Overcoming Low Self-Esteem
Last Updated on Monday, 27 June 2011 07:22 Saturday, 18 June 2011 11:39
Book Review
Overcoming Low Self-Esteem: a self-help guide using cognitive behavioural techniques
by Melanie Fennel
New Harbinger Publications, 2005
This is a book that’s easily accessible in terms of language, content and structure. Fennell organises it into easy-to-follow chapters, beginning by explaining to the reader the nature of low self-esteem. She sets out how self-esteem is merely an opinion we hold of ourselves, which includes judgements of our value as individuals.
Low self esteem means we have a poor/negative view of ourselves, and these negative beliefs can impact many areas of our lives. The thoughts we have influence how we feel emotionally, which in turn influence our behaviour and how we feel physically.
Fennel goes on to help the reader understand the origins of low self esteem and through the use of examples, demonstrates that both early and later experiences in life may lead to us drawing conclusions about ourselves, and then to avoiding situations which could lead to a less negative view.
The book aims to enable profound changes to the rigid ways we have of thinking about ourselves. It addresses how we go about altering the ‘rules for living’ we develop - rules that spring from our negative beliefs - so we can consider the future and move forward.
Overall, the book is easy to read and understandable. Fennell asks the reader to be an active participant by asking him/her to fill in diaries and thought records. She manages to de-pathologise low self esteem, and I feel any reader could identify with at least some parts of the book.
Thoroughly recommended for anyone who wants to find out more about low self esteem.
