Self-Esteem
You can make great things happen. We believe in you and we are here, ready to join you in the work of realizing all the unique, amazing things that make you you.
What does it actually mean and look like to have low self-esteem?
Struggling with low self-esteem can stem from a host of things that happened to you in the past, or as a result of messages you internalized from important others earlier on in life. It creates this feeling of never being good enough, as though you should always be doing more; you have all these ideas of how you “should” be and all the ways you don’t measure up (connected to perfectionism). Self-doubt and negative self-talk are always running through your mind, but at the same time, you may not really be sure what being “enough” really means or looks like for you. Societal and family expectations as well as social media can also contribute to unrealistic standards, distorted self-image, and always comparing ourselves to others.
How can low self-esteem affect your daily life in New York City? What are some signs that it might be time to seek therapy?
These realities may cause you to be a habitual people-pleaser or to avoid people, situations, or potential opportunities that end up eliciting a painful fear of judgment or rejection, or that harsh inner voice, a voice that leads you to comparing yourself to others or beating up on yourself. It makes it hard to feel secure in your relationships, and anxiety around all the “what ifs” make it hard to be present and feel good. These thoughts and patterns can show up at work as well, where maybe it seems like you’re constantly struggling with seeking validation or reassurance, or that you’re always trying to prove your worth but it’s just never enough.
What is therapy for low self-esteem and how can it help you?
There are many benefits that come with counseling for self-esteem and confidence. There is no “one size fits all” approach to this work, and our therapists know that this is a process, and one that can truly change your life by allowing you to heal and grow emotionally and strengthen your self-worth. We work with our clients on exploring the root causes of their low self-esteem and identifying, challenging, and dismantling the negative self-talk, behaviors, and beliefs that all serve to reinforce it. Together we can learn how to stop people-pleasing, reject the harsh inner critic, change those unhealthy behaviors that keep you tethered in a negativity loop, set healthy boundaries in your relationships, feel empowered to do the things that you feel are right for you, and focus on and appreciate your strengths and unique traits that make you you.
Our New York City therapists that specialize in treating low self-esteem and low self-worth:
Elana, Kristen, Lara, Noa and Yael