Self Esteem Therapy in Georgetown, ON

 

You cannot always be perfect in every aspect but how you perceive yourself when you are less than perfect can define your self-esteem.  Self-esteem can fluctuate throughout life as we are constantly growing and changing. However, a negative view of yourself can decrease your self-esteem which, in turn, can have a significant impact on your life.

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What is Self Esteem?

 

Self esteem is how you evaluate your overall personal worth or the value you hold in yourself. It is one aspect of your self-concept, which is a general term for how you see yourself. Having positive self-esteem can influence your overall perception of self, increasing your mental health, motivation, and self-worth.

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How do I Know if I Have Low Self Esteem?

 

Low self-esteem can impact the way you engage with yourself, and your relationship with others.

 

You may:

• Find it hard to accept compliments

• Have trouble saying no and setting boundaries

• Focus on your weaknesses rather than your strengths

• Believe that others are better than you

• Fear you will be a failure

• Struggle with confidence in yourself

• You often find yourself feeling judged or comparing yourself to others 

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Having low self-esteem can affect your relationship with others in many ways, including:

• You may be overly invested and involved in close relationships

• You seek self-worth and emotional stability from others

• You can be demanding and mistrustful

• Regulating mood and being autonomous is difficult

• You may find yourself putting the needs of others before your own

• You may fear that you would be an inconvenience or a burden to others

• You may be prone to feeling easily rejected or hurt

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What Causes Low Self Esteem?

Some factors that can cause low self-esteem include:

• Disapproving parents

• Parents who were preoccupied or uninvolved 

• Bullying

• Trauma

• Abusive relationships

• Perfectionistic thinking

• Difficult life events such as illness or loss

• Conflict with parents/guardians

• Influence of social media

 

Causes of low self-esteem are not limited to the list above. Self-esteem issues usually stem from childhood but can occur at any stage in life from a negative experience. If not acknowledged and treated, low self-esteem can lead to forming unhealthy habits and forming mental and physical health issues such as depression, anxiety, and more. Seeking a therapist can help you recognize the signs of low self-esteem and get you the help you need. 

 

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Is it Selfish to Think Highly of Yourself?

 

It is not selfish to think highly of yourself, if this means knowing your self-worth and believing in yourself.  There is a difference between having high self-esteem and being inconsiderate of others.

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How Can Couples Therapy Centre help Improve my Self-Esteem?

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Couples Therapy Centre has multiple experienced therapists who can help you improve your self esteem by helping you:

• Understand where your low self esteem stems from

• Examine your relationships and their impact on your self-esteem

• Regulate your mood and reactivity

• Encourage positive healthy relationships

• Set healthy boundaries

• Become more aware of and process emotions 

• Forgive and be compassionate to yourself

• Prioritize your needs 

• Learn strategies to be more assertive with others

• Challenge false negative beliefs you hold about yourself

• Recognize your many strengths