“What I am is good enough if I would only be it openly.”
Carl Rogers
How we view ourselves is key to how we operate in the world. If we value ourselves, we're more likely to take on challenges and have a positive outlook, even when difficulties arise. If we struggle to see our worth, we can experience doubt and begin to hold ourselves back.
At my practice, I help clients formulate a more accurate picture of who they are. In doing so, they get the opportunity to set aside limiting false beliefs and reclaim their innate potential and strength. I believe every client, no matter their circumstance, has value and worth. It may take time to see this in yourself, but I'm confident that through this work you can rediscover what makes you worthwhile and capable.
If you've ever struggled to express yourself or felt stuck, addressing how you view yourself can be the first step in finding a way to move forward.
Below are some of the strategies we'll use to increase your self-esteem and self-confidence
False Belief Identification
Inaccurate or negative beliefs can lead to feelings and behaviors that restrict self-expression and reinforce poor self-worth. Together, we'll work to identify your hidden beliefs, seek to understand their "roots," assess their legitimacy, and come up with a more accurate way of viewing yourself.
Self-Acceptance
Accepting ourselves for who we are and not what we're "supposed to" be is key to mental health. Ironically, when we accept ourselves, flaws and all, we can make changes towards becoming what we want. We'll explore what gets in the way of you accepting more of yourself and identify the changes you hope to make.
Shame Reduction
Shame is an important emotion in determining social behavior. When we overidentify with it, however, it can lead to low self-worth, self-censoring, and self-destructive behaviors. We'll work to understand your relationship to shame and, in discussing it, reduce its effect and free up space for your authenticity.
Assertiveness Training
Assertiveness training helps us learn how to communicate our wants and needs in a clear and direct manner, which can increase our confidence and improve our relationship with ourselves and others. Together, we'll role-play assertive communication styles and identify barriers that prevent you from pursuing what you want.
Regret Processing
Regret is a normal part of life. People with lower self-worth tend to overidentify with the "should haves" and "could haves" of their past (i.e. I should have done better on this thing). We'll work to better understand your regrets and explore the ways in which they impact your current and future outlook.
Future Goal Planning
Low self-worth can limit optimism and impair our ability to set and pursue goals. Throughout your therapy, we'll work to identify the things you want and create strategies based on your strengths to increase the odds you achieve the outcomes you seek.