Self Esteem/Confidence

A healthy sense of self can make a profound difference in how we feel and function. Self-esteem is our basic sense of worth or value. It is the degree to which we find we respect and like ourselves. Good self-esteem means self-respect, a sense of self-worth, a feeling of basic goodness about oneself. Low self-esteem can mean constant self-doubt and self-criticism, social anxiety and isolation, suppressed anger, loneliness, and even shame.

Our self-esteem develops during childhood, and certain experiences may interfere with its development, for example: being subject to criticism or abuse from parents and caretakers; having early conflicts with peers; being stigmatized for unusual appearance or behaviors, or for one's race, class, or social identity; missing out on experiences that would foster a sense of confidence and purpose, or not receiving positive reinforcement for our accomplishments; a learning disability or physical impairment.

On the other hand, some people have those experiences and manage to build a good sense of self-esteem. Therapy can help with that process.

Even a well-developed self-esteem can be challenged by sudden life changes or perceived failures, such as losing a job, ending a marriage, having legal or financial troubles, struggling with addiction or mental illness, having children with emotional troubles, medical ailments, and a host of other events that might cause us to question our worth or value. Therapy can help put such events in perspective and support our strengths to increase resilience, social support, and hope.