Low Self-Esteem Formulation (Fennell)

When to use the Low Self-Esteem Formulation (Fennell)

The Low Self-Esteem Formulation (Fennell) is an interactive cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) worksheet, most often used in CBT for low self-esteem.

It is designed to be used within therapy rather than as a standalone self-help tool: a therapist introduces it, works through it collaboratively, and helps make sense of what it surfaces. You can preview the full worksheet above, then assign it digitally for clients to complete between sessions on any device — or download it as a print-ready PDF.

How it works

The Low Self-Esteem Formulation (Fennell) is a guided formulation canvas: you trace a difficulty over time — from early experiences, through the core beliefs and assumptions that developed, to the situations that trigger it today — to build a developmental picture.

Completed on the Formulate platform, your client's answers are saved automatically and shared straight back to you, so you can review them before the next session rather than waiting for a paper copy to come back.

The CBT approach behind it

In common with other CBT methods, the Low Self-Esteem Formulation (Fennell) works by mapping how the parts of a problem connect and keep it going (formulation). The aim is not positive thinking but a clearer, shared understanding of what keeps a difficulty going — and practical, testable ways to change it.

Because it is a CBT tool it stays focused on the here-and-now links between thoughts, feelings, the body and behaviour, and it works best as one part of a wider course of therapy rather than as advice or a diagnosis.

Evidence & sources

This worksheet is grounded in established cognitive behavioural therapy theory and practice. Key sources include:

• Fennell, M.J.V. (1997). Low self-esteem: A cognitive perspective. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 25(1), 1-26. doi:10.1017/S1352465800015368
• Fennell, M.J.V. (2006). Overcoming Low Self-Esteem. London: Robinson.
• Greenberger, D. & Padesky, C.A. (2016). Mind Over Mood (2nd ed.). New York: Guilford Press.