Understanding Self-Esteem
Self-esteem influences how you view yourself, approach relationships, make decisions, and respond to challenges. When confidence is low, you may frequently question your judgment, minimize your strengths, compare yourself to others, or rely on external validation.
These difficulties often develop over time and may be shaped by early relationships, expectations, and messages you received growing up. Even when you appear capable or accomplished to others, you may struggle internally with doubt, perfectionism, or a persistent sense that you are not doing enough or measuring up.
Low Self-Esteem may include:
- Harsh or critical self-talk
- Frequently second-guessing yourself
- Comparing yourself to others
- Difficulty recognizing your strengths and accomplishments
- Seeking reassurance or external validation
- Perfectionism or fear of making mistakes
- Avoiding risks or new opportunities due to a fear of failure
- People-pleasing or difficulty asserting yourself
- Over-apologizing
- Difficulty setting boundaries
- Feeling overly responsible for others
- Discounting your accomplishments or positive qualities
Therapy can help you examine the beliefs you hold about yourself and understand how they developed. Our work may involve exploring formative experiences, current stressors, and recurring ways of thinking or relating that contribute to doubt and insecurity. With greater awareness, you can begin to relate to yourself with more balance and compassion.
Understanding Body Image
Body image encompasses how you perceive, think about, and feel toward your physical appearance. Difficulties in this area can affect confidence, social interactions, intimacy, and emotional well-being.
You may find yourself preoccupied with certain features, comparing yourself to others, focusing on perceived flaws, or feeling uncomfortable in your own skin. Cultural expectations, social media, interpersonal experiences, and messages about attractiveness can all shape these perceptions over time.
Body image concerns may include:
- Frequently comparing yourself to others
- Spending significant time thinking about how you look
- Focusing on perceived flaws
- Feeling self-conscious about your body
- Difficulty getting dressed or feeling comfortable in clothing
- Frequently checking mirrors or avoiding them altogether
- Avoiding activities because of discomfort with your appearance
- Engaging in a critical internal dialogue about your body
- Placing significant importance on appearance when evaluating your worth
Schedule a Consultation
I offer a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to give you an opportunity to learn more about my approach, ask questions, and determine whether working together may be a good fit working together.