Tackling Low Self Esteem in Teens -> FOR CPD SCROLL BELOW
About
Empowering Young Minds: Nurturing Self-Esteem in Adolescents
Empowering Teens to Navigate Self-Esteem Challenges
This week, we focused on the importance of self-esteem during the teenage years—a period marked by significant growth and challenges.
Understanding Self-Esteem, Self-Assurance, and Self-Confidence
Self-esteem is the overarching sense of one's value and worth, shaped by experiences, situations, and social interactions. Self-assurance, conversely, is the belief in one's abilities and the capacity to manage challenges, including learning from mistakes. Self-confidence ties these concepts together, encompassing the acceptance of oneself and trust in one's judgment, opinions, and values.
The Complex Landscape of Teenage Self-Esteem
Today's teenagers navigate a complex social landscape where their actions and choices are highly visible and open to judgment. The digital age has amplified this visibility, with the potential for long-lasting impacts due to the permanence of online content. This constant feedback loop can significantly affect teenagers' self-esteem, especially when they are still developing a solid sense of self.
Tackling Low Self-Esteem
Parents and educators play a vital role in supporting teenagers through these turbulent years. It's essential to model healthy self-esteem, highlight strengths, and gently challenge negative self-perceptions. Specificity in praise and feedback can help counteract the wall of negative thoughts many teenagers face.
Affirmations can also be a powerful tool. Encouraging teenagers to voice positive statements about themselves can gradually shift their mindset from self-criticism to self-acceptance.
When to Seek Additional Support
If a teenager's self-esteem issues persist despite efforts to address them, it may be time to seek professional help. This could involve contacting school support services, consulting with a GP, or exploring private therapy options. It's crucial to approach this step with sensitivity, ensuring the teenager understands the intent is to support, not to judge.
The Role of Educators
Teachers can incorporate self-esteem building into their curriculum, particularly in PSHE lessons. Group discussions can foster a sense of shared experience and mutual support. While numerous resources are available for this purpose, the key is to encourage open dialogue and self-reflection among students.
Final Thoughts
The journey through adolescence is rarely smooth, but with the right support and strategies, teenagers can develop a stronger sense of self-esteem. Encourage open communication, validate their feelings, and provide a safe space for them to express themselves. Remember, every voice matters, and by fostering an environment of understanding and acceptance, we can help our young people thrive.
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Speaker
Gemma Allison
Dr
Dr Gemma Allison is a Clinical Psychologist with specialist training since qualifying in Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT). Her approach to therapy is to work collaboratively with clients from teenagers and their families to adults in a collaborative way, to identify a focus for therapy and to work together for an agreed number of sessions. Gemma employs CBT, CAT and DBT approaches in her therapeutic work, often an approach integrating different approaches is needed to treat a client’s psychological difficulties. She has a wealth of experience treating teenagers with a range of psychological difficulties in private practice.Gemma has experience of working in the NHS, including working in a specialist adolescent team within CAMHS and working with young people experiencing psychosis. She continues to work in the NHS as a lead psychologist for an adult inpatient mental health service.
