You know the feeling: that little voice inside that questions your abilities or makes you feel like you don’t measure up. This is a common struggle, especially for individuals with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) or ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). But you can build your self-worth. Therapy offers powerful tools to help you do exactly that.
Understanding Self-Esteem and Confidence
Self-esteem is how you feel about yourself—your overall sense of self-worth. It’s the core belief you hold about your value as a person. Confidence is your belief in your ability to succeed at a specific task. You can have high confidence in one area (like playing a video game) but low self-esteem overall. For people with ASD or ADHD, past negative experiences or social challenges can chip away at both.
How Therapy Helps You Build a Stronger You
Therapy isn’t just for big problems; it’s a proactive way to build yourself up. Here’s how it works:
1. Challenging Negative Thoughts: Your therapist helps you identify and challenge the inner critic. For example, if you think, “I always mess things up,” a therapist guides you to find evidence that proves this wrong. You learn to replace that negative thought with a more realistic and compassionate one, like, “I’m a person who learns from mistakes.” This process is often part of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
2. Recognizing Your Strengths: Living with ASD or ADHD comes with unique strengths. You might have a keen eye for detail, incredible focus on your interests, or a creative problem-solving approach. A therapist helps you recognize and celebrate these traits. You shift your focus from what you lack to what you excel at. This reframing builds a positive self-image.
Start Your Journey
Boosting your self-esteem and confidence is a journey, not a quick fix. Therapy provides a structured, supportive path. You don’t have to navigate these feelings alone. Taking that first step is a powerful act of self-care. It’s an investment in your future well-being and happiness.
3. Developing Social Skills: Social interactions can feel difficult and confusing. A therapist provides a safe space to practice social skills. You learn to interpret social cues, communicate your needs effectively, and handle misunderstandings. This practice builds social confidence, making you feel more capable in your relationships and daily life.
4. Setting Realistic Goals: You and your therapist work together to set achievable goals. You can start small, like “I will try one new activity this week.” As you achieve these small wins, you gain momentum and build belief in your abilities. This success reinforces your confidence and motivates you to take on bigger challenges.
