5 Signs That Psychotherapy Is Strengthening Your Self-esteem
In recent years and with a clear influence of the pandemic, seeking psychological support in therapy is increasingly common and normalized in our society. Decades ago, the idea of going to a psychological consultation was linked to the stigmatization of mental disorder and was considered something strange or an “extreme” decision. Nowadays, more and more people want to take care of their mental health and psychological therapy is not understood as exclusive for people with psychological problems.
We all face moments of greater psychological weakness or in which we need the support of a professional to see things differently or learn emotional coping strategies. It is common for therapeutic consultations to discuss issues related to lack of self-confidence or feelings of insecurity, closely related to self-esteem.
And we do not usually receive an education focused on the construction of a healthy identity or self-esteem. We build this dimension of our personality through experience and our interaction with the environment. For this reason, many people treat their self-esteem problems in therapy, serving as an emotional education and self-love. In this article we are going to comment on 5 signs that psychotherapy has an effect on your self-esteem.
Signs that psychological therapy is boosting your self-esteem
It is common that you are not aware of all the changes that going to therapy is having in your daily life and your daily life. Therefore, it can be very positive for you to take a few minutes to reflect on the ways in which psychotherapy is having significant and positive impacts on your psychology.
One of the clearest indicators that psychotherapy is having a positive impact on your self-esteem is a noticeable change in your personal perception. The way you see yourself and how you value yourself can undergo a significant transformation during the therapeutic process.
When you begin therapy, you may have a negative or distorted self-image. You may be stuck in a pattern of constant self-criticism, focusing on your flaws and weaknesses rather than your strengths and achievements. However, as you progress in therapy, you will likely begin to notice an evolution in this personal perception.
Therapy gives you a safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings about yourself. Your therapist will help you challenge self-destructive beliefs and to develop a more realistic and compassionate image of yourself. This can manifest itself in several ways:
2. Increased self-acceptance
Self-acceptance is an essential component of healthy self-esteem, and psychotherapy can be a powerful catalyst for strengthening this crucial aspect of your relationship with yourself. When therapy is having a positive impact on your self-esteem, You will see a significant increase in your ability to accept yourself as you are, with all your virtues and defects. This self-acceptance does not mean that you must be completely satisfied with all your actions or personality traits, but rather it involves embracing your humanity, with its imperfections and areas for improvement. Here are some signs that therapy is contributing to your self-acceptance:
3. Development of coping skills
A key sign that psychotherapy is positively contributing to your self-esteem is the development of effective coping skills. Life is full of challenges and difficult moments, and how we face and overcome these situations can have a big impact on our self-image.
During therapy, you learn strategies and techniques to deal with stress, anxiety, sadness and other difficult emotions. As these coping skills become part of your repertoire, you will see a significant improvement in your ability to handle adversity in a healthy way. These coping skills not only improve your ability to deal with difficulties, but also have a direct impact on your self-image. Here are some signs that you are developing effective coping skills:
4. Greater emotional resilience
Emotional resilience is a fundamental skill that is significantly reflected when psychotherapy is effectively contributing to strengthening your self-esteem. Emotional resilience refers to the ability to cope with and recover from life’s emotional challenges and adversities in a healthy and adaptive manner.
When your emotional resilience increases, you experience a greater ability to handle emotional turbulence with grace and determination. Emotional resilience does not mean that you will not experience emotional difficulties or difficult times in the future, but rather that you will be better equipped to cope with and recover from them. This not only has a positive impact on your emotional well-being, but also boosts your self-esteem. Here are some signs that you are developing greater emotional resilience thanks to psychotherapy:
5. Healthier relationships
Strengthened self-esteem through psychotherapy Not only does it impact your relationship with yourself, but it is also reflected in your interactions with others. Personal relationships play a crucial role in our lives and how we see ourselves in the context of those relationships is an important indicator of the health of our self-esteem.
When psychotherapy is having a positive impact on your self-esteem, you will see significant improvements in your interpersonal relationships. Here are some signs that you are experiencing healthier relationships thanks to your strengthened self-esteem:
