Psychotherapist and Self-esteem Specialist
Francesca Harland BSc, MSc, PGCert, PGDip
You don’t have to keep holding it all together.
On the outside, you seem fine. High-achieving, capable, always on top of things. On the inside, you’re exhausted. Overthinking every decision, saying yes when you mean no, fearing that any moment someone will see through it all. If you’re a perfectionist, people-pleaser or quiet overthinker, I see you. Maybe you’ve spent years performing, yet it never feels like enough. You’ve learned to function through the anxiety, but it’s become exhausting.
It doesn’t have to stay this way. I’m Fran, a psychotherapist specialising in low self-esteem, perfectionism, imposter syndrome and anxiety. Together, we’ll explore how the coping strategies that once protected you - people-pleasing, overworking, hiding how you feel - might now be holding you back. You’ll learn how to set boundaries without guilt, feel more secure in who you are and reconnect with the version of yourself that doesn’t need to earn rest or worth.
If you’re ready to stop running on empty, therapy can help. Book a free consultation to see how we could work together and take the first step toward feeling like yourself again. Although my core training is in cognitive behavioural psychotherapy, I use an integrative approach to shift self-esteem from something you know to something you actually believe.
I am recognised by the following private health insurers: AXA, Aviva, Vitality and WPA.
NHS
I have worked within the NHS for over 6 years. I have provided both individual and group support. I have worked in both clinical and supervisory roles.
Specialist
I work exclusively with self-esteem. Our work will be targeted, effective and tailored to what matters to you. No generic advice or surface levels strategies.
Ex-Athlete
I understand the pressure of performance and achievement, which means I can support with both insight and empathy. I offer strategies that fit the high-achieving mindset.
Supervisor
I have supervised psychotherapists and have provided training to nurses, occupational therapists and mental health graduates within South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust.
My Approach
Although my core training is in cognitive behavioural psychotherapy, I take an integrative approach to therapy, which means I draw on a range of evidence-based models to best support your unique needs. At the heart of our work is a collaborative, person-centred relationship. I believe therapy should feel like a partnership, not a prescription. My aim is to create a space where you feel understood, supported and empowered to make meaningful change.
Click on each therapy to find out more about why I use them and how they work.
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Cognitive behavioural therapy is a structured therapy based on the idea that thoughts, emotions and behaviours are interconnected. The goal here is to identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours that maintain psychological distress.
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Imagery re-scripting is a cognitive and experiential technique where distressing memories are revisited then actively changed through guided imagery. The goal here is to meet the unmet emotional needs of the past self, challenge dysfunctional core beliefs and shift the emotional meaning of the memory.
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This is a specialised form of eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing that integrates attachment theory, targeting early relational trauma and unmet attachment needs. The goal here is to process attachment-related trauma, promote emotional regulation and strengthen internal representations of safety and connection.
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Exposure therapy helps you gradually face the situations, thoughts or feelings you tend to avoid. These include internal fears such as failure, making mistakes, being seen or feeling “not good enough. Exposure therapy gently supports you to step outside your comfort zone, challenge your inner critic and discover that discomfort is survivable and even transformative. The goal here is to reduce fear and avoidance by helping you face the things you fear most, for example imperfection, rejection or visibility, and build confidence through action and experience.
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Compassion-focused therapy is designed to help people who struggle with shame, self-criticism or feeling unworthy. It teaches you to develop a kinder, more supportive relationship with yourself. The goal here is to build self-compassion and emotional resilience so you can respond to challenges with understanding rather than harsh self-judgement.
Testimonial from PS -
“Fran has this wonderful way of encouraging me to challenge myself while always moving with kindness and support. She believed in me before I believed in myself. She’s like my personal cheerleader.”
Testimonial from GW -
“I have found these sessions wonderfully empowering and i can see a real difference in the way I navigate life. Fran is a skilled therapist. If you want to feel truly confident, she’s the one to see.”
Testimonial from AL -
“Fran highlights different perspectives but approaches all of our conversations with kindness, sensitivity and understanding. She never judges me. She is a fabulous therapist.”
Get in touch!
If you are struggling with your self-esteem please feel free to reach out with any questions. I spend time assessing and navigating treatment pathways within the NHS, so I am happy to discuss your therapy needs and advise if this is not the right option for you.