Self-Esteem Issues

Are you your own worst critic? Do you find yourself thinking that you’re not smart enough, you’re unlovable, or you can’t do anything right?

If this sounds familiar, you may be struggling with low self-esteem.

Low self-esteem can have a negative impact on your life and can cause you to experience negative emotions such as anxiety, sadness, and sometimes self-hatred.

Thankfully, self-esteem issues can be treated with cognitive behavioral therapy.

At Empire Psychotherapy, our team of expert therapists is here to provide you with self-esteem counselling so you can find joy in your life.

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What Causes Low Self-Esteem?

There is no single cause of low self-esteem since it can be influenced by a wide range of factors that can vary from person to person.

However, here are some possible causes:

Negative Early Life Experiences

Experiences of neglect, abuse, or criticism during childhood can lead to low self-esteem issues in adulthood.

Unrealistic Expectations

Setting unattainable goals or having excessively high standards for oneself can lead to feelings of failure and inadequacy.

Social Media

Comparing oneself to others on social media platforms can lead to feelings of inadequacy, as people often present curated and idealized versions of their lives.

Relationship Problems

Being in an unsupportive or abusive relationship can damage self-esteem and make it difficult to feel valued and respected.

Trauma

Experiencing trauma can lead to feelings of helplessness and powerlessness, which can impact self-esteem.

Chronic Stress

Constant stress and pressure can cause feelings of anxiety and lead to low self-esteem issues.

Negative Self-Talk

Engaging in negative self-talk or constantly criticizing oneself can contribute to low self-esteem.

Low Self-Esteem and Core Beliefs

Low self-esteem develops in situations where individuals are put down over and over again and begin to internalize those negative messages. For example, if you are told growing up that you never do anything right, eventually, you may start to believe that this is true even when it isn’t.

These messages then become our core beliefs which define the way we view ourselves. These negative core beliefs we hold about ourselves facilitate the development of low self-
Esteem.

Low self-esteem is maintained because these core beliefs impact how we see the world. Think of your core beliefs as a specific pair of glasses you see the world through.

So if you have a core belief that you are unlovable, you are going to pay attention and focus on the times this belief is reinforced, such as if a partner leaves you.

You are going to discount the instances when you receive positive attention or when others compliment your positive qualities. As a result, the negative belief is continually reinforced even if it actually isn’t accurate.

Symptoms of Low Self-Esteem

Low self-esteem can manifest in a variety of ways, and the symptoms are as unique as the person experiencing them.

Here are some common signs and symptoms of low self-esteem:

  1. Negative self-talk: Consistently engaging in negative self-talk or criticizing oneself can cause low self-esteem but is also a symptom of low self-esteem.
  2. Social withdrawal: Avoiding social situations or isolating oneself from others.
  3. Lack of confidence: Feeling insecure about one’s abilities or doubting oneself.
  4. Fear of judgment: Feeling excessively concerned about how others perceive oneself and worrying about being judged or criticized.
  5. Perfectionism: Having unrealistic standards for oneself and feeling like nothing is ever good enough.
  6. Self-neglect: Neglecting one’s physical and emotional needs, such as not taking care of oneself or engaging in unhealthy behaviors.
  7. Procrastination: Putting off tasks and avoiding challenges due to fear of failure or inadequacy.
  8. Anxiety and depression: Low self-esteem can contribute to symptoms of anxiety and depression, such as feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and sadness.

It’s important to note that everyone experiences self-doubt and insecurity at times, but if these symptoms are persistent and affect one’s daily life, it may be a sign of low self-esteem that requires self-esteem counselling.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Low Self-Esteem

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that has been shown to be effective in treating low self-esteem.

Self-esteem counselling using CBT typically involves working with a therapist to identify and challenge negative thought patterns and core beliefs contributing to low self-esteem.

Here are some key components of CBT for low self-esteem:

 

Identifying Negative Thoughts

 

The first step in CBT is becoming aware of negative thoughts contributing to low self-esteem.

Your self-esteem therapist may have you keep a thought diary to record negative self-talk and identify patterns of negative thinking.

Challenging Negative Thoughts

 

Once negative thoughts have been identified, the therapist works with the individual to challenge and reframe them.

During your self-esteem counselling, this might involve asking questions to help the individual consider alternative perspectives or evidence that contradicts the negative thought.

Developing Self-Compassion

 

CBT for low self-esteem emphasizes the importance of developing self-compassion and treating oneself with kindness and understanding.

Developing self-compassion can include self-care and engaging in activities promoting self-worth and self-acceptance.

Behavioural Activation

 

CBT for low self-esteem may also involve behavioral interventions, such as gradually engaging in activities that challenge negative beliefs about oneself and increase feelings of competence and self-esteem.

 

Self-Esteem Counselling Hamilton, Ontario

CBT is a structured and evidence-based approach that can be tailored to the individual’s specific needs and goals and has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions, including low self-esteem issues.

The CBT technique effectively addresses every component of negative feelings about self-image.

It also greatly helps to effectively handle stress management, learn effective communication skills, and concentrate on healthy coping mechanisms.

By working together with a therapist, you can learn coping techniques that provide solutions for real-world situations.

If you’re interested in finding out if CBT could work for your self-esteem issues or if you would like to discuss any other underlying issues, contact Empire Psychotherapy today.

Therapists Who Can Help

Interested in psilocybin therapy? Check out our experienced team of therapists and find the perfect fit for you.

Ashley Montreuil

Registered Psychotherapist

Stone Fu

Registered Psychotherapist

Stef Maxim

Registered Psychotherapist

Divya Dorairaj

Registered Psychotherapist

Miriam Farooqi

Registered Social Worker

Van Vu

Registered Social Worker