Self-Esteem Therapy
Self-esteem therapy and coaching.
Many professionals seem confident on the surface. They might appear proud, cool, and collected. Meanwhile, they’re silently and relentlessly criticizing themselves at every move.
Why did I say that? I shouldn’t have done that. They must think I’m incompetent. I’m going to fail at this. I’m so embarrassed!
Which of the following would you check yes to?
- I have trouble accepting compliments
- I don’t always take credit for my own work
- I ruminate over things I think I did wrong
- I questions if others sincerely care about me
- I question if I’m worth caring about
- I spin out over minor critiques or negative feedback
- I believe I have to keep working harder or I will fail
- I question who I am and what my purpose is
If any of these sound familiar, you might be dealing with a crisis of confidence. I see it often, among new career professionals, as well as those who others would consider already accomplished and successful. Even when you’ve had evidence to support how awesome you really are, you may have trouble believing in yourself.
Would you like help with increasing self-confidence? Go ahead and schedule an appointment now.
What causes low self-esteem?
In some cases, confidence can improve over time. Positive experiences can build, helping you believe more in your own capabilities. However, sometimes triggers at work or home hit just the right (or wrong) vulnerable spot, making it difficult to see yourself clearly.
Consider a few examples.
A criticism by your client or boss might take you back to a difficult childhood experience, triggering feelings of unworthiness.
Negative cultural messages (or lack of positive messages) relating to your gender, race, identity, or background, may have left you doubting your own talents and skills.
Rejection from a friend or co-worker can sting not just in the moment, but bring up all those old childhood wounds that never quite went away.
If you’re dealing with these or other triggers, I may be able to help. Contact me to schedule a free consultation.
How can self-esteem improve?
So how do you get through life with land mines all around? Or change your set-in negative beliefs about yourself? It takes a little practice, but your confidence in yourself can improve. Here are some techniques I offer to help.
Schema Therapy
Schemas are beliefs and patterns that we pick up when we’re children and teenagers. For example, many people may develop a fear when they’re young that they’re going to fail at any new thing they try. That doesn’t mean they always (or often) will, however it makes it harder for them to take risks or deal with setbacks.
In schema therapy, you can get a better idea of what deeper beliefs are hiding under the surface. By better understanding your patterns and reactions, you can start to change them. Over time they become less powerful and less influential in your life.
Interested in learning more about schema therapy? I’d love to talk about it. Click below to schedule a free consultation.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Techniques
Everyone has different parts of themselves, and each part may have its own goals and roles. For example, one part of you might be a protector, while another part is more vulnerable. When we think of these parts as an internal family system (IFS), we can help them better understand each other and work together.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Techniques
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is focused on mindfulness and skill-building. I use DBT techniques to help you recognize your patterns, and to learn new ways to cope with them. Rather than reacting to a situation, you can practice noticing it and making decisions based on what is most helpful to you in the long run.
Learn how IFS and DBT techniques can help with building self-esteem. Click below to get started.
FAQ
Why can't I just think positively?
Sometimes it does help to use affirmations and other positive messages to boost your confidence. However, when that doesn’t work, there’s usually a reason. You might be struggling due to old schemas, childhood hurts, or complications like anxiety or depression.
In therapy, you unwrap your past experiences. In some cases simply realizing where a pattern comes from can start to change it. At other times you may choose to do deeper work to better understand yourself.
No matter what, you’re in the driver’s seat. We’re on this journey together, and my job is to help you meet your goals, in work and in life. I usually begin with an assessment to get to know you better, and then we’ll work on a plan together. Contact me to get started.
How does therapy help improve confidence?
Therapy can help improve your self-esteem in two key ways. First, you’ll learn skills and techniques to better understand what you’re experiencing. You may choose to process older memories, or to actively change the way you react in the moment.
Many of my clients also say they learn to think about themselves differently by example. Through participating in therapy, you can learn what it sounds and feels like when someone accepts and believes in you.
Here are some benefits you might experience from therapy for self-esteem:
- Newfound confidence
- Willingness to take risks
- A more positive view of the future
- The ability to believe in your own ideas
- A confidence based on yourself, rather than on what others think
- Feeling proud of yourself and everything you have and will accomplish
I’m excited for you to get through the layers of doubt and see how great you really are. Visit here to schedule an appointment.
How do I get started?
I generally begin with a free consultation. I can get to know you and what you’re struggling with, whether that’s self-esteem, anxiety, or other difficulties. If we both feel it’s a good fit, we’ll move forward to a full appointment.
Here’s how it works:
- Schedule a free consultation
- Chat briefly and decide if you want to continue
- Get started with therapy and developing new self-confidence
I truly love helping professionals believe in themselves – sometimes for the first time ever. You’ve already experienced and accomplished so much in your life. Imagine what you can do if you felt even just a little more confident in yourself and your abilities? Contact me now to get started.
Christine Walker Coaching
Trauma-Informed Career Coach & Therapist in Connecticut
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9 am – 5 pm | Closed Tues and Sat