Self-Esteem

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What is Self-Esteem?

Self-esteem is the opinion you have of yourself; the degree to which you feel confident, valuable and worthy of respect.

It is a key indicator of one’s overall well-being. Low self-esteem can make you more vulnerable to struggling with other mental health problems like anxiety, depression, disordered eating or self-harm.

Self-esteem fluctuates with life experiences, but falling higher on the self-esteem spectrum means you have the resilience to bounce back and think positively about yourself and your future. Falling lower on the spectrum changes not only how you see yourself, but the world and your future.

Low self-esteem is a dangerous cycle led by negative core beliefs and critical self-talk. People with low self-esteem are often people pleasers who keep a high standard for themselves. As long as they keep their (often unrealistic) standards, they feel okay, but there are inevitably times when it is not possible to do so. This can quickly lead to feeling low and anxious.

Signs + Symptoms of Low Self-Esteem

Shy or anxious around other people
Feeling self-conscious – Focusing on your weaknesses, thinking of yourself as incapable, unworthy of love
Negative self-talk – criticizing and/or blaming yourself
Anxious, sad and low moods
People-pleasing – apologizing a lot, being eager to please, letting people take advantage of you, feeling unable to assert yourself

Overly sensitive to criticism or disapproval
Perfectionism – Lack of productivity led by self-doubt, avoiding challenges or trying to be perfect
Imposter syndrome – doubting your abilities and feeling like a fraud
Social isolation – Lack of relationships due to fear of rejection, not engaging in things they once enjoyed

Therapeutic Goals for Self-Esteem

Learn to identify self-defeating thought patterns, challenge negative thoughts and address uncomfortable feelings
Explore the root of your feelings
Deal with criticism smartly with a rational perspective
Improve self-awareness, self-acceptance and self-esteem
Learn appropriate communication and social skills
Develop healthy boundaries and self-care habits

Our Approach

We will do an assessment of your specific situation and goals, to come up with a targeted and individualized approach to therapy that draws from a variety of the listed modalities

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Change unhelpful and problematic ways of thinking got change unwanted or unhealthy behaviour

Positive Psychology

Understand your strengths and virtues and learn how to apply them to your own life and reach your full potential

Somatic Therapy

Combines psychotherapy and physical therapy to connect your mind and body and release pent-up trauma

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Utilized techniques like meditation, stretching, and breathing to increase awareness of our thoughts, feelings and actions

Solution-Focused Therapy

A strengths-based approach that focuses on your current and future problems and goals rather than past experiences

Strength-Based Therapy

Helps you understand and utilize your strengths rather than focusing on negative characteristics

About WJW

Individual Counselling

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Assessments

Specialties

Mind-Body Wellness

Available Treatments