Self-criticism, self-confidence and self-esteem – Keys to inner strength

Self-criticism can begin early in life and is often rooted in a failure on the part of parents to meet the child's needs for affirmation, emotion regulation, and reflection. When these needs are not met in a healthy way, the child may begin to direct the criticism that would normally be directed at the parents inward toward themselves. The excessive self-criticism thus becomes a way of protecting themselves from feeling the pain and anxiety that arise from not being able to process their feelings in a constructive way.

When the child at this stage adapts his behavior to gain approval from his parents, this pattern can continue throughout life. It can manifest as a constant feeling of inadequacy, a lack of an internal system of needs, and an excessive focus on the expectations of others. In the event of setbacks, self-deprecating thoughts arise that reinforce the feeling of inadequacy.

Self-confidence is about our belief in our ability to handle everyday challenges and meet the obstacles that come our way. It affects our self-image and in turn affects all aspects of our personality and psychological well-being. Self-esteem, on the other hand, is about our ability to understand ourselves – to be aware of our thoughts, feelings and behaviors, and to reflect on them objectively without judging ourselves too harshly.

Developing healthy self-esteem and self-knowledge means learning to be kind and respectful to ourselves, to accept our weaknesses, and to give ourselves the validation we deserve, instead of relying on the approval of others. By giving ourselves space to grow, process old wounds, and be kind to our inner child, we can slowly build strong and sustainable self-confidence.

Through professional support, such as therapy and coaching, we can break these old patterns and begin a path towards increased self-confidence and a healthy sense of self. By creating understanding for our own feelings and reactions, we are able to build a more positive and resilient self-image.

At Skepsis reception you can get:

Psychoeducation and CBT for individuals

Poor self-esteem/self-criticism