Low Self Esteem

We are born asking the question 'Who am I?  Am I OK, am I loveable, acceptable', etc.   The answers to the unspoken questions don't usually come in words, at least, not at first.  They come through the way the baby and then the young child is handled, by the tone of voice, facial expression, in fact, through the whole nurturing relationship with the parents or other primary attachment figures.  The growing up child is likely to take on board in an implicit way the perceived attitudes of the parents or teachers toward him and then unconsciously apply these attitudes towards himself.  If these attitudes are harsh, critical, ignoring and/or dismissive, then belief in oneself is eroded, and self-esteem is damaged.

Psychotherapy can help by exploring together and becoming more aware of the origins of the dysfunctional beliefs about the self, resolving the roots of the problem, and then over time, deepening a new sense of self and a new way of being.

Low self-esteem is often linked with depression and/or anxiety, and perhaps, unrelenting striving for perfection

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