Notice: For general interest only; may contain inaccuracies. Not a diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, or professional, clinical, or legal advice. Reading this creates no counsellor-client relationship. By reading this page, you agree to these terms. Full disclaimer. In an emergency, call 911.
Self-esteem and perfectionism counselling in Vancouver for the inner critic that will not let up
Talk to Samuel directly. No receptionist, no intake forms. Call 604-721-0604 · Text what is going on · Book a free 20-minute call. In-person in downtown Vancouver or by video across BC; evenings available.
Low self-esteem and perfectionism are treatable patterns
“Low self-esteem is a feature of several mental health disorders that has been directly treated with Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)” (Kolubinski et al., 2018, p. 296). In a meta-analysis of CBT for low self-esteem, “summary effect sizes of 1.12 and 0.34 at post-treatment were observed … for weekly sessions and one-day workshops, respectively” (Kolubinski et al., 2018, p. 296).
Perfectionism, described as “a transdiagnostic process across anxiety, depression, and eating disorders,” also responds to CBT: a meta-analysis of 15 trials found “medium or large effect sizes … on perfectionism measures” and concluded that “CBT for perfectionism is efficacious in reducing perfectionism and symptoms of depression, anxiety and eating disorders” (Galloway et al., 2022, p. 170).
What self-esteem counselling in Vancouver looks like here
Session one. Where the inner critic shows up, what rules it enforces, and what it costs in work, relationships and mood.
The method. Weekly CBT targeted at the beliefs behind low self-worth, the format with the larger effect in the research (Kolubinski et al., 2018). Schema therapy and Internal Family Systems are used when the critic was learned early. The researchers are candid that it is “unclear whether these interventions are dissimilar to those aimed at reducing depression” (Kolubinski et al., 2018, p. 296), so mood is assessed alongside.
Common reasons people come
Never feeling good enough; harsh self-talk; procrastinating because the work must be perfect; people-pleasing; imposter feelings at work; comparing yourself to everyone. See also anxiety and depression counselling.
Your counsellor
Samuel Ezzatilord, PhD, RCC, CCC, LMCC, is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (BCACC #23405) and Canadian Certified Counsellor with more than 25 years of clinical experience and a doctorate in health sciences. He works in private practice in downtown Vancouver and by secure video across BC.
Frequently asked questions
Can counselling improve self-esteem?
Are weekly sessions better than a workshop?
Can perfectionism be treated?
Is low self-esteem just depression?
Is self-esteem counselling covered by insurance in BC?
Can I do it online?
What happens when you call
The first conversation is a free 20-minute phone call with Samuel Ezzatilord, PhD, RCC, CCC, LMCC (RCC #23405). You describe what is going on; he tells you plainly whether what he offers fits and what a first session would involve. Sessions are available in English and Farsi, in person at Suite 1300, 1500 West Georgia St, Vancouver, or by secure video anywhere in BC. Fees and expenses are covered by ICBC, CVAP, FNHA, IFHP, RCMP, VAC, and most other insurers, and direct billing is available.
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Related pages: Self-esteem FAQs · Schema therapy · Anxiety · Depression
References
Galloway, R., Watson, H., Greene, D., Shafran, R., & Egan, S. J. (2022). The efficacy of randomised controlled trials of cognitive behaviour therapy for perfectionism: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 51(2), 170–184. https://doi.org/10.1080/16506073.2021.1952302
Kolubinski, D. C., Frings, D., Nikčević, A. V., Lawrence, J. A., & Spada, M. M. (2018). A systematic review and meta-analysis of CBT interventions based on the Fennell model of low self-esteem. Psychiatry Research, 267, 296–305. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2018.06.025
