Self Esteem & Self Development Psychologist in Brisbane

What is it

Low self-esteem is a negative sense of self that results when people primarily think about themselves in a negative way (Fennel, 1998). They usually have a number of negative core beliefs about themselves, which may include labels like “I’m stupid," "unlovable," "unworthy," or “a failure." People with low self-esteem may also pay more attention to life events that confirm these negative ideas about themselves and discard evidence that may lead to a more positive, balanced view.

Low self-esteem can be a symptom of current mental health problems such as depression or life stressors like job loss or chronic illness. In fact, if a person’s low view of themselves began only after they became depressed or experienced a life stressor, then these should be the primary focus of treatment. However, low self-esteem can also make you vulnerable to developing mental health problems like depression, eating disorders, and anxiety disorders. In these cases, clients can benefit when low self-esteem is the focus of treatment.

What does it include

People with low self-esteem often engage in a number of self-defeating behaviours and thinking patterns, including:

• Self-criticism and self-doubt
• Hypersensitivity
• Lack of assertiveness
• Difficulty recognising positive qualities in oneself
• Negative predictions for the future
• Avoidance of challenges and opportunities
• Perfectionism or being a “workaholic”
• A focus on perceived negative life events that confirm negative views of self
• Difficulties with depression, anxiety, or anger

If you have been suffering from a number of these symptoms, it might be a sign that you could benefit from professional support.

Low self-esteem is treatable, and you don’t have to go through it on your own. A psychologist can help you engage in a number of evidence-based treatments for low self-esteem, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT).

How can a psychologist help

Treatment may include helping you understand the origins of your low self-esteem, how it may be linked to other problems, challenging negative core beliefs, decreasing thoughts and behaviours that are maintaining your low self-esteem, and helping you to develop a more balanced, positive view of yourself (Fennel, 1998).

If you require additional information, please call our office at 07 3256 6320. Our mental health-focused reception staff will be only too happy to assist you with your enquiry about our service and can suggest the most suitable Psychologist for your concern.