Self-Esteem Issues

Self-esteem in a nutshell is what you think of yourself, how much respect you have for yourself, and how capable, loveable, and worthy you feel. Self-esteem issues can go either way – some sufferers have a very low sense of self-worth or low self-esteem, while others have an overly inflated sense of self-worth, also known as narcissism. In either case, if you or your child has these issues, it’s likely you have a hard time relating to others, and may suffer in the workplace, in school, or in general life because of them.

Symptoms & signs of self-esteem issues

• Inflated or deflated sense of self
• Constant self-criticism
• Social anxiety
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Believing one is better than everyone else
• Constant bragging or always doing “one-better” than others
• Self-directed anger or hatred
• Feelings of shame or embarrassment

When is it time to get help?

If you are unable to quiet that inner voice that says “you’re not good enough, you’re a failure, you’ll never do it”, and worse, that can lead to all kinds of negative effects on your happiness and your quality of life. When you’re constantly doubting yourself and dwelling on your short comings – that can lead to poor work performance and wreak havoc on your personal relationships. Believing you are unlovable can force you to avoid relationships or act negatively while you’re in one.  Alternatively, if you feel the need to constantly tell everyone about your accomplishments, your areas of expertise, how much money you’ve made, how much better your adventures, stories, and experiences are than other people’s, that can leave you feeling isolated, lonely, and unable to sustain relationships.

Regardless of the way self esteem issues affect you – you always end up feeling bad. If this is the case for you, then it’s time to seek help.

Self-esteem issues treatment methods

• Acceptance and commitment therapy encourages clients to accept the difficulties and misfortunes of life. Clients learn coping techniques to not dwell on negative emotions by staying in the present.
• Existential therapy is focused on providing the client with a greater understanding of themselves including self-development and self-awareness. This therapy works on the individual’s unique set of choices and the meaning behind them, making them aware they can’t blame their decisions and the repercussions entirely on past conditioning and/or genetics.
• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach to treatment that focuses on how people’s thoughts, emotions, and beliefs influence their behaviour and how they perceive themselves.
• Person Centered Therapy differs from more traditional therapeutic approaches in the belief that, while the therapist has expertise in many areas, the client is the expert on themselves and their lived experiences. People are essentially trustworthy and have a vast potential for understanding themselves while also being able to ultimately resolve their own problems when guided properly.
• Psychoanalytical therapy’s key figure is Sigmund Freud. Sigmund Freud was one of the few individuals who developed a comprehensive model of understanding under one theory. This theory has been able to encompass personality development, the complete philosophy of human nature, and even psychotherapy.
• Psychodynamic therapy’s core principle is that the unconscious mind harbours deep-rooted feelings and memories, which affects behaviour. Psychodynamic therapists work within this model by attempting to maintain more of an equal relationship with their client while also adopting the attitude of unconditional acceptance and trust.
• Family systems therapy looks at the family as one emotional unit. This therapeutic approach looks at the relationships within the family and the structure as a whole.

What will I get out of treatment with Insight Psychological?

Your therapist will help you uncover the reason for your low or inflated self-esteem. Why do you feel inferior or superior to others? Is there a behaviour or pattern in your past that has contributed to those thoughts?  What kind of subconscious thoughts are contributing to these issues?  A method of therapy that’s right for you, delivered by a caring and supportive therapist will help to build your confidence and even out your self-esteem so you can work towards having a feeling of inner peace and contentment.

Insight can provide you with in-person, online, or telephone counselling. Contact us to learn more or to book an appointment.