Self-esteem is the degree to which one feels confident, valuable, and worthy of respect. It exists on a continuum from high to low. Self-esteem affects how we think, feel, and behave. It informs our overall sense of well-being and can affect our success in all aspects of life including the workplace and our relationships.
You ARE Good Enough
Throughout my decades of experience in working with clients, I have found that the one central theme that causes psychological conditions is the underlying belief, “I am not good enough.” Negative thoughts that one is not good enough are at the core of depression, especially when combined with feelings of hopelessness. This pain can feel so real and be so intense as to drive many people to thoughts of suicide. The truth is that you are perfect and complete just as you are in this present moment. You don’t need to be any richer, thinner, smarter, or wealthier to be deserving and good enough. You are good enough in this exact moment, just as you are.
Improving Self-Esteem
Working with the right therapist has the potential to significantly improve self-esteem. My approach is one of acceptance and compassion which allows you to share your inner thoughts and feelings in a space that is supportive and understanding. Therapy in this manner creates an experience of being valued and accepted, and this naturally improves self-esteem. My goal is to model a different way for you to relate to yourself. Using this model, you can continue to improve your self-esteem between therapy sessions and long after therapy has ended.
My approach to helping you improve self-esteem will be specific in nature and tailored to meet your individual personality and life circumstances. This approach may involve a combination of therapies including cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, assertiveness training, problem-solving training, and social skills training. Together, we will work to assist you in increasing self-esteem and feelings of self-efficacy. This, in turn, allows you to live a fulfilling life of inner joy and peace, with harmony and balance.
In addition to participating in individual therapy, there are things you can do on your own to improve your self-esteem, such as:
- Monitor your negative self-talk
- Use daily affirmations
- Learn mindfulness meditation
- Take an assertiveness class
- Take risks to develop your skills and improve your performance
- Make gratitude lists
- Build and nurture a supportive network of individuals who raise your self-esteem and value you
The following symptoms are treatable with self-esteem therapy:
- Feeling worthless or that your life is meaningless
- Feeling incompetent or inferior
- Feeling unloved or generally unwanted or disliked
- Needing others’ approval and opinions
- Anxiety about being disliked or rejected
- Frequent or irrational feelings of guilt
- Self-criticism or criticism of others
- Self-doubt and indecision
- Fear of making mistakes
- Self-destructive behavior
- Deference to others
- Comparing yourself to others
- Discounting your needs, feelings, and wants
- Staying in relationships where your investment or love isn’t reciprocated
- Defensiveness and hypersensitivity to criticism or negative feedback
- Discomfort with compliments
- Difficulty speaking up, sharing opinions, or setting limits with people
- Frequent negative thoughts and emotions
- Being drawn to destructive relationships
- Difficulty trusting yourself
- Fear of intimacy
- Envy of others
- Difficulty starting and completing tasks or pursuing goals
- Distorted views of yourself and others
- Lack of agency – a feeling of “I can’t” instead of “I can”
Are you ready for breakthrough in your life?
How to get in touch with me
The easiest way is to schedule your complimentary phone consultation with me through my online booking calendar, and I will call you at the designated time. No hassle, no phone tag, a time that is convenient to you and you speak directly with me.
Email: contact@drsusanspicer.com
Phone: 989-577-5950