Humans tend be a social kind of animal which is part of our instinct for survival. Being part of a tribe or community or group, or family is a natural part of human nature and so fitting in with that particular group can be very important to us.
How we feel about ourselves and how we present ourselves to others can have tremendous impact on our behaviour and achievements. People with healthy self-esteem and identity tend to be confident, positive and comfortable in their own skin. For others with low self-esteem there can be a lack of confidence in many areas of life such as socially, sexually, at work or in school environments.
Low self-esteem and lack of confidence in our own identity can make life miserable for some people as it is very often accompanied by feelings of failure, hopelessness, lack of control, shame, guilt – even self-hatred. It is also often the culprit of anxiety, depression, eating disorders and addictions.
If you suffer from feelings of inadequacy, are constantly comparing yourself with others and feeling that you don’t measure up, worrying about what people think of you, searching for the “right” group to hang with where you feel accepted, or don’t bother attempting things because of fear of failure – you are likely suffering from self-esteem and identity issues.
The good news is that self -esteem and identity problems are highly treatable by psychological interventions. Using a variety of therapeutic techniques such as Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) an experienced psychologist from Relieve Psychology can get to the bottom of these issues with you.
All consultations are confidential and you will be treated with care, empathy and respect.
To make an appointment call (03) 8394 3891 and get some relief!
You’re not on your own.
Relieve Psychology 135 Bamfield Road Heidelberg Heights VIC 3081 is conveniently located to:
Identity & Self Esteem Counselling At the heart of many emotional issues is low self-esteem and lack of clarity about identity. Self-esteem is affected very early in life and if a child has grown up with low self-esteem it can impact their entire life. There are skills that people with low self-esteem can learn to feel better about themselves and develop an identity that feels right for them.
Self Esteem is the degree to which people feel confident, consider themselves valuable, and respect themselves, and this greatly affects well-being. Self-esteem exists on a continuum, from high to low, and low self-esteem is associated with self-doubt, self-criticism, social isolation, suppressed anger, and shame. Low self-esteem is also a symptom of several mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression. Poor self-esteem most often develops in childhood. The experiences of childhood often define who we are. There are a number of things about childhood that can affect someone’s self-esteem.
Treatment for Low Self Esteem:
Psychotherapy can be really helpful for people dealing with self-esteem and identity issues. Cognitive Behavioral therapy can help clients identify the negative self-talk that keeps the old message of their childhood alive. Psychodynamic therapy is a type of insight oriented therapy that really helps people understand where their negative messages of childhood came from and helps them to see they do not need to hold on to these messages in adult life.