Counseling for 3 Important Conditions

Introduction

Mental health concerns such as low self-esteem, self-harm, and school bullying significantly impact an individual’s emotional well-being and development. Counseling approaches are important. These issues often interconnect, leading to severe psychological distress if not addressed through proper counselling interventions.

1. Counselling for Low Self-Esteem

Low self-esteem is characterized by persistent negative self-perceptions, self-doubt, and feelings of worthlessness (Orth & Robins, 2014). It can stem from various factors, including:

• Early childhood experiences – Excessive criticism, neglect, or unrealistic expectations from caregivers (Gladding, 2018).
• Social comparisons – The rise of social media has exacerbated comparisons, leading to self-doubt (Fardouly et al., 2015).
• Academic or professional setbacks – Repeated failures can lead to diminished self-confidence.
• Negative relationships and bullying – Verbal and emotional abuse from peers or family members can reinforce feelings of inadequacy (Gelso, 2018).

Self-Esteem

Counselling Approaches

1. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is an effective approach for addressing low self-esteem. It focuses on:

• Identifying and challenging negative thought patterns.
• Encouraging positive self-affirmations and restructuring self-perceptions.
• Building confidence through behavioral experiments (Beck, 2011).

2. Person-Centered Therapy (PCT)

Developed by Carl Rogers (1951), PCT emphasizes unconditional positive regard, empathy, and congruence. The therapist provides a non-judgmental space where individuals can explore their emotions and develop self-acceptance (Gladding, 2018).

3. Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Mindfulness helps individuals focus on the present moment, reducing self-criticism. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is particularly useful in reducing rumination and increasing self-compassion (Segal et al., 2002).

2. Counselling for Self-Harm

Self-harm, also known as non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), refers to deliberate self-inflicted injury without suicidal intent (Klonsky, 2007). Causes include:

• Emotional dysregulation – Difficulty managing emotions (Linehan, 1993).
• Trauma and abuse – Past neglect or abuse can increase self-harming behaviors (Gelso, 2018).
• Social isolation and bullying – Victims of bullying may use self-harm as a coping mechanism (Plener et al., 2015).
• Underlying mental health conditions – Depression, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder often co-occur with self-harm (Nock, 2010).

Counselling Approaches

1. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT, developed by Linehan (1993), is one of the most effective treatments for self-harm. It teaches:

• Distress tolerance skills – Managing emotional pain without self-harming.
• Emotional regulation strategies – Identifying and modifying unhelpful emotions.
• Mindfulness practices – Increasing awareness of emotions without acting on impulses.

Components of DBT

2. Trauma-Focused Therapy

Trauma-focused approaches, such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), help individuals process past trauma contributing to self-harm (Herman, 1992).

3. Safety Planning and Alternative Coping Strategies

• Identifying triggers that lead to self-harm.
• Encouraging alternative coping mechanisms such as journaling, creative arts, or exercise.
• Building a support system of friends, family, or therapists.

4. Family Therapy

Involving family members in therapy can enhance communication and provide better support for individuals struggling with self-harm (Gladding, 2018).

Read More- Counseling for Emotionally Disturbed Children

3. Counselling for School Bullying

Bullying is a repetitive, intentional act of aggression, often involving an imbalance of power (Olweus, 1993). Forms of bullying include:

• Physical bullying – Hitting, pushing, or damaging property.
• Verbal bullying – Name-calling, insults, and threats.
• Social bullying – Exclusion, rumor-spreading, and manipulation.
• Cyberbullying – Harassment through social media, texting, or online platforms.

Effects of Bullying

• Increased anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation (Arseneault, 2018).
• Academic decline and school avoidance.
• Long-term emotional trauma and social withdrawal.

Counselling Approaches

1. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps victims of bullying by:

• Reframing negative self-perceptions.
• Developing assertiveness and social skills.
• Enhancing coping strategies for stress and peer pressure (Fekkes et al., 2006).

2. Restorative Justice Approaches

Restorative justice focuses on repairing harm through mediated dialogue between victims and perpetrators (Morrison, 2007).

3. School-Based Interventions

• Implementing anti-bullying policies and peer mentoring programs (Olweus, 1993).
• Training teachers and school staff to recognize bullying behaviors.

4. Parental Involvement and Family Therapy

• Educating parents about signs of bullying.
• Strengthening communication between children and parents.

Conclusion

Counselling for low self-esteem, self-harm, and school bullying requires a holistic and individualized approach. Evidence-based interventions such as CBT, DBT, and trauma-focused therapy play a crucial role in recovery. School-based programs and family involvement further enhance long-term resilience.

References

Arseneault, L. (2018). Annual Research Review: The persistent and pervasive impact of being bullied in childhood and adolescence: Implications for policy and practice. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 59(4), 405-421.

Beck, A. T. (2011). Cognitive therapy: Basics and beyond. Guilford Press.

Fardouly, J., Diedrichs, P. C., Vartanian, L. R., & Halliwell, E. (2015). Social comparisons on social media: The impact of Facebook on young women’s body image concerns and mood. Body Image, 13, 38-45.

Fekkes, M., Pijpers, F. I., & Verloove-Vanhorick, S. P. (2006). Effects of antibullying school program on bullying and health complaints. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 160(6), 638-644.

Gelso, C. J. (2018). The therapeutic relationship in psychotherapy practice: An integrative perspective. Routledge.

Gladding, S. T. (2018). Counseling: A comprehensive profession (8th ed.). Pearson.

Herman, J. L. (1992). Trauma and recovery: The aftermath of violence—from domestic abuse to political terror. Basic Books.

Klonsky, E. D. (2007). The functions of deliberate self-injury: A review of the evidence. Clinical Psychology Review, 27(2), 226-239.

Linehan, M. M. (1993). Cognitive-behavioral treatment of borderline personality disorder. Guilford Press.

Morrison, B. (2007). Restoring safe school communities: A whole school response to bullying, violence and alienation. Federation Press.

Nock, M. K. (2010). Self-injury. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 6(1), 339-363.

Olweus, D. (1993). Bullying at school: What we know and what we can do. Blackwell.

Orth, U., & Robins, R. W. (2014). The development of self-esteem. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 23(5), 381-387.

Plener, P. L., Kaess, M., Schmahl, C., Pollak, S., Fegert, J. M., & Brown, R. C. (2015). Nonsuicidal self-injury in adolescents. Dtsch Arztebl Int, 112(17), 271-277.

Rogers, C. R. (1951). Client-centered therapy: Its current practice, implications and theory. Houghton Mifflin.

Segal, Z. V., Williams, J. M. G., & Teasdale, J. D. (2002). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression: A new approach to preventing relapse. Guilford Press.