Therapy for Self-Esteem
Do you suffer from anxiety or depression? Do you often feel awkward and self-conscious in social settings? Are you constantly comparing yourself to others and finding you never measure up?
Self-esteem embodies our personal evaluation of ourselves. High self-esteem typically manifests as a sense of self-confidence, balance, and deservingness of affection. On the other hand, those with low self-esteem frequently grapple with feelings of embarrassment and self-questioning. They tend to be overly self-critical and feel undeserving of love or commendation.
- Recognizing Low Self-Esteem - Individuals with low self-esteem typically cope with it using one of the following three models:
- Imposter Syndrome - These individuals project false confidence and use their accomplishments to mask their insecurities. We often find perfectionists and procrastinators in this group.
- Rebellion - These individuals pretend to not care about what others think of them. Feelings of inferiority may often come across as anger or blame. Some may act out by defying authority and even breaking the law.
- Victimhood - In this scenario, low self-esteem causes the person to feel helpless in the face of life’s challenges. They may play the role of the victim and rely on others.
Regardless of how low self-esteem manifests, the results are always the same:
- Depression and anxiety
- Lack of joy in life
- Anger, guilt, sadness
- Self-doubt
- A lack of resilience
- Loneliness
- Isolation
- Eating issues
- Codependency
- Self-harm
Treatment for Low Self-Esteem
The encouraging fact is that self-esteem is not dormant; it can be improved by modifying your perceptions, behavior, and self-concept. However, it is important to note that many individuals form the roots of their self-esteem issues during childhood and have been living with diminished self-worth for an extended period. Therefore, it is often recommended to seek the expertise of a trained therapist.
An insightful and empathetic therapist can assist you in fostering a healthier, more sensible self-image. Your therapist will guide you in understanding your life patterns, identifying the origin of your low self-esteem, and equipping you with strategies to dissolve negative self-perceptions and harsh self-criticism, replacing them with self-affection and self-compassion.