A Therapist's Guide to Supporting Clients with Low Conditions of Worth

Author: Lynda Chebbihi

Therapists help clients reconnect with their own thinking and emotional valuing systems. This requires a relational space built on safety, empathy and congruence. In therapy, clients learn to trust and challenge internal beliefs, often shaped by early childhood attachment with caregivers and sociocultural influences.

Therapists also hold their own beliefs about worth, which can affect therapy if not addressed through regular supervision, personal reflection and/or personal therapy in order to protect the quality of the therapeutic relationship, a foundational condition for a change process to occur.

Key strategies for sessions:

• Build a robust therapeutic alliance with clients
• Help clients notice internalised critical voices and understand where they are originated from
• Use techniques such as somatic interventions, self-configuration parts work or empty-chair techniques to differentiate past expectations from present needs
• Encourage self-compassion during moments of shame or self-doubt
• Help uncover core values that support an internal validation, aligned with true self
• Strengthen acceptance of emotional experiences without judgement

Growth occurs when clients trust their internal processes and reduce reliance on external approval. This process builds resilience and reinforces their sense of worth and identity.

Trust your process.