How to Build Self-Esteem [Video]

Self-esteem shapes how we see ourselves, but it is not fixed. It can shift based on our experiences, relationships, and the environments we move through. In this video, psychotherapist Hadiya Harris teaches us how to build self-esteem. She explains that healthy self-esteem is rooted in our overall sense of self-worth and can be strengthened through six core practices: living consciously, self-acceptance, self-responsibility, self-assertiveness, living purposefully, and personal integrity. Together, these principles encourage us to become more present, embrace ourselves with compassion, take ownership of our choices, speak authentically, pursue meaningful goals, and align our actions with our values.

Read more about building self-esteem in therapy.

Hadiya also discusses how therapy can help build lasting self-esteem by challenging the stories we tell ourselves. Through narrative therapy, individuals can identify harmful beliefs that have shaped their self-image. Then they begin creating more empowering narratives rooted in self-worth and resilience. Rather than defining themselves by their struggles, people can learn to separate themselves from their problems. This helps them gain a deeper understanding of their experiences, and develop a stronger, more compassionate relationship with themselves.