Therapy for Self-Esteem
Developing self-compassion for self-trust and inner strength
Some days you feel confident and capable, but most days, you're clouded by pervasive self-doubt
You may have noticed that you're constantly criticizing and questioning your efforts. You may also be doubting your value and your self-worth. Your relationships with family and friends may be suffering. It has become so difficult to talk about, you feel alone, angry, frustrated, and sad. You're noticing that it's become second nature for you to compare yourself to others and need others' input when making decisions. Even though you have tried to change in ways that would allow you to feel healthier and happier, the lingering feeling of not being "good enough" just won't go away. If any of this resonates, you may be struggling with your self-esteem.
What is Self-Esteem?
Self-esteem refers to how you view yourself and the value that you place on yourself as an individual. It is based on an evaluation of various aspects of yourself. These include your abilities, actions, limitations, and appearance. Although the word 'self' in self-esteem implies that it is intrinsic (derived from within), it is largely based on how we perceive ourselves relative to others (i.e., derived from outside ourselves).
Self-esteem can become problematic when it becomes overly dependent on external factors. These factors include approval from others, societal standards, or achievements. This could look like seeking reassurance, comparing ourselves to others, seeking approval (out of fear of disapproval or rejection), or setting extremely high standards. When our interpretation of ourselves is based on other people's judgments and perceptions and/or is primarily influenced by our achievements, we can start to feel disconnected from ourselves. We then question who we really are, what we like, and what we feel and think.
How do I know if I have Low Self-Esteem?
While feeling uncertain about oneself or having a lack of self-confidence every now and then is normal, pervasive negative self-perception may be an indication of deeper issues. If you find that you're constantly struggling with the following issues on a regular basis, you might have low self-esteem:
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self-doubt
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self-judgment
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self-criticism
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negative social comparison
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difficulty expressing your needs and setting boundaries
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feelings of guilt and worthlessness
What Causes Low Self-Esteem?
Self-esteem is linked to the beliefs we hold about ourselves. These come through our life experiences from early childhood through adolescence and into adulthood. Negative or traumatic life experiences can contribute to altered views of yourself. Low self-esteem can also be a by-product of depression or current life circumstances. These circumstances include financial hardship, persistent illness, relationship issues, or other life factors. This can adversely impact your overall life satisfaction.
How Can I Support You Through Therapy for Self-Esteem?
My approach to working on self-esteem is rooted in self-awareness and self-compassion practices. Although self-compassion may seem familiar to self-esteem, the latter is based on our perceived value. The former is rooted in the belief that we are all worthy of self-kindness, self-understanding, self-forgiveness, self-love, self-respect, and self-acceptance as human beings - not because of our latest achievement, or our characteristics and special traits. Whereas self-esteem may fluctuate with current life happenings, self-compassion is always available to you.
In our work together, we will work on helping you foster a healthy, internalized sense of self-esteem. One that is resilient to external influences, allowing you to navigate life's challenges with a more stable and positive self-perception. To do this, we may focus on:
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Increasing Insight and awareness
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Exploring past and present life experiences that have shaped your view of yourself
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Learning to embrace and relate to yourself kindly
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Practicing skills to challenge your inner critic
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Redefining your expectations and creating space for imperfections
Grow Your Confidence through Therapy for Self-Esteem in Brea, CA
If you're struggling with low self-esteem, know that you're not alone. Therapy for Self-Esteem in Brea, CA can provide the support and tools you need to improve your self-esteem and lead a more fulfilling life. At Adaptive Resolutions Counseling Services, I use evidence-based practices to help you build confidence and self-worth. Take the first step towards a positive change by following these steps:
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Speak with a self-esteem therapist, Jasmine Wilson, LCSW, to see if it is the right fit.
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Start your journey towards improved self-esteem and a more positive outlook on life.