the painful claim that you are the mistake. It is an intensely physical sensation, often experienced as a heavy slump in the posture, a turning inward, or a burning sensation of wanting to disappear. High achievements or external success rarely quieten this internal sense of deficiency.
The inner critic often arises as a defensive shield, attempting to criticise you internally before anyone else has the chance to reject you. While its origin was self-protection, living with a relentless internal referee can weigh on self-esteem and maintain quiet insecurity. Therapy offers ways to observe this critical voice without accepting its harsh conclusions.
Because shame lands so distinctly in the physical body, somatic work can offer a helpful pathway to explore. Using techniques from Somatic Experiencing, paying gentle attention to how shame feels physically can help you notice protective posture habits and explore a steadier, more grounded sense of presence.
Relational healing can begin when shame is brought safely into a non-judgemental environment. Drawing on person-centred therapy, I offer steady empathy and unconditional positive regard, meeting your experiences without evaluation. Experiencing consistent acceptance within our therapeutic relationship can help gently challenge the belief that you are fundamentally broken or unlovable.
Sessions are 50 minutes long and cost £90, conducted online across the UK and Ireland. If your self-esteem issues stem from masking your authentic needs, you might find my page on identity and self-acceptance therapy helpful, or read about my work with gay men at online therapy for gay men.
Reaching out when you carry deep shame can feel exposing, which is why I keep the starting process as gentle as possible. We begin with a free 20-minute introductory call. This is an informal conversation to talk through what you want from therapy, with no pressure or expectation to commit.
Working online gives you complete control over your environment, allowing you to speak from a space where you feel secure and comfortable. Because there is no travel or commute involved, video appointments can easily fit into your weekly routine, offering a discreet and accessible way to engage in ongoing therapeutic work.
I am an MSc-qualified therapist and an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP Accred), with eight years of experience. Online sessions are £90 for 50 minutes across the UK and Ireland, starting with a free 20-minute introductory call. I accept the following insurance providers:
I am an approved therapist with major health insurance providers, including Aviva, AXA, Bupa, Healix, and Vitality, and I also work part of the week for Bupa. If you would like to cover your therapy through private healthcare insurance, we can review the process together during your initial intro call.
Shame can often involve a physical collapse response, such as pulling shoulders inward. Somatic therapy notices these physical cues, offering gentle ways to work through protective tension and support a clearer feeling of physical ease and self-worth.
Low self-esteem usually involves doubting your abilities or worth in specific situations. Shame is a deeper feeling that you are inherently broken as a person. Therapy provides room to explore both, helping you examine rigid self-criticism and cultivate greater self-compassion.
The intro call is a light, pressure-free way to meet online and see how working together feels. You can share a brief overview of what brings you to therapy, ask any questions about my approach, and decide if you want to proceed.
If shame and self-doubt are holding you back, I invite you to book a free 20 minute intro call to explore working together.
Book a free 20-minute call with Peter