Overcoming of Low Self Esteem in London

A person with low self esteem holds a very strong negative belief about who they are, called core beliefs. Example of some negative core beliefs in low self esteem are:

• I am not good enough

• I am worthless

• I am unlovable

• I am stupid

• I am 'less than'.

These are not just transient negative automatic thought that we all might have from time to time in a particular difficult situation, but in low self esteem, these are global ideas about the self that keep on reoccurring in most situations. When a person with low self esteem enters a difficult situation the core belief is activated.  This then generates negative prediction, about what could go wrong, and causes anxiety. To compensate or stop the bad things from happening they may take unhelpful precautions. These actions, intended to cope, can reinforce the core belief or “contaminates” the outcome; and in turn confirming the core belief.

For low self esteem, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) takes the view that these core beliefs are just opinions, and not facts, that are maintained by unhelpful thinking or behaviours.  To overcome low self esteem we use a standard set of strategies proven to test out these beliefs and develop a new set of helpful behaviours. The aim is to see if they these beliefs stand up to evidence and if not to identify alternative rational interpretation about how things are.

Treatment of low self esteem is conducted by our acreditted CBT therapists in our London Clinic.