Low Self-Esteem:

Although low self-esteem is not an official mental health diagnosis, many people describe feeling insecure, alongside feels of low self-worth. This can negatively impact their interactions with others or ability to progress in their career or embrace change. It is important in the treatment of low self-esteem that a therapist accurately categorises the problem to ensure that the symptoms of low self-esteem are not better explained through a psychological disorder, such as anxiety or depression. Working with a therapist who has an understanding of different diagnosis is essential when assessing the underlying causes of your low self-esteem.

During your treatment your therapist will assess the components of your low self-esteem and they will work with you to set goals and develop a formulation of the problem. Your therapist will explore the reasons why you have feelings of low self-worth and they will encourage you to monitor your self-criticism. They will collaborate with you to develop a bespoke treatment plan, involving self-compassion, behavioural experimentation and belief modification, to help you hone a more balanced perspective. Relapse maintenance will form an important aspect of your treatment, to help maintain the gains you have achieved during therapy.

8.jpg

What to look out for:

  • Longstanding feelings of low self-worth.

  • Chronic self-criticism.

  • Difficulties saying no and being assertive.

  • Putting others needs before your own.

  • Urge to isolate and withdraw from others.

  • Feeling lesser than others or not good enough.

Treatment FOCUS

Type: CBT

Sessions: 12+

Length: 50 mins

Treatment Focus:

  • Assessment

  • Goal Setting

  • Formulation

  • Self-awareness

  • Anxious Predictions

  • Self-Compassion

  • Self-Acceptance

  • Belief modification

  • Behavioural Experiments

  • Relapse Prevention

Links

NHS

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/raising-low-self-esteem/

Mind.org

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/self-esteem/#.Xeb4ZUX7S-o