Ever Feel Like You’re Not Enough? Women’s Counselling in Redlands, Brisbane & Online Across Australia

Feeling like you’re not enough?

Understanding Feelings of Inadequacy

Do you ever find yourself thinking, “I’m not good enough”? Maybe you compare yourself to friends, colleagues, or even strangers on social media and it feels like your efforts are never enough. You’re not alone. Many women experience these feelings - whether at work, in relationships, or managing day-to-day life.

Feeling inadequate can quietly chip away at your confidence, affect relationships and influence how you see yourself. Seeking women’s counselling in Redlands or Brisbane, or online counselling across Australia, can help you understand these feelings and start building a stronger sense of self-worth.

Why Women Often Feel “Not Enough”

Women often face societal and internal pressures that amplify feelings of inadequacy. Understanding these pressures is a key focus that can help you start shifting your mindset:

Social Media Comparison

Scrolling through curated images of others’ “perfect” lives can make your own achievements seem small. Even knowing it’s unrealistic, these comparisons can leave you feeling less than. Having strategies to reduce the impact of these comparisons matters.

Perfectionism

Trying to be the perfect partner, parent, or employee sets impossible standards. When you inevitably fall short, feelings of inadequacy intensify. It's important to identify and challenge perfectionist thinking.

Unresolved Past Experiences

Early criticism, past failures, or negative messages can leave lasting impressions. These internalised messages often whisper, “You’re not enough,” even when reality says otherwise. Recognising and overcoming these patterns help to improve your sense of self-worth.

Small Steps to Boost Confidence and Self-Worth

The journey to feeling enough isn’t about overnight transformation. It’s about consistent, small steps that reinforce your value and strengths. We explore many of these strategies, and more, in counselling sessions:

1. Reframe Your Inner Dialogue

Notice negative self-talk and gently challenge it. Replace:

• “I can’t do anything right”

  with

• “I’m doing my best, and that’s enough.”

This is a simple, effective strategy that help to build long-term confidence.

2. Celebrate Small Wins

Every achievement counts - finishing a work project, managing kids’ chaos, or taking a moment for yourself. Keeping a journal of successes is often encouraged, helping you see your value clearly.

3. Set Realistic Expectations

Perfectionism feeds inadequacy. Setting achievable goals and allowing flexibility can make a big difference. Create realistic expectations without self-criticism.

4. Surround Yourself with Supportive People

Women who lift you up, offer encouragement and listen without judgment can make a huge difference in how you feel about yourself. Supportive communities, both locally and online, can be an important part of building self-worth.

5. Seek Professional Guidance

Sometimes, feelings of inadequacy run deep. Counselling provides personalised strategies to build confidence and self-worth.

Everyday Examples of Feeling Inadequate

Here are common scenarios women face:

• At Work: Feeling overlooked for promotions or undervalued while colleagues excel.

• In Relationships: Worrying you’re not a good partner or friend.

• Parenting: Comparing your child’s achievements to others or judging yourself against other parents.

• Social Life: Seeing friends’ “perfect” lives online and questioning your own choices.

How Women’s Counselling Can Help

Women’s counselling provides a safe, supportive space to explore feelings of inadequacy and develop practical tools to boost self-worth. Professional guidance can help you:

• Identify the root causes of self-doubt

• Challenge negative thought patterns

• Develop strategies for building confidence

• Strengthen self-compassion and resilience

  
  

Building Confidence Through Self-Care

Confidence isn’t just mindset - it also comes from caring for yourself physically, mentally and emotionally.

• Movement: Walking, yoga, or exercise boosts mood and self-esteem.

• Mindfulness: Breathing exercises, journaling, or meditation help connect with emotions.

• Hobbies: Doing what you enjoy reinforces your sense of identity.

• Rest: Prioritising sleep and downtime strengthens resilience.

Self-care is a crucial part of building self-worth.

The Power of Community and Connection

Connecting with other women who understand your experiences can reduce feelings of inadequacy. Support groups, online forums, or local programs provide validation and a sense of belonging.

Sharing experiences with other women reminds you that you’re not alone - many women face similar struggles and triumphs.

When to Reach Out for Support

You don’t have to wait until feelings of inadequacy become overwhelming. If you notice that self-doubt is affecting your:

• Relationships

• Work performance

• Emotional wellbeing

• Daily motivation

…then women’s counselling in Redlands or Brisbane, or online counselling across Australia, can provide tools to manage these feelings and build lasting self-worth.

Taking the First Step Toward Feeling Enough

It starts small. Acknowledge one achievement, write a positive affirmation, or book your first counselling session. Small actions gradually replace self-doubt with confidence and self-compassion.

You deserve to feel enough - right now, just as you are. With consistent support, you can embrace that truth every day.

Closing Thought:

Feeling like you’re not enough is common, but it doesn’t have to define your life. Small steps, self-care, supportive connections and professional guidance can transform self-doubt into confidence. You are enough and with the right support, you can fully embrace that truth every day.

Debra Bragança is a registered Counsellor with The Australian Counselling Association. She supports women, couples and families to help them work through life's many challenges.

She is trained in a number of evidence-based therapies including CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy), ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy), Emotionally Focused Therapy for Individuals, Couples & Families (EFT), Gottman Couples Method Therapy, including Affair & Trauma Recovery and is certified in Clinical Trauma.