We Specialize in Treating:

• Mood Disorders
• Depression
• Bipolar Disorder

• Anxiety Disorders
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• Panic Disorder
• Phobias
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder

• Psychological Trauma
• Abuse
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Dissociative Disorders
• Fibromyalgia
• Low Self-Esteem
• Relationship Issues
• Risk Taking Behaviors
• Self Mutilation
• Unresolved Grief

Low Self-Esteem

Self-esteem reflects a person's overall self-appraisal of their own worth. It encompasses beliefs about oneself (ie, "I am competent/incompetent" or "I am loveable or unloveable") and is also reflected in one's behavior (ie, assertiveness/timidity). Self-esteem is usually regarded as an enduring personality characteristic though normal, short-term variations occur. It can apply to a particular trait ("I am a good writer and feel good about that") or have a global extent ("I am a good person and feel proud of myself in general").

Low Self-Esteem refers to one's disparaging feelings about oneself in a global fashion. Individuals with low self-esteem tend to negatively evaluate themselves, their actions and choices on a consistent basis. For someone with low self-esteem, decisions that are deemed healthy by others are eventually framed in a critical way thus perpetuating the need to "beat oneself up".

Often times the origins of low self-esteem stem from early childhood abuse, disappointments and loss. The degree to which one received consistent, positive, nurturing praise by parental figures plays a role in one's self-worth, as well as the motivation to achieve and the ability to make, healthy decisions for one's self. Excessive criticism by a parenting figure frequently leads to a child internalizing this devaluing voice which then becomes an entrenched trait as an adult.

Low self-esteem is usually a symptom of Depression and Anxiety Disorders and can also be a critical component of many addictions and self-destructive behaviors. Experiencing low self-esteem is deeply painful and the wish to self-medicate and dull this emotion with substances and other unhealthy coping mechanisms is not unusual.

At Bridges to Recovery, we explore the root of someone's low self-esteem within the context of a supportive relationship, help the patient to cope better with this uncomfortable emotion, and facilitate one's understanding and development of their internal resources so it becomes more integrated into their overall sense of self.