Online Therapy for Self-Esteem
We all want to feel enough—good-looking enough, smart enough, and accomplished enough. Yet, self-deprecating thoughts stand in the way.
Around 85% of people worldwide have issues with their self-esteem!
There’s still hope, though.
It’s possible to overcome these negative feelings and realize you’re enough. Online therapy for self-esteem can help with that. Let’s see why that is.
When to Seek Online Therapy for Self-Esteem?
Before we start talking about how therapy can help with low self-esteem issues, let’s check out if this is the right treatment for you in the first place.
Online therapy might be the right choice if…
1. You’re Showing Signs of Low Self-Esteem
First things first, reflect on how you view yourself on a day-to-day basis. Do you generally like yourself?
That doesn’t mean thinking you’re above mistakes or anything. It just means that you understand and accept your own attributes (physical, emotional, and cognitive).
For some, answering this question is easy, but others might struggle.
Here are some statements to help you out:
- You have a hard time accepting/believing compliments.
- You think of yourself as an unlovable person.
- Negative/self-deprecating thoughts are constantly popping up in your head.
- You often have trouble maintaining eye contact.
- You’re sensitive to criticism.
- Feelings of shame and worthlessness overshadow any feeling of achievement you may have.
- You’ve developed a pattern of isolating yourself in social situations.
Do you resonate with these statements? If so, your self-esteem might be in need of a boost.
2. Your Negative Feelings Don’t Respond to Regular Self-Care
Most people’s self-esteem goes through ups and downs. Some folks tackle the “downs” with a bit of self-care (rest, affirmations, exercise, mindfulness, etc.).
What if the negative feelings don’t respond to self-care? Well, it might be time to seek professional help.
Keep in mind that, over time, trying to “cope” with low self-esteem can force you to develop unhealthy habits and behavior patterns.
3. Conventional Therapy Isn’t a Good Fit for You
Since you’re still reading, we assume that the first two points apply to you, which means you could likely benefit from some form of therapy.
Now, the question is: Why would you choose online therapy, in particular, for your self-esteem issues?
There are two main reasons why online sessions might be a better fit than traditional face-to-face therapy. Flexibility is the first one since you can get the help you need right from the comfort of your own home.
Other people’s main motivation is to avoid the stigma. Unfortunately, there’s still public stigma attached to mental illness, which might hold folks back from seeking help. Online therapy could be a more discreet option than a visit to the therapist’s office.
Is Online Therapy Going to Work?
How Can Online Therapy Help With Self-Esteem Issues?
There are a whole lot of potential factors that could lead to a negative self-image. Mental health disorders and even social media could be to blame.
Regardless, licensed therapists can poke and dig until they identify the root causes behind the low self-esteem. Then, understanding where the negative thoughts are coming from can help you break and reshape them.
Plus, the therapy sessions can eventually help you work on your relationships. When you surround yourself with people who believe in you, you’re more likely to see yourself in a better light.
How Can Online Therapy Help With Self-Esteem Issues?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most commonly used treatments for self-esteem.
CBT is basically a type of talk therapy that aims to break down the cycle of negative thinking. But the work doesn’t end when the online session is over. Your therapist might give you homework (like journaling) to complement the talk therapy as well.
What to Look for in an Online Therapist?
So, you think online psychotherapy can boost your self-esteem, but you’re not sure how to find a good therapist.
Here’s a checklist of what you need to look for before booking your first online therapy session:
Final Thoughts
The longer you let these negative thoughts about yourself fester, the more they’ll feel like facts.
So, don’t let self-deprecating thoughts get anchored in your head. Low self-esteem can be changed as long as you get the help you need!