Self Worth for Women Dubai
Self Esteem
Women often talk about having low or no self-esteem. Many do so because they say they feel something inside of themselves is essentially missing or lacking.
Many of us talk about self-esteem and self worth as if they are the same things – they are not but we often use the terms interchangeably.
Women experience high self-esteem in a variety of settings and usually for something they feel they do well or are acknowledged for. In relationships, a woman’s self esteem is at its highest when she engages in relationships where she feels equal to her partner, where her wants and needs are considered and where she feels loved and respected for who she is as a woman. Conversely self-esteem is eroded quickly if there is no acknowledgment or appreciation of her value as a woman, wife or mother.
Similarly, in the work place, if a women’s work is not valued or appreciated or she is over looked for promotion or is not paid equitably for the work she does her self -esteem will suffer. A woman’s own ideas about herself will also have their part to play in the down grading of her self esteem. Self esteem starts to fee less certain when a women continually doubts herself by questioning whether she is good enough, smart enough or attractive enough.
Stereotypes of women as objects of physical beauty and desire can impact on women’s self esteem. Women constantly complain about their looks or compare themselves favourably or unfavourably with other women, women say things like;
- I’m too fat
- I’m not thin enough
- I wish I were taller
- I wish I looked like her
- This part of my body needs fixing
These statements give women messages that they are not good enough as they are or are not acceptable to themselves other women or men.
Self Esteem and Change
A woman’s self -esteem can and does reflect her changing circumstances therefore it is important not to take things which may be the main source of it, too much for granted or even too seriously. This is because those things can change when you least expect them to. For example, if your self-esteem is fixed to your career and you lose your job or can’t easily find another, what happens to your self esteem? If your self-esteem is mostly gained in your relationships what happens to it if those relationships change or end?
- If someone you love dies
- Your marriage or relationship ends
- Your children become less dependent on you as they grow older
- Your children leave home
- You lose your home, money or possessions.
All of these events can and do happen in life. How we cope with change is dependent upon our ability to manage it. If you are too reliant on self-esteem to keep you grounded in life you may not be able to role with the punches as easily when life throws sudden changes your way. If your self-esteem is lost or damaged and your self-worth is limited you may find yourself feeling very low and unable to be hopeful about how to move forward from your problems. At this point in life many women seek personal counselling to help them deal with their difficulties.
Self Worth
Many women say they do not know what self worth is so can’t identify it within them selves.
Self worth is not the same as self-esteem nor is it dependent on it but self-esteem (or lack of it) is often dependent on self worth. If you have a strong sense of your own identity and of your personal worth you will continue to value yourself in spite of any losses you may experience or any shortcomings you or anyone else believes you may have. You will see yourself as having worth and value regardless of what life may throw at you and you will always know
- You are okay
- You are acceptable
- You are good enough
It is perfectly normal to feel fearful, sad or anxious in response to sudden changes in circumstances but once you’ve recovered yourself, it is your self-worth that keeps you grounded in the present while you work out what’s next.
Having a connection to self-worth means you have a deep connection with your own sense of worth and value. In turn that means you value your ability to cope in any circumstances. Your self-esteem may feel a little shaky for a while but it won’t disappear completely when you also have a connection to self-worth.
To have self worth is to have a deep and loving acceptance of who you are at the very deepest level of your being.
If you would like to talk, feel free to reach out to us. An LifeWorks therapist would be able to help.
Dr. Naeema Ali trained psychology and social worker students of UAE University. She is actively providing counselling support to cancer patients and their families. She launched an occupational therapy for cancer patients and cognitive behavioural therapy in Tawam.
Due to her continued support in oncology and ongoing support to cancer patients, Naeema received countless awards locally and international to recognize her achievements and skills. She has been invited to participate in various conferences and workshops around the world and invited as a guest speaker in various subjects that covers psychology.
She also joined Al Sayegh Medical Center as a Social Worker, providing comprehensive assessment and treatment services to children and families, in inpatient and/or outpatient settings, and communicates with referral sources as indicated by applying psychometric test, such as IQ Test, MMPI, Wechsler Test for children. Exhibit superior communication skills to uncover complicated mental health issues; develop and recommend treatment plans based on patient needs and diagnosis.
She continued working as a clinical psychologist providing counselling within the multi-cultural environment of the Emirates Airlines for the past 15 years. Her main task is providing mental health support to inflight and ground staff and addresses any problems, anxieties, or job-related stresses that they are dealing with. She uses her findings to help improve processes and behaviors of a patient to maintain a safe environment, to manage stress, overcome trauma, or avoid job-related conflicts. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the method Naeema is using to reduce the difficulties, anxieties, and stress that employee faces.
Naeema is also part of “ Shawer ”, the “Seek Our Advice”, and “We Listen To You” program of the Family Development Foundation of Abu Dhabi. The aim of the program was to promote family awareness and support a stable family life. It involves a group of community members who deal with family problems in a positive manner and provide individual and group counseling in social, psychological, and educational areas. They do so in a systematic way according to the needs of community members.
Besides “ Shawer ”, Naeema is also a volunteer of “ Friends of Cancer ” of Sharjah, supporting patients and their families to overcome the multitude psychological difficulties that they are experiencing due to cancer treatment as well as introducing some programs such as health education, self-care and some community programs wherein they can collaborate and share their experiences.
Area of interest:
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Psycho-oncology
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CBT
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Psychometric Assessments
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Children, Adults and Family therapy
Qualification and Membership:
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Psychology graduation from the University of Wisconsin
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Licensed by Community Development Authority
Dr. Mohammed Bardi M.B.B.S, M.D (Psychiatry) has worked under different capacities in clinical and hospital setups in Saudi, USA, and UAE. He comes with over 15 years of experience in mental health. He specifically worked with cases relating to schizophrenic, bipolar disorder, dual diagnosis, major depressive disorder with suicidal risks, anxiety disorders, Intellectual disabilities, Autistic spectrum disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD).
Area of interest:
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Mood disorders
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Anxiety disorders
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Improving life skills (social skills, self- esteem, decision making, coping with stress, problem solving, and time management)
Qualification and Membership:
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MBBS COLLEAGUE OF MEDICINE, KING SAUD UNIVERSITY 2003 (KKU).
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ARAB BOARD OF MEDICAL SPECIALTIES IN PSYCHIATRY 2007
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ANXIETY DISORDERS WORKSHOP (DIPLOMA), 2010
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ADDICTION FELLOWSHIP UCLA, USA, 2010-2011
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ADDICTION RESEARCH AND MATRIX TRAINING, ISAP, UCLA, LOS ANGELES, CA, USA 2014-2015
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BACHELOR’S DEGREE OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY
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ARAB BOARD OF MEDICAL SPECIALTIES IN PSYCHIATRY
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ADDICTION FELLOWSHIP UCLA 2011, 2015
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BETTY FORD CERTIFICATE, ADDICTION PROGRAM 2010
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CDA) Licensed Psychologist
Therapeutic Approach:
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At LifeWorks Holistic Counselling Center Dubai, Dr. Bardi works collaboratively within our expert multidisciplinary team, in treating a wide array of psychiatric conditions including:
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Anxiety disorders
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Substance use disorders
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Mood disorders including depression and Bipolar affective disorders
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Psychotic disorders (Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders)
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Personality disorders
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Cognitive disorders including Dementia
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Learning disabilities (intellectual disability disorders)
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Child and adolescents’ disorders like Separation anxiety disorders, conduct
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disorders and ADHD