Low Self Esteem: Misunderstood and Misdiagnosed

People who suffer from low self-esteem frequently seek therapy but seldom get the help they need. While many therapists would agree that low self-esteem is the core issue of most people who seek therapy, most therapists don't truly understand the inner experience of low self-esteem and don't take it seriously. Additionally the diagnostic manual therapists use (to decide the direction of therapy) doesn't recognize low self-esteem as a disorder, but only as a symptom of many other disorders. But these aren't the only reasons therapists fail to become prepared to deal with this issue. Others are listed here.

Society doesn't take low self-esteem seriously either, though this book lists many serious problems that are related, if not completely the result of, low self-esteem. This author claims that domestic violence, teen and gang violence, promiscuity, and other forms of abuse and inappropriate social behavior largely stem from low self-esteem.

Friends and family tell those who suffer from this problem to "just get over it", as though by choosing to have healthy self-esteem, they could do so. Magazine articles trivialize low self-esteem and books written by pop psychologists claim that low self-esteem can easily be overcome in a few days or by repeating a few affirmations.

Dr. Sorensen tries in this and her first book to correct some of the myths about low self-esteem and to point out the failure, of those who scripted the diagnostic manual, to give low self-esteem it's due consideration and place as a true disorder.

"This is an outstanding resource for anyone who may be suffering from low self-esteem and thinks he could have been misdiagnosed by a mental-health professional. LSE is often passed off by the medical community and general public as a symptom of similar and more accepted disorders, says Sorensen, a clinical psychologist with more than 20 years of private practice. If left unchecked, LSE can lead to depression and social avoidance or, worse, violence and abuse. Identifying LSE is the first step toward resolution, and Sorensen expertly guides readers in self-evaluation. Even mild LSE sufferers will recognize familiar character traits in the hypothetical scenarios, and take comfort in Sorensen's understanding. The author, who often uses 'we' to connect with readers, has excellent writing skills and establishes a warm and comfortable tone. While Sorensen identifies the problem of how people view LSE, her focus here is not to find a solution except to say one should be reached. Aside from Sorensen's companion book, Breaking the Chain of Low Self-Esteem, she lists no other references, possibly due to her rejection of how others view LSE." Today's Librarian

"One of the most unfortunate trends in modern society is the attempt to find simple solutions to complex problems. One form this foolish notion takes is the trivializing of serious problems. The effects of low self-esteem on the individual is an example.

In point of fact, low self-esteem is a serious problem and causes devastating difficulties for some people. But once the trivial press and pop psychologyists got hold of the idea, they soon made it seem like it was a problem "everyone" has, a problem solved by watching self-help tapes or reading thin--in more than one sense--books written by overnight "experts." Now, the concept of low self-esteem seems like a form of psychobabble. But it's not. Mariyn J. Sorensen of Portland [Oregon] knows. She is a clinical psychologist, th founder and director of The Self-Esteem Institute.

Her new book carefully explains what low self-esteem really is, the history of its treatment (or non-treatment), and why it is so seldom recognized or treated seriously. The closing chapter provides information on how to get help. This is an important book that could save lives." Dan Hays, Statesman Journal

"Low Self-Esteem: Misunderstood & Misdiagnosed is a candid, straight forward look at what low self-esteem realy is, its harmful effects, why it is frequently misdiagnosed and how sufferers can best find the help they need. An excellent book written specifically for people who have tried to seek help and found nothing useful. Low Self-Esteem is highly recommended reading; the nonspecialist general reader, as well as psychology students and novice therapists seeking more information and perspectives on the chronic issues and problems arising from a condition of low self-esteem." The Midwest Book Review

Low self-esteem is misunderstood, even by most mental health professionals. Dr. Sorensen argues that low self-esteem is a serious disorder and the underlying core issue for which most people seek therapy, not merely a symptom, as most therapists suggest; she explains that medication is often prescribed unnecessarily, that LSE is often overlooked, that most therapists are unprepared to address LSE issues.

Marilyn J. Sorensen, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist in Portland, Oregon where she has specialized in self-esteem and relationship issues for nearly 25 years. The founder and director of The Self-Esteem Institute, she is also author of Breaking the Chain of Low Self-Esteem. One of the foremost experts in low self-esteem recovery work, she is also a pioneer in providing long distance consultation/coaching, by phone and email, to people around the world.