Self-esteem refers to how much we value ourselves; it is how we perceive our value to the world and how valuable we think we are to others. Good self esteem impacts our trust in others, our trust in the future, our relationships, our work – almost every single part of our lives.
Poor Self Esteem
Inner strength and resilience is built on a foundation of good self esteem
Low self-esteem can be a result of negative words that have been spoken to you. These words then influenced the foundation of your self-perception. These words may have been spoken by people around you such as a parent, a relationship or by bullies at school or work
Low self-esteem may have developed from receiving hurtful behaviour from another, such as experiencing a withdrawn parent or an unfaithful spouse. Their actions then influenced your perception of how valuable you are.
Feelings of low self-esteem are then perpetuated by negatively comparing yourself to others and frequently criticizing yourself. These negative messages are rarely true, but the thought patterns become so ingrained that you may not notice the frequency with which they occur.
Once self-esteem has been damaged it is possible to repair it. When self-esteem is low is it possible to strengthen it. When self-criticism is high, it is possible to reduce it.
When self-esteem is injured it is actually our perception of ourselves that has been damaged. This perception can be healed in therapy.
Therapy can help you heal from your painful past and begin to rebuild your perceptions to create strong, flexible self-esteem.