Self Esteem
It can be hard to accomplish anything when you don’t feel good about yourself. You may feel like you’re not good enough or can’t do anything right. This can lead to feelings of sadness, anger, and frustration.
What are some symptoms of low self-esteem?
Several symptoms can indicate low self-esteem.
● You may feel like you’re not good enough or worthy of good things happening to you.
● You may also feel guilty, ashamed, or embarrassed often.
● You may avoid social situations or activities that you used to enjoy.
● You may also compare yourself to others often and feel like you’re not as good as them.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time to seek counseling.
What causes low self-esteem?
Several factors can contribute to low self-esteem. You may have experienced trauma or abuse in your life. You may have been raised in a household where you were constantly criticized or made to feel less. You may also have unrealistic expectations that you’re unable to meet. If you’re struggling with self-esteem, it’s essential to understand its factors. Only then can you begin to work on improving it.
How can a counselor help you?
If you’re struggling with self-esteem, counseling can help. Counselors can work with you to understand the thoughts and emotions contributing to low self-esteem. They can also help you develop healthy coping mechanisms and improve your outlook on life. With time and effort, you can learn to appreciate yourself more and feel better about who you are.
How do we work?
Instead of telling people what they should do, the first step is to listen and understand their situation. We would help them identify negative thoughts that lead up to this poor self-belief so we can work on a plan based on expertise and offer guidance and a plan going forward. We would then look at what approach would be best for them.
Here are some possible ways we may work together:
● Practicing specific activities that promote good self-esteem, assertiveness, and self-compassion
● Role play exercises to practice assertiveness
● Exercise to reduce physical tension that can lead to trembling, blushing, difficulty breathing, etc.
● Challenging negative thought patterns and learned behaviors associated with not feeling good enough, a sense of failure, being self-critical, feelings of shame and powerlessness, etc.
How can I improve my self-esteem?
There are a few things you can do to start improving your self-esteem.
Start by accepting yourself for who you are. This includes your flaws and imperfections
● Try to surround yourself with positive people who make you feel good about yourself.
● Set realistic goals for yourself and celebrate when you accomplish them.
● Talk to a counselor or therapist who can help you work through the causes of your low self-esteem.
Improving self-esteem takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. When you have healthy self-esteem, you’ll feel better about yourself and your ability to accomplish your goals.
If you're feeling down about yourself and would like some help, don't hesitate to get in touch with us. We can work with you to understand the thoughts and feelings contributing to your low self-esteem.