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How Do Therapists Treat Low Self-Esteem?

How do therapists treat low self-esteem? What should I do if I always feel low self-esteem?
Reply 1
I'm not sure there is a definitive method to treating low self-esteem. I've been struggling with self-esteem and other mental health issues for most of my life, and some of the methods counsellors have tried on me largely revolve around focusing on the bits about yourself that you do like, and trying to ignore the things you don't (or try to make you worry about them less). However, some counsellors are better than others at helping, and you as a patient also need to be willing to help yourself. No matter what a counsellor or other person says, if you don't start to believe what they're saying, it won't change how you think. For example, I think I look ugly. Occasionally I get complimented, which should make me feel better about myself, but I then come up with excuses like 'they might think I'm handsome, but they'd never want to be with me' (when it's a girl saying it). Those excuses are the worst thing, and I've struggled to escape from that mindset, but your mileage may vary so to speak. Some people are helped enormously by going to therapy, others don't change, and some even get worse. As for me, I've got better in some areas but worse in others, but that's besides the point.
Reply 2
Original post by Doomotron
I'm not sure there is a definitive method to treating low self-esteem. I've been struggling with self-esteem and other mental health issues for most of my life, and some of the methods counsellors have tried on me largely revolve around focusing on the bits about yourself that you do like, and trying to ignore the things you don't (or try to make you worry about them less). However, some counsellors are better than others at helping, and you as a patient also need to be willing to help yourself. No matter what a counsellor or other person says, if you don't start to believe what they're saying, it won't change how you think. For example, I think I look ugly. Occasionally I get complimented, which should make me feel better about myself, but I then come up with excuses like 'they might think I'm handsome, but they'd never want to be with me' (when it's a girl saying it). Those excuses are the worst thing, and I've struggled to escape from that mindset, but your mileage may vary so to speak. Some people are helped enormously by going to therapy, others don't change, and some even get worse. As for me, I've got better in some areas but worse in others, but that's besides the point.

Thank you for your answer, it is really a long battle.

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