Therapy for Self Esteem
When used in a psychological context the term self-esteem refers to an individual’s overarching sense of self-worth or simply how they value themselves.
What is self esteem?
Self esteem involves a combination of beliefs about oneself, including emotions, behavior and appearance. Self-esteem is is malleable and it can be raised through therapy.
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Many people find that their self esteem varies depending on the situation, or even day-to-day. Although people are often described as having self esteem that is either ‘high’ or ‘low’, many people find that their self esteem varies depending on the situation, or even day-to-day. If you are experiencing these sorts of ‘ups and downs’ please know that you are not alone. Therapy is an excellent way to gain understanding about what causes you to have such highs and lows, as well as to help make sure that you experience more of the positive and feel better prepared to cope with challenges and disappointments. Self esteem is not about feeling great all the time. Self esteem is about feeling secure that you can handle life’s challenges and that you deserve to experience love and acceptance from others as well as from yourself.
People with low-self esteem have a negative, disapproving view of themselves and an inability to look beyond their limitations and problems. People with low self-esteem can sometimes overreact when they are criticized, engage in self-sabotage and self-destructive behavior, and sacrifice their identity to fit in. Additionally, individuals with low self-worth may avoid reality and potentially unpleasant situations. Furthermore, those suffering from low self-esteem frequently engage in criticism of themselves and others.
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The effect of low self-esteem on the individual varies from person to person but can include a pessimistic outlook, promiscuity, a tendency to engage in obsessive activities, and a focus on the individual’s failures, weaknesses, and setbacks. Additionally, the individual may put himself or herself down in a joking or serious manner. In interactions with other people the person with low self esteem may engage in angry or aggressive behavior, and blame others for their situation.
Improving Self Esteem
Dr. Carmichael offers therapy for self esteem. There are steps that can be taken to improve self-esteem. One action that can be taken is to practice positive self-talk. Additionally, it is beneficial to set realistic goals for yourself and to accentuate the positive aspects of your life. It is also helpful if you engage with your social support network, i.e. your family, friends, and others who are close to you. Another way to improve self-esteem is to contribute something and give back to your community. This could be as simple as doing something nice for someone else or volunteering at a local soup kitchen. In addition, self-esteem improvement can be achieved through status improvement which means finding a niche skill in which you excel.
Dr. Carmichael can help you regain or develop your self-esteem. Counseling sessions will be an integral piece in identifying your issues and beginning to implement changes to them. The sessions will also be used to identify your personal roadblocks to implementing the changes and undertaking various methods to removing them. The best methods vary from person to person, but generally a combination of spending time together to understand what you are experiencing, as well as how you came to feel that way is the best place to start. Once this understanding is in place, we can work together on customized exercises intended to bolster your self esteem and self confidence in the ways that are most suitable for you.
As you see gains, we can return to a period of reflection and exploration in which we identify areas where you continue to struggle and then set to work on those areas. Improving self esteem is a process that requires patience, and it sometimes involves 'aha moments' in which your perspective changes and your sense of possibility is expanded, and it sometimes involves a sense of 'two steps forward, one step back'. The important thing is to keep trying and know that you will experience gains if you continue to give yourself time and space, as well as therapeutic support, as you work towards the self esteem you know that you deserve to enjoy.
With Dr. Carmichael's help you will come to understand and utilize your strengths thus becoming more motivated.
You will see your mood and the quality of your relationships improve.
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Click here for more depression resources from the National Institute of Mental Health.