Self-Esteem and Self-Worth: Relearning Who You Are Beyond Survival

Self-esteem and self-worth are often spoken of like they’re the same thing, but they come from very different places.

• Self-esteem is how you see yourself.

• Self-worth is how you value yourself.

Most people don’t struggle with self-esteem.

They struggle with self-worth, believing they are deserving of love, rest, and compassion.

Why So Many People Feel “Not Enough”

If you grew up being:

• the responsible one

• the fixer

• the strong one

• the peacekeeper

• the high achiever

• the one who got overlooked

…then you likely learned that your value was tied to what you do, not who you are.

Therapy helps untangle that.

What Healthy Self-Worth Sounds Like

“I deserve good things without earning them.”

“My boundaries matter even if they disappoint others.”

“I don’t have to overfunction to be loved.”

“I can rest without guilt.”

These are not affirmations, they are truths.

Signs Your Self-Worth Needs Support

• You apologize for things that aren’t your fault

• You shrink in relationships

• You overgive but rarely receive

• You constantly seek validation

• You don’t trust your own decisions

• Compliments feel uncomfortable

• You fear being seen “too much” or “too little”

How Therapy Helps Rebuild Self-Worth

1. You learn to hear your true voice

Not the voice of trauma, perfectionism, or pressure, your voice.

2. You release old narratives

“You’re too sensitive.”

“You’re dramatic.”

“You always have to be strong.”

Those are not your stories to carry.

3. You practice emotional boundaries

Boundaries aren’t walls.

They are clarity.

4. You learn to receive care

This is the hardest part for many.

Receiving without guilt is a muscle, therapy helps strengthen it.

5. You reconnect with your identity

You learn who you are outside of survival mode.

A Reminder You Might Need Today

You are not behind.

You are not broken.

You are not hard to love.

You are unlearning survival and practicing worthiness,

and that is sacred work.

If self-worth has been a lifelong battle, therapy is a powerful place to rebuild your inner foundation with compassion and clarity.

If you’re ready for support, we’re here.

🌿 The Healing Well, LLC🌐 www.thehealingwell.org | 📞 (413) 798-8957