Low confidence and self-esteem, what kind of therapy should we look for?

[LadyWithLapdog]

Late teen DC has low self-esteem and confidence. No major factors to explore, to my mind, fairly average family, no traumas etc.

I’m looking for a private therapist but getting confused with what approaches are available. We can have initial appointments but I don’t want to be too traumatic trying various before we settle on someone. How do I narrow it down?

I'd look for low intensity CBT

Thanks for replying. I found someone locally and they’ll do some EMDR to start with. I was also thinking some CBT to be goal and future oriented.

Why have you gone with EMDR? That is usually to treat trauma symptoms.

This was the therapist’s suggestion and I’ve read it works in other situations as well. I suppose we’ll see soon(ish) and change tack, if needed.

Self help books, are what I used, I started with Dale Carnegie how to win friends and influence people.

This is for a teen with little experience of life.

OP if you look for the NHS guidelines which a freely available on the internet you'll see what is recommended for common mental health problems. Better to do that and then find someone who is trained to use that approach.
But low self esteem and lack of confidence doesn't necessarily need counselling or therapy.

I agree with @usernamenotaccepted.

EMDR really doesn't sound appropriate unless there is an underlying trauma.

OP, you say it is for a teen with little experience of life, it sounds like they need to get out and live/ explore, maybe a mentoring or befriending service may be more appropriate rather than therapy. What are their goals? What do they want to be able to achieve or change about their current situation?

I meant life experience as in getting benefit from reading Dale Carnegie’s book. She’s not about to start shaking hands and having an elevator pitch in a business environment.

Thank you for all the suggestions. It’s a bit chicken and egg. You can’t go and do things which would make you feel better and gain confidence if you don’t have it to start with.