Therapy can Fan the Flames of your Self-Esteem

Self-esteem has seemingly become a household word, far easier perhaps to say than to actually feel. Parents, teachers, and therapists use it almost as a universal explanation for all behaviors and emotions.

But what exactly is this ubiquitous but little understood term, and why is it so important in day-to-day life? Self-Esteem is a psychological term that reflects the value a person places on him or herself, or some part of themselves, like their intelligence, athleticism, relationship skill or vocational accomplishments – their sense of worth, so to speak. It is reflected in the person’s ability to think about themselves (or part of themselves) in a favorable light, and to hold onto positive beliefs even through challenging situations.

As a therapist, I rely on the use of imagery with my clients in therapy. I believe that self-esteem is a flame from which clients can draw strength, heat, and light. So, picture your self-esteem as an inner flame, in the center of your body that allows you to shine brightly. When this flame is high you feel warm, good about yourself, and empowered. You feel competent, experience more rewarding relationships, and experience more fulfilling life satisfaction. On the contrary, when this flame is low, you feel cold, limited, powerless, and perhaps more badly about yourself. You might start evaluating your own life from this negative inner state, beginning to feel pessimistic and hopeless. You might end up isolated in your own inner cold winter, opening doors to potential emotional problems like anxiety, depression, self-harm, substance abuse, and eating disorders, among others.

In therapy we can safely explore your inner flame and fan it so that it burns brightly and warmly within. We can also work together to explore those times when your flame burns low and winter seems to be setting in so that we can come up with strategies, or coping mechanisms, that could restore or defend that inner flame of yours from the winds of self-doubt.

With time, effort, and consistency, you can hopefully begin feeling better about yourself, experiencing higher levels of self-esteem, less depression and anxiety, and improved social relations. It would be my honor to work together with you to fan that inner flame of yours so that it shines brightly!