Many of us have a tendency to measure our self-worth by comparing ourselves to others But when we fail to reach our own families communities or societies 'ideals' this often results in feelings of inadequacy anxiety & low mood We may become self-critical experience shame & a sense of being different from others Although an improvement in 'self-esteem' is what we may feel we want this is not necessarily what we need This is because self-esteem is often associated with times when things are going well but can fail us when things do not go to plan In contrast self-confidence built from self-compassion can help us when things are going well & make us more resilient when things are difficult This book uses the ideas & practices of Compassion Focused Therapy to help build self-confidence Attention is also paid to difficulties that often come hand in hand with lack of self-confidence such as anxiety depression substance use & anger