The Slow Work of Self-Worth

Self-worth isn’t something we’re born lacking; it’s something that can slowly erode over time. Through experiences of criticism, neglect, rejection, or simply not being seen, we begin to internalise the idea that we’re not enough. And even when those conditions change, the feeling often lingers.

The truth is, building self-worth is slow, quiet work. It doesn’t come from affirmations alone or one breakthrough session. It comes from small, repeated choices to treat yourself with the care and consideration you so often extend to others.

It’s recognising the voice in your head that says, “You’re too much,” or “You should have done better,” and gently asking, “Would I speak to a friend like this?” It's learning to set a boundary, not perfectly, but bravely. It’s allowing your needs to matter without having to justify them.

Often in therapy, we work to untangle the origin of these deeply held beliefs. Many come from childhood, from trying to earn love, stay safe, or avoid conflict. And while we can’t rewrite those early chapters, we can begin to shift how the story continues.

The work is slow because it's layered. You're not just building new thoughts, you're healing old wounds. But slowly, with compassion and consistency, something changes. You start to believe that your worth isn't tied to what you do, how you perform, or who approves of you.

You start to belong to yourself.