What Happens During Self-Esteem Counselling?
We all want to feel good about ourselves - but sometimes this is easier said than done.
If you struggle with self-esteem issues, you're definitely not alone - up to 85% of people worldwide have low self-esteem.
Low self-esteem can negatively impact our relationships, work, and quality of life, making it a key reason why people seek out therapy.
But how does self-esteem counselling even work - and could it be the right choice for you?
Here at KMA Therapy, we know you have questions about the counselling process – and we’re here to give you the answers.
For over 14 years, we’ve been helping our clients improve their lives for the better. We have the tools and resources you need to learn about the counselling process and decide whether it’s right for you.
After reading this article, you’ll understand what makes up your self-esteem, what therapies work to boost self-esteem, and five tips to improve your self-esteem on your own.
What are the four types of self-esteem?
Your self-esteem encompasses your sense of security in yourself, your abilities, and your accomplishments.
One way to understand what contributes to your self-esteem is by understanding its four components.
The four components of self-esteem are:
- Self-confidence
- Personal identity
- Feelings of belonging
- Feelings of competence
Self-confidence involves your level of security and how much you trust yourself to manage problems.
Personal identity includes how you view the pieces of who you are, from your appearance to your relationships.
Feelings of belonging are impacted by how valued you feel in your friend groups, work environment, and family.
Feelings of competence involve how you feel about your ability to do hard things. They explore whether you have confidence that you can overcome difficulties or complete challenging tasks.
What issues can self-esteem counselling help resolve?
Self-esteem issues can arise from many different areas of life, including stressful events and feelings of shame or guilt.
No matter what is causing your self-esteem issues, counselling can help you to identify your challenges and develop strategies to overcome them.
Self-esteem counselling can help you:
- Reduce feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression
- Change negative thought patterns and behaviours
- Develop tools and resources to address challenges and promote a healthier lifestyle
What therapies work for self-esteem?
Your therapist will work with you to decide what techniques and therapeutic approaches are best for your unique situation, but it can be helpful to know what type of therapy experience you're interested in.
Therapies for building self-esteem include:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy works by helping you create new, positive beliefs about yourself and your life. It could be your best fit if you like to set specific, measurable, and achievable goals to track your progress in therapy.
Person-Centered Therapy works by helping you build a stronger sense of self and building your confidence in your ability to solve your problems. It’s a great option if you’re interested in prioritizing a solid relationship with your therapist and enjoy reflecting on your life experiences.
Existential Therapy works by helping you explore your values and build a more meaningful life. It’s an excellent choice if you enjoy “bigger picture” thinking and want to explore your life experiences in depth.
How can I improve my self-esteem on my own?
Self-esteem counselling is a great option to help you develop more self-confidence, but you may also want to learn more about how you can build self-esteem independently.
Five ways to improve your self-esteem are:
- Combat negative self-talk with positive affirmations
- Incorporate more physical activity into your days
- Surround yourself with people who value you
- Acknowledge your existing accomplishments
- Addressing contributing issues like anxiety
Read 5 Ways to Improve Your Self-Esteem Today to learn more.
Self-Esteem Counselling at KMA Therapy
At KMA Therapy, we begin self-esteem counselling with a 50-minute introductory session exploring what could be causing your issues and strategies to help you overcome them.
During this session, we’ll ask you questions to help understand:
- What causes you to doubt your skills and abilities
- Areas of your life where you feel the most confident
- Past relationships or events that may still be impacting you
We’ll also explore if any other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, may be negatively impacting your self-esteem.
After this session, we’ll match you with the best therapist for you and create a customized action plan to support you in improving your self-esteem.
Next Steps for Self-Esteem Therapy
After reading this article, you understand how self-esteem is built, what the counselling process looks like, and how to build self-esteem independently.
Here at KMA Therapy, our experienced team of therapists has supported clients in building their self-esteem for over 14 years. We’re here to help you grow the confidence you need to live the life you deserve.
Book your introductory appointment today or connect with our team to learn more.
If you’re not yet ready to book an appointment, read these resources for more information:
- If low self-esteem is holding you back from what you want, read: What is Self-Sabotaging Behaviour – and How to Stop It
- If you’re beginning to have challenges at work, read: Why Burnout is More Than Just Stress – And How to Fix It
- To learn about self-compassion, read: What is Self-Compassion – and How to Build it
