Do
you suffer from low self-esteem?
This site will help you understand
what is involved in raising your self-esteem and presents
a positive program to achieve it.
Lasting
self-esteem is possible and achievable.
Self-esteem is a central theme of
Dr. Stanley J. Gross' work as a teacher, writer, and psychotherapist.
He is a licensed psychologist in private practice in Quincy,
MA and Professor Emeritus of Counseling Psychology, Indiana
State University, Terre Haute. His new book, "Pathways
to Lasting Self-Esteem" is about his approach to this important topic.
The focus here is on making an enduring impact on low self-esteem
Lasting self-esteem is the emphasis here rather than the
shifting momentary judgments often made about self-esteem
following affirming or discouraging life events. By focusing on
such topics as persistent self-care, facing fears, building skills,
and slowing reactivity, we single out the deeper work required for
an enduring impact on self-esteem. This is distinguished from the
superficial manipulations commonly ineffective in having a lasting
effect. Positive affirmations as well as injunctions to revise negative
beliefs about oneself rarely survive more than a day or two.
Nor do most current approaches to low self-esteem address the
habitual nature of the negative thinking and action involved in
low self-esteem
Though I acknowledge the tenacity of low self-esteem, I affirm
that much can be done to raise it. Responding to the many
"how to do it" questions I have heard, this approach
to self-esteem offers practical guidance in a skill-oriented pathway for the
journey. This route to positive self-esteem recognizes four
levels of development beyond low self-esteem. It features distinct
dilemmas, goals, tasks, and skills for each level. The program
provides an accessible way to reduce confusion by suggesting a
menu of concrete actions. It offers hope to counter despair, and
safe options to offset fear.
Having seen this approach work, I am optimistic about the possibilities
for change and the existence of choice. Having seen struggle,
I am also cautious about the potential pitfalls, snares, and
delusions. What follows can be exciting, scary and satisfying,
it can also be the most important work anyone can ever do.
Raising Self-Esteem