Self-Esteem

Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy. There's a critical voice in our heads that try to keep us in line. While that helps us be likable and good members of society, it can also limit us from our true potential of living a life with intention.

I treat issues of poor self-esteem by focusing on the individual's relationship with the self, using an integrative approach. This includes parts work like Internal Family Systems (IFS) to explore inner dynamics, alongside psychodynamic and attachment theories to understand underlying emotional patterns. I also draw on post-modern, narrative theories to empower clients, helping them reframe self-perception and build a more confident and compassionate relationship with themselves.

I believe lack of self-esteem to be the root cause of many mental health conditions. As such, I have always used a strength-based approach and focus on self-esteem goals with all clients. Working with students with IEPs, many had IEP goals relating to self-esteem and these goals were achieved through receiving validation, acceptance, and unconditional positive regard in therapy.

Struggling with decision-making or feeling valued is something I often come across with people who are struggling in this area. Often times, changing how you view yourself and others can drastically improve your ideas about you.

I have struggled with self-esteem issues my whole life. Because of that, I feel I am equipped with the necessary experience to truly understand and help individuals grappling with this issue.

When confronted with difficult relationships, be it with a friend, family member, romantic partner, coworker, or employer, we often adopt roles to fit those relationships and compromise our relationship with ourselves. I help my clients to examine their relationships with themselves and others by observing what they do, how they think, and how they feel. We then use this information to heal the client's internal relationship with themselves and forge healthier external relationships.

I aim to work with issues surrounding self esteem by making more space for self compassion, as well as by understanding the root causes for concerns to be present. Stepping into and accepting authentic selves is an important part of this process that I hope to be able to guide you in.

I believe that a healthy sense of self-worth is central to all growth and healing. I have found that time and time again, my clients' challenges come down to what it is they believe they deserve and their relationship to their own self.

We help you understand the origin and impact of self-defeating narratives so that you can tell a new story of self-compassion and confidence.

I help clients address self-esteem challenges by exploring unhelpful thinking patterns, societal pressures, and past experiences. We identify triggers that affect self-worth, while also examining what’s working for them and exploring new activities to build confidence. Together, we'll assess the accuracy of reflections from others in their lives and discuss whether certain relationships need adjusting.

What is one's inherent value and how does one make meaning out of that? Answering these questions is the start of formulate an authentic self-identity that can be fully lived moving forward in the world.

How we feel about ourselves strongly impacts the choices we make, our social interactions, as well as the intimate relationships we find ourselves in. Sometimes the most helpful approach in addressing life situations (bad relationships, dissatisfaction with work, and any other life challenge) is using a “back-door” approach. By addressing low self-esteem directly, some people find that these life stressors (that are often the symptom rather than the problem) tend to resolve.

I have been studying the effects and potential causes of low self-esteem since the age of 14, when I completed a project examining the systemic problem of decreasing self-esteem in grade-school aged girls in the areas of math and science across age groups, and proposing multiple possible sources of this occurrence. More recently, in my clinical work I have facilitated a women's group intended to raise individual participants' self-esteem and to create a sense of community within the group.

It is important to have a strong sense of self-esteem and self-worth throughout our lives. I help support my clients in knowing, trusting, and believing in themselves, and in learning to have more self-compassion, prioritize self-care and increase their confidence.

How you view yourself, impacts how you view your world and your relationships. In our work, I aim to uncover the root causes of your self-doubt and work to challenge and reframe these negative thought patterns to guide you towards a place of self-acceptance, confidence, and inner strength. I believe that anyone can cultivate a deep sense of self-esteem and self-worth that allows them to navigate life's challenges with resiliency, authenticity, and a renewed sense of purpose.

I love to help people improve their self-esteem and overcome negative self-talk by working with clients to recognize and challenge unhelpful beliefs that keep you feeling stuck. Together, we’ll identify patterns of negative thinking and use tools like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to reframe those thoughts into more balanced, fair, and realistic thoughts. I’ll also support you in developing self-compassion, so you can replace your inner critic with kindness and confidence.

How do we feel like we are enough? It’s a simple idea that’s complex in the real world. I have experience helping clients navigate these murky waters to the source of low self-esteem and begin the healing process. Together we can discover, accept, and celebrate your authentic self while learning how to work with shame, self-criticism, and low confidence.

Our beliefs in ourselves shape our lives. This is influenced by our upbringing and society. Once we internalize this, it can be hard to shake. Together, we can learn about how to separate from these thoughts and reconnect compassionately toward your strengths, growth and what matters to you.

Low self-esteem often stems from negative self-narratives and external pressures. I help clients cultivate a healthier sense of self through therapy, self-compassion exercises, and creative expression. By exploring and shifting limiting narratives, we work to build confidence, resilience, and a stronger sense of personal worth and identity. Together, we’ll uncover your inner strengths and empower you to live more authentically and with greater self-love.

So many of us live in a constant state of disconnection. Disconnection from ourselves, from those around us, disconnection from our joy. So many of us are carrying around stories that were passed down to us from our families of origin, society, friends, and social media, all of which can overshadow how we feel about ourselves and the value we believe we hold. These old beliefs limit our ability to recognize our worthiness.