When we experience low self-esteem, it's easy to become our own toughest critics, concentrating only on our weaknesses and forgetting about our strengths, skills, and accomplishments. We might find ourselves acting or speaking based not on our own values and choices but on how we believe others see us. This often leads to feelings of anxiety, inadequacy, and discomfort with our own selves.

We are surrounded by a world that frequently showcases idealized images and ideas of perfection. Women may feel the pressure to conform to certain beauty standards to be considered lovable and acceptable. Mothers might feel the need to adopt specific parenting styles to be viewed as the “perfect mom,” and many individuals grapple with balancing career and family, pressured to excel in one area to feel valued.

Despite diligent efforts to live up to these expectations, it's common to feel as though you're perpetually falling short, which can erode your confidence and pride in yourself as you focus more on your perceived failures and flaws. This kind of self-criticism can often spiral into thoughts of "I am not enough."

Social media can exacerbate these feelings by encouraging constant comparison through a barrage of idealized images and messages about how you should look, act, and speak, making it overwhelming and disheartening.

In therapy, our aim is to cultivate self-love. We'll shift away from internalizing these external standards of perfection and instead work towards discovering and embracing your true self. Together, we'll explore strategies to enhance your self-esteem, confidence, and self-love, all within a warm, non-judgmental, and supportive setting.