Self Esteem

Our culture and media infuse us with propaganda about our worthiness.  It becomes easy to think we’re not successful enough, not smart enough, not old/young enough, not attractive enough, not manly enough, not good enough… NOT ENOUGH!!   We feel vulnerable and ashamed. We start to isolate ourselves, which only makes us feel more unworthy and unappealing.

De-shaming is an important strategy I use to address self-esteem problems, and this includes helping people understand the shaping influence of their early experiences and their (now maladaptive) ways of coping.  The goal is to accept frailties, celebrate strengths and to judge worthiness from the inside out.  Self-care, self-compassion and confidence grow out of improved feelings of self-esteem.

“Of all our infirmities, the most savage is to despise our being.”

Michel de Montaigne