Self image is how we see ourselves, and how we think
others see us. Self image plays a HUGE role in how we behave and feel.
Q: What is self esteem?
A:
Self-esteem is our internal feelings and evaluation of ourselves based on our
"perceived" self-image.
Self-esteem and self image are closely inter-related. And,
are largely based on our feedback while growing-up (parents, peers, other important
figures).
Fact: it takes
about 20 positive statements ABOUT OURSELVES (the foundation of our
self-image---self-esteem) to counter-act even just 1 negative personal statement!
Here's the difficult part: it doesn't take a continual repetition of negative statements from
our parents, peers, and others throughout our childhood to cause low
self-image-self-esteem...fact is, once we get a couple in our head, we can use them over
and over again. Again and again we take those false negatives and repeat them
unconsciously (completely unaware). It's like having a constant heckler with you.
Can counseling help? Most definitely. Negative self-talk
is a big problem that most counselors are able to help with using a cognitive-behavioral
counseling approach. We need to replace negative self-talk with positive self-talk
we're willing to let ourselves accept. You can't draw on a chalkboard if there's an eraser
following close behind. That's what negative self-talk is....it erases the good, and
replenishes it with bad.
