Mental Health Therapy Material

This template provides a simple way to construct a love letter to yourself, full of affirmations and reassurances that come straight from you. You can follow the template directly, or use the leads to help you write your own letter. Try to think of multiple examples for each. Come back to your completed letter often, to remind yourself of the love you have for you. Love Letter Dear ____(your name)____ I have known you for a lifetime. I have spent every day with you. I know so many things abut you, although there is still so much I do not know. And as the years have passed, I have grown to love you more each day. I have decided that if you love someone, you have to let the person know. So this letter is to tell you some of the things that I appreciate, admire, and love about you. Some of the things I like about your physical appearance are: _____________________________. I respect and admire your beliefs, values, and principles, especially: __________________________________...

Theory Box: The Link Between Self Esteem and Assertiveness A person with Low Self Esteem does not value themselves and therefore finds it more difficult to be assertive. Why? - Sees self as weak and dependent, lack of confidence in self - Places a low value on self and on own needs - May be unaware of personal rights and feel unworthy of claiming them - Is guarded and defensive so others don't really know what they want or feel - Is afraid of consequences - Wastes a lot of energy on being defensive and afraid of consequences - May feel responsible for other's feelings (afraid to hurt others under any circumstances) - Does not love self enough so may try to get own needs met either indirectly (ex. hinting) or at the expense of others - Is unable to get needs met so may become depressed or angry - Engages in negative self talk A person with High Self Esteem values themselves and therefore finds it easier to be assertive. Why? - Sees self as having strengths a...

Exercise - Boosters and Busters A Booster is an action, thought, or a step you can take to improve your self esteem. Take some time to write down four or five specific actions you can take or thoughts you can repeat to yourself that will boost your self esteem. A Buster is an action, thought, or a stumbling block that can cause you to doubt yourself and lower your self esteem. Take some time to consider some specific actions or thoughts that you commonly get tripped up by, and write them beneath your boosters to remind yourself to encourage yourself when they happen. Rules for Being Human 1. You will receive a body. You may like it or hate it, but it will be yours for your entire life. 2. You will learn lessons. You are enrolled in a full time informal school called life. Each day in this school you will have the opportunity to learn lessons. You may like some of the lessons, or think them irrelevant. 3. There are no mistakes, only lessons. Growth is a process of trial and...

Love Yourself 1. Stop ALL Criticism. Criticism never changes a thing. Refuse to criticize yourself. Accept yourself exactly as you are. Everybody changes. When you criticize yourself, your changes are negative. When you approve of yourself, your changes are positive. 2. Don't Scare Yourself. Stop terrorizing yourself with your thoughts. It's a dreadful way to live. Find a mental image that gives you pleasure (for example, yellow roses) and immediately switch your scary thought to a pleasure thought. 3. Be Gentle and Kind and Patient. Be gentle with yourself. Be kind to yourself. Be patient with yourself as you learn the new ways of thinking. Treat yourself as you would someone you really loved. 4. Be Kind To Your Mind. Self hatred is only hating your own thoughts. Don't hate yourself for having the thoughts. Gently change your thoughts. 5. Praise Yourself. Criticism breaks down the inner spirit. Praise builds it up. Praise yourself as much as you can. Tell yo...

Self Esteem Checklist 1 1. Do you find yourself bragging, or exaggerating the importance of your role? Almost Always [  ] Often [  ] Rarely [  ] Never [  ] 2. Are you jealous of the possessions, opportunities, or positions of others? Almost Always [  ] Often [  ] Rarely [  ] Never [  ] 3. Do you find yourself judging your behavior by other people's standards or expectations rather than you own? Almost Always [  ] Often [  ] Rarely [  ] Never [  ] 4. Are you possessive in your relationships with friends and/or family members? Almost Always [  ] Often [  ] Rarely [  ] Never [  ] 5. Is it difficult for you to acknowledge your own mistakes? Almost Always [  ] Often [  ] Rarely [  ] Never [  ] 6. Do you resort to bullying and intimidation in your dealings with others? Almost Always [  ] Often [  ] Rarely [  ] Never [  ] 7. Do you "put people down" do tha...

Definition Self: A person referred to with respect to complete individuality, "One's own Self". Esteem: To regard highly or favorably with respect or admiration; of value and worth. Respect: Esteem for or a sense of worth or excellence of a person often combined with affection. Self esteem is an intimate experience. It is what I think and feel about myself, not what someone else thinks or feels about me. People with healthy self esteem are not at war with themselves or others. Exercises: - Rate your self esteem on a scale of 1 - 10. - Now, rate yourself on a scale where (1) is "I see self esteem as internal, from myself" and (10) is "I see self esteem as external, depending on the views and perceptions of others". Basic Assumption: 1) Self esteem is a matter of degree. 2) No one is entirely lacking in self esteem. 3) No one is incapable of growing in self esteem The Importance of Self Esteem - Filter through which we interact...