Self-esteem Therapy in Calgary
Self-Esteem
Do you feel like you're not good enough?
Not worthy?
Plagued by self-doubt? Perhaps you feel like a fraud? An imposter? If only others knew the truth about you…
Do you constantly criticize yourself harshly? Is your inner dialogue set to doom and gloom radio ALL THE TIME?
At some point in our lives, we have all experienced these types of self-defeating, negative thoughts and beliefs. But, when they are constant, they can be destructive to your health, your wellbeing, your relationships, your work, and may even lead to depression and anxiety.
Self-esteem refers to our overall sense of worthiness or value. It is how we think about ourselves. How we evaluate our own worth and abilities. Self-esteem can be thought of as a sense of self-worth, self-regard, and self-confidence. It involves how we view our appearance, our accomplishments and capabilities, and how others view and respond to us. Self-esteem affects how we think, feel, and act, and influences how we relate to ourselves and others. Healthy self-esteem is related to psychological adjustment, positive emotion, social confidence, prosocial behavior, work well-being, satisfying relationships, and overall life satisfaction.
One of the most important relationships to navigate is the relationship we have with ourselves.
Secure vs. Low Self-Esteem
Secure self-esteem is based on our ability to view ourselves realistically and accept who we are. It involves humility, authenticity, and the ability to set boundaries and openly express emotions, ideas and experiences. It involves the ability to make your own decisions, be assertive, be confident, and form healthy relationships.
Signs of low or fragile self-esteem may include excessive self-criticism, feeling powerless or worthless, easily feeling hurt or rejected, being unable to express needs and emotions, and feeling ‘not good enough’. Pervasive low self-esteem can impede your ability to experience joy, connect with others, be productive at work or school, and engage in activities you enjoy. It can even lead to anxiety and depression.
What causes Low Self-Esteem?
Self-esteem is a complex construct and there are multiple factors that can improve or impede your self-esteem. Some factors that may influence your self-esteem include limiting beliefs, a harsh inner critic, childhood issues, relationship breakdowns, society, the media, your socioeconomic status, your education, your employment, and the people in your life.
Counselling for Low Self-Esteem
It is entirely possible to end the struggle with low self-esteem and feel better about who you are. Counselling can assist you in understanding what is driving and maintaining your low self-esteem. You will learn how to overcome critical and self-defeating thoughts and beliefs, change negative interpretations of yourself, and develop a more adaptive view of who you are. I can help you:
Understand what’s driving your low self-esteem
Explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that keep you feeling inadequate
Develop practical strategies that help you move forward with purpose and confidence
**I see clients for self-esteem issues in-person in my Calgary office and/or online.