Some people navigate their world, searching for evidence to validate their self-limiting beliefs – including their relationships. They are constantly putting themselves on trial, sometimes sentencing themselves to a lifetime of self-criticism based on what others think and say of them. 

Regarding your self-worth, the only opinion that really counts is your own – and it should be carefully evaluated, too. We tend to be our own worst critics!

If you suffer from low self-esteem and don’t know what to do about it, keep reading. I’ve got some helpful and practical tips you can use to improve the way you value yourself.

What Can I Do To Boost My Sense Of Self-Value?

The best friend you will ever have is yourself. Be good to yourself by seeing your value and worth! Here are some ways to boost your self-esteem:

• We all have a narrative or a story we believe about ourselves that shapes our self-perceptions based on our core self-image. If you want to change that story, you must understand where it came from and where you received the messages you tell yourself. Think about the voices you’ve internalized; whose are they? The answer may surprise you!
• Just because someone else looks happy and fulfilled on social media or in person doesn’t mean they actually are! Comparing yourself to others will only lead to negative self-talk. anxiety, and stress. Feelings of low self-worth can negatively affect your mental health and other areas in your life, such as work, relationships, and physical health.
• Exercise creates physical and mental empowerment and organizes your day around self-care. Try dropping a task daily from your endless to-do list for relaxation or doing something fun and see how it feels. Other forms of self-care, such as proper nutrition and sufficient sleep, have also been shown to have a powerful positive effect on self-perception.

Can Psychotherapy Be Helpful In Improving My Self-Esteem?

I recommend psychotherapy to help improve your self-esteem, and here are some reasons why:

• Psychotherapy addresses the roots of low self-esteem – which often originated in our family. Think about the messages you received from family members as a child. Did you receive support and encouragement to try new things, or did you get negative feedback – or none at all? When children don’t receive positive mirroring and encouragement, they won’t feel very positive about themselves, and the result is the same when there is no feedback. What was your experience? Your therapist can help you through this process.
• If you suffered trauma or abuse while growing up, this could also lead to low self-esteem and a negative self-image. Children often blame themselves when bad things happen; sometimes, they are told it was their fault or there was no one available to tell them otherwise. They often feel shame and loneliness and consider themselves bad people. A compassionate mental health professional will know how to help you.
• You can learn healthy self-parenting skills during psychotherapy – something you did not understand when you were young. You and your therapist can identify your inner critic and help you replace that negative voice with a kind, compassionate, and nurturing one – one of the vital building blocks of healthy self-esteem. Low self-esteem can be healed, and I am here to help you make that happen here at John Nichols Psychotherapy!

I provide a space where you can feel safe sharing your story, discover strategies for growth, and ultimately learn to live successfully and happily on your own. Let’s go there!

I offer therapy sessions for individuals, couples, and teens at John Nichols Psychotherapy. Are you ready to begin Therapy? Do you still have more questions about how treatment works? You can contact me by calling, emailing, or booking an appointment through my website anytime!