Therapy for Self Esteem
Self-esteem issues among 20- and 30-somethings are widespread and on the rise.
Are you sick and tired of not feeling good enough?
You’re far removed from your days on the playground, but you may still be struggling with a new kind of bully – the one in your head. If your inner monologue sounds a lot like a review that would earn something like 27% on Rotten Tomatoes, you’re not alone.
We are bombarded with messaging around how things should look in every aspect of our lives – everything from where and how we live, to our relationships and our bodies. We are surrounded by messages that lead us into “compare-to-despair” patterns, in which are constantly assessing our achievements and self-worth based on the input of others. Social media is just one of many profound influences on how we view ourselves and others, causing us to compare the ups and downs of our own lives to the highlight reels of others that we see on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
No wonder it’s so hard to feel like we measure up!
The Inner and Outer Signs of Low Self-Esteem
When you suffer from low self-esteem, it can permeate your inner thoughts and feelings by:
Constant negative self-talk and being overly critical of yourself
Being highly attuned to and magnifying negative criticism from others
Discounting your accomplishments, while fixating on how others are faring better than you are
Patterns of perfectionism or getting stuck in all-or-nothing or black-and-white thinking
Chronically experiencing emotions such as sadness, anxiety, depression, anger, shame, or worthlessness
Developing an unhealthy attachment to your unforgiving inner critic
But low self-esteem also reveals itself outwardly, in our relationships and behaviors, when you:
Avoid or sabotage opportunities for growth because you believe you’re not good enough
Use self-deprecating humor or put yourself down to inhibit others from doing so first
Struggle to accept compliments or positive feedback, while overreacting to criticism
Have difficulty setting boundaries or find it hard to say “no”
Feel undeserving of meaningful experiences and healthy relationships, out of fear of failure or a belief you’re not deserving of them
Avoid connecting with the deeper world around you
Are You Ready to Improve Your Relationship with Yourself?
Therapy for self-esteem can be a gateway into the mind and the negative thoughts and beliefs it holds. If you struggle with low self-esteem, our self-esteem therapists at The Sterling Group will provide a safe space in which you can learn to understand, challenge, and replace the stinkin’ thinkin’ that leads to a lack of confidence and low self-worth.
Therapy can help you work through the blocks that have kept your inner bully so strong for so long and, over time, begin to replace a self-identity with one that is fair and more loving and kind. You will learn acceptance and self-compassion, among the strongest antidotes for low self-esteem, to improve your relationship with yourself.
The ability to create a blueprint and to learn to be accountable to yourself forms the early foundation of your growing belief in you. Goal-setting is an integral part of the therapeutic process, and we will create an individualized plan with you that is centered around achieving goals to build healthy self-esteem.
The Sterling Group’s Approach to Building Self-Esteem
Our therapists understand what it’s like to be a young adult in a world that overwhelms us with messages about our “not-enoughness” or inadequacy. We have worked with countless clients struggling with pervasive low self-esteem issues to improve their sense of self by setting goals, finding strengths, and building internal resources. Using practical thought-challenging interventions in a safe space that fosters emotional growth, we will help you unpack your negative thoughts and beliefs and repair your inner relationship.
Our team uses the latest evidence-based approaches to treat issues around self-worth, primarily using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to address them. You will also learn practical mindfulness skills as a way of tuning into your thoughts and feelings, to learn how to challenge them in real-time to improve your mood and sense of well-being.
We strive to educate you around the inner workings of your thoughts and feelings as they relate to your self-worth. The result is a better understanding of yourself, renewed self-confidence, and a greater sense of control over your life. By healing the underpinnings of low self-esteem, you will develop a healthier sense of self.
Start Therapy for Self-Esteem in Washington, DC
Whether you’re going through a big life transition, or you are wanting better self-esteem in general, The Sterling Group is here to help. Transitioning into young adulthood is hard, and it’s even harder when you have low self-esteem and struggle to make decisions. You don’t have to do this alone. Get started with therapy for self-esteem today, with these steps:
Schedule a consultation using our contact form.
Check out our team of self-esteem therapists to see who would work best with you.
Start making the best decisions for yourself with confidence!
Other Services at The Sterling Group
Transitioning into young adulthood is difficult. There are so many decisions to be made that seem like the biggest deals ever. They aren’t, and we’re here to help you recognize that. Whether you’re going through life transitions, navigating relationships, coping with depression symptoms, or trying to handle anxiety, we can help with it all. We also specialize in ADHD and executive function support, trauma therapy, and therapy for self-discovery, as well as EMDR Therapy and IFS Therapy. For those in relationships, we offer guided couples therapy to improve your bond. We would love to have you get started. Reach out to us at our Washington, DC office or for Online Therapy in Virginia!