Group Therapy for Self-Esteem
Grounded in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), this psychotherapy group offers a supportive, structured space to explore meaningful change related to self-esteem. Sessions run weekly for 50 minutes and are held either online or in person. This group runs for a total of 9 weekly sessions and is open to adults aged 18 and up.
CBT GROUP THERAPY
Self-Esteem: Reclaiming Your Worth
Group Description
This CBT-based therapy group is designed to help you understand and address low self-esteem—how it develops, how it is maintained, and how to begin shifting unhelpful patterns of thought and behaviour.
Each session builds on the last, blending psychoeducation, group discussion, and practical exercises to support meaningful, real-life change.
You’ll receive a weekly PDF covering core concepts, along with guided reflection activities and targeted strategies to help increase self-awareness, shift negative self-perceptions, and foster lasting growth.
Group Facilitator
Michelle Lehoux holds dual professional registrations with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT). With a background in both psychotherapy and education, she has facilitated workshops across diverse sectors—including mental health, family wellness, and refugee resettlement—bringing a trauma-informed lens and deep respect for each person’s lived experience. Known for her calm and grounding presence, Michelle brings a gentle, steady energy to her work, creating a safe and supportive space where clients can reflect, connect, and grow.
Weekly Topics
Week 1
What is Low Self-Esteem?
- We begin by exploring what low self-esteem is, why it matters, and how it can affect different areas of your life—from relationships to decision-making and overall well-being.
Week 2
How Low Self-Esteem Develops
- This session looks at how low self-esteem can develop over time. We’ll explore a helpful model and reflect on early life experiences that may have shaped your internal self-view.
Week 3
How Low Self-Esteem Is Maintained
- Here, we dig into the patterns that keep low self-esteem going in day-to-day life. You’ll learn how certain thoughts, behaviours, and habits may be reinforcing negative self-beliefs.
Week 4
Biased Expectations
- We begin working with negative thinking patterns—starting with biased expectations. You’ll learn how these automatic thoughts show up and how to challenge them using CBT strategies.
Week 5
Negative Self-Evaluations
- This week focuses on another common thinking trap: harsh self-evaluations. We’ll explore ways to identify, question, and begin softening these critical inner narratives.
Week 6
Accepting Yourself
- We turn our attention to building a more compassionate relationship with yourself. This session focuses on identifying your strengths and practicing genuine self-acknowledgment.
Week 7
Adjusting Rules & Assumptions
- Together, we’ll explore the rigid internal rules and assumptions that often keep self-esteem stuck. You’ll begin experimenting with more flexible, supportive alternatives.
Week 8
Developing Balanced Core Beliefs
- In this session, we focus on deeper beliefs about who you are. Using tools from CBT, we’ll work on developing more balanced, grounded, and affirming core beliefs.
Week 9
Healthy Self-Esteem
- In our final session, we bring everything together. We’ll review key insights, reflect on your progress, and explore what healthy self-esteem means moving forward.
Next Session:
Start Date: Thursday, July 3rd 2025
End Date: Thursday, August 28th 2025
Format: Virtual (Using the Therabyte platform)
Frequency: Weekly
Total sessions: 9
Cost per session: $40/session (Total: $360)
Group size: Limit of 6