What is Self-Esteem Counseling?
Most people recognize whether they have a high or low self-esteem. But what is self-esteem exactly and how does it impact our everyday life?
Self-esteem is the degree to which we feel worthy, valuable and confident, and these feelings or beliefs greatly affect our well-being and social interactions. Low self-esteem is associated with feelings of self-criticism, self-doubt, shame, social isolation and suppressed anger. Low self-esteem can also occur alongside mental health concerns such as depression.
Developing Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is learned in childhood, and there are many factors that can impact healthy development. Criticism or abuse from parents and caretakers, receiving little or no positive reinforcement for accomplishments, and having a learning disability that is stigmatized may foster a low self-esteem. Unless address in childhood, these young people will develop into adults with low self-esteem.
Even adults with healthy self-esteems can develop issues when they are faced with sudden life challenges they perceive as failures, such as legal or financial troubles, divorce, losing a job, and struggling with addiction.
How Psychotherapy Can Help
At different points in our lives, experiences can cause us to question our worth or value. Individual therapy can provide a supportive space to explore these feelings, recognize unhelpful patterns, and develop greater self-awareness and self-compassion. People suffering from low self-esteem can work with a therapist on becoming more self-aware, confident, and assertive.
One of the biggest boosts to self-esteem comes from a feeling of accomplishment, and a professional therapist can help people identify specific activities that can give them a confidence boost. In addition, many therapists can work with clients to help them develop self-compassion, so they may treat themselves with the same kindness and encouragement they do others.
Therapy for low self-esteem may include exploring patterns of negative self-talk, identifying underlying beliefs about yourself, developing greater self-compassion, and practicing new ways of responding to difficult thoughts and experiences. The approach can be tailored to each person's individual needs and goals.
The longer a person has lived with low self-esteem and been the victim of negative self-talk and criticism, the more they can be helped by therapy. Breaking self-destructive patterns will require proven tools and protocols that a professional therapist can offer.
When your self-esteem suffers, your quality of life does as well. Seeking treatment from a professional therapist is a great way to gain perspective and confidence, and acquire new habits based in self-love and self-compassion.
If low self-esteem, self-doubt, or negative self-talk is affecting your relationships, emotional well-being, or everyday life, you don't have to navigate it alone. Contact Mood and Motion Therapy to learn more about our therapy and counseling services or schedule a consultation.
