Therapy for Self-Esteem & Self-Trust
Often, people come to therapy at a point where they are struggling with self-esteem and self-trust. You may have noticed yourself constantly questioning your decisions or struggling to understand what you want or need. You might feel that you’ve lost confidence in yourself, or you may be noticing a constant stream of self-criticism.
This can sometimes happen when you are experiencing, or have just come out of a difficult relationship, but that’s not the only reason this can happen.
What affects our self-esteem and self-trust?
Person-centred theory suggests that human beings tend to internalise the opinions of others, turning them into rules or ‘conditions’ to follow to earn a sense of worth. Attempting to meet these conditions can reduce our ability to connect with our own system of valuing, and trust in our own judgment.
If you have experienced a difficult childhood, an abusive relationship, a traumatic event, or experiences of rejection or criticism, you may have a sense of how these experiences have impacted on your self-esteem and self-trust- however a similar process can happen to anyone, just through living in an environment where judgment (both positive and negative) is a factor.
How therapy can help
As a person-centred therapist, I am trained to create an environment where you can feel safe(r) to be yourself. You might find it helpful to use this space to explore some of your experiences, and to get to a deeper understanding of where your self-doubt might come from, and what makes it difficult to trust yourself. Rather than giving advice or exercises to work through, I aim to create a space where you can find your own unique solutions or tools. But most importantly of all, I will allow you to experience what it is like to be understood and accepted as fully as possible. Person-centred theory suggests that feeling this way is the key to greater self-trust.
Self-esteem, self-trust and relationships
Sometimes, relationships with others can directly lead to issues with self-trust, particularly if those relationships are difficult or abusive.
You might find yourself doubting your own perceptions, constantly seeking reassurance, struggling to set boundaries, prioritising someone else’s feelings or questioning whether their own reactions are “reasonable”.
Through my work with survivors of domestic abuse, I have supported individuals to regain a sense of self-trust following these difficult experiences.
What is therapy with me like?
Therapy with me should feel like a conversation between you (the expert in your experience) and me. You don’t need to know exactly what you want to talk about or to arrive with a plan. You won’t be given homework or told what decisions to make, and you can explore things at your own pace. If you would like to find out more please contact me with any questions you may have.
Therapy for self-esteem and self-trust in Brighton & Hove and online
I offer therapy in Brighton & Hove, in the Fiveways and Kemptown areas, and online throughout the UK.
Fees and Getting Started
Sessions are 50 minutes and cost £55. A limited number of £30 low-cost spaces are available.
Get in touch if you have any questions, or to book in a free 30 minute introductory call.