Self Confidence and Self esteem
Self-esteem refers to our view of ourselves. Do we feel competent, likeable, or loveable? Or, do we feel inadequate and not worthy of the interest or affection of others? When our self-esteem is low, we lack confidence, feel hollow inside, and become hopeless about ourselves and our future. Talk to the expert of Orange Counseling Associates in Newburgh, NY if you have self-esteem and confidence issues.
Low self-esteem often develops from early life experiences. If we were treated with love and we had a sense of importance in our emerging world, then we are likely to feel well about ourselves and have what we call high self-esteem. If we were ignored or mistreated, then we are likely to feel that we deserved the treatment we received and feel poorly about ourselves. Our self-concept is vitally important to our level of optimism and how we relate to others. Good self-esteem and self-confidence are a huge benefit in our efforts to create a life that is satisfying and fulfilling.
How Can Counseling Help?
How does counseling help one improve self-esteem and self-confidence? The first step generally involves uncovering the sources of the problem. When the early antecedents are identified one often then comes to the conclusion that one’s opinion of oneself developed from how one was treated is likely to be inaccurate. For example, if a parent who was struggling with his or her own problems was irritable, angry, or disengaged and treated you poorly as a result, that does not mean that you deserved that treatment. You deserved to have been nurtured, appreciated, and treated with patience, kindness, and love. With this insight can come the realization that you are indeed a valuable person and that, in fact, others can and do appreciate who you are.
Counseling about this issue often involves helping find and emphasize areas of accomplishment. It involves the assessment of the client’s negative self-talk and subsequent work towards modifying the negativity with a more realistic view of oneself.
