Self-Esteem
Self-esteem relates to how we perceive ourselves and our value as an individual. The way in which we evaluate ourselves, either positive or negative, greatly impacts how we walk through life and connect with the world around us. Through therapy, we can gain a better understanding of how we view ourselves and work to build a more positive belief system related to who we are.
What is Self-Esteem?
Self-esteem refers to the beliefs we have about ourselves, both positive and negative such as I am safe, I am loved or I am alone, I am unworthy. These beliefs affect our relationships, our mental health, and daily functioning.
Low self-esteem can lead to depression, anxiety, and challenges with relationships. It often stems from experiences in childhood, especially if we received critical or negative feedback from family or friends. The sense of self evolves over time depending on one’s sense of security, belonging, and identity.
On the other hand, self esteem that is too high may also lead to challenges such as narcissism, arrogance, and manipulative behaviour. As a result, this inflated sense of self may lead to difficulties in connecting with others and accepting mistakes or failures.
Ultimately, we strive to achieve healthy esteem where we have confidence in ourselves but can also accept the shortcomings that make us human. According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, this strong sense of self occurs when basic needs are met allowing space for the exploration of meaning, identity, and how we wish to show up in the world. By building up our self-esteem, we create the potential to discover our true selves and develop meaningful connections with others.
Types of Therapy and Support
There are a variety of therapeutic approaches and resources that may support the development of a healthy self-esteem. At The Growth and Wellness Therapy Centre, we offer the following services which may help you re-connect with yourself and the person you wish to be including:
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Compassion-Focused Therapy
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
Somatic Experiencing
Working with a Clinician
Low self-esteem can leave us feeling isolated and unworthy of connection. Fortunately, we do not have to face this journey alone. Working with a practitioner at GWTC means having a co-pilot by your side as you explore your belief system and nurture compassion towards yourself. Many of our practitioners are experienced in working with clients to support their journey towards healthy self-esteem. We encourage clients to connect with multiple practitioners for a complimentary consultation in order to find the best fit. Clients may also benefit from supplementing psychotherapy with mind and body service such as yoga and meditation. Practitioners with experience in these areas may be found below:
