Self-Image Issues

Self-Image

Do you look at a magazine cover and say, “I wish I looked like that, and maybe then I’d be happy?” Do you measure your self-worth based on how well you perform educationally, in your career, personal finances, or by what possessions you have acquired?” We are often our own worse critics and focus on the negative about ourselves; no one will judge you as harshly as you judge yourself.

The family, community, and peer groups where you resided have affected your self-image. The culture and even the media gave you messages from the community. The people that you choose to associate with either have raised you to a higher level, or pulled you down. You have continued to receive messages from your childhood to the present day. These messages have shaped your identity and your personal self-image.

Perhaps the family message was “meet the standards” to gain love and acceptance. This message developed into a performance based mentality that governs your core beliefs, and defines your value as based on how much you have earned and achieved. This type of message can be received in many different ways. For example, maybe you had a father who was muscular and athletic, but sports just weren’t your forte.’ Did he belittle your efforts in academics or the arts? The message you received was that if you are not like him and succeed at sports, then you just do not measure up.

Perhaps you did not have your needs meet, and the people in your life were emotionally unavailable. The message that you received was that you just weren’t good enough, you had to settle for crumbs, or there is something innately wrong with you. These are just a few of thousands of messages you could have received to develop a poor self-image. You have likely internalized and embraced these messages without even recognizing them for years and years.

From these messages you developed thought, speech, life skills, and relationship patterns, which put you out of alignment with God’s Word, and the value and worth He places in you. He created you with unique talents and a perfect design to fulfill what He has planned for your life, if you will but agree with Him.

Your perception of your core identity determines how you think, how you carry yourself in daily life, the level of joy or pain you experience, how you treat other people and expect to be treated, and how you respond to family, friends, and even God.  Many of you focus on the outer layers and don’t see yourself as God sees you.

Your true identity is not based on the outer layers of your appearance, education, accomplishments, finances, and possessions; it is based on who God says that you are in Him. When you look up at the mirror on the ceiling, God’s perspective reflects back to you. It displays your true identity and the perfect design in you.

The root systems of faulty self-image can and must be identified, torn down, and replaced. When you begin to recognize and reject the faulty messages that created your view of self, you can change your thinking, find a renewed sense of worth, and see yourself as God sees you.

Your past and present experiences do not have to define your today or tomorrow. I teach you tangible tools and practical skills to apply daily to your challenges in order to break the everyday patterns that hinder you. Learn how to identify and restore your thinking, core beliefs, life, and relationship skills so that you may experience the peace and joy that you desire through our clinical Christian counseling services.

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Please give us a call if you have any questions or comments about our services, or if you are ready to begin your recovery. You can also contact us by email.

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– Dr. Michele

“Empowering Solutions For A More Fulfilling Life!”