Low self-esteem can affect practically every aspect of your life, from how you view yourself to the way you relate to others. Therapy is a valuable tool that can help you reduce negative thoughts and improve self-esteem, which can lead to a more joyful and fulfilling life.
Many people develop low self-esteem in childhood due to harsh criticism or rejection from parents and other loved ones. Bullying, abuse and other negative experiences can also have a significant impact on self-esteem. Toxic relationships (of any kind), loss of employment, illness, breakups and other life circumstances can affect your sense of self-worth. Isolation and discrimination also play a part, as they stunt social interaction.
Although it is common to experience lack of confidence and self-esteem, that doesn’t have to define you. Discussing the factors that influence your self-image in therapy can be beneficial in many ways. It allows you to feel heard and validated, which, alone, increases confidence by making you feel like what you have to say matters. In addition, a therapist will be able to provide you with steps you can take to counter these negative feelings and work toward a more confident you.
If you’re struggling with low self-esteem, you may not think it’s a big enough deal to speak to a therapist about. However, the way you see yourself greatly impacts your quality of life. Individuals with a poor self-image often see the world as a hostile place and feel victimized by other people and circumstances. They also take things personally, usually in a negative way. They may feel they don’t deserve love or happiness, which can make them reluctant to express and assert themselves.
The lack of confidence that accompanies low self-esteem can result in many missed opportunities, experiences and feelings of powerlessness. All of these factors can lower your self-esteem even more and lead to addiction, self-harm, depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. That’s why it’s important to talk about your feelings. Often times, we are our own worst enemies. A therapist will help you change your perspective and celebrate the attributes that make you unique and different instead of criticizing them.
When you have a therapist who responds with compassion and validation of your feelings, it becomes easier to talk about the parts of yourself that you deem negative. This is healthy not only because it allows you to start changing your self-perception, but also because it enables you to let the negativity out. When you do that, you make room for positive thoughts and self-talk, which make you feel happier and change your disposition toward others.
If you’re ready to let go of negativity and say hello to a new, confident you, contact a therapist at Kayenta directly to book a session. By attending therapy, you’re taking the first step toward a better you, and a better life.
