Living Out Our Values, Part 2: Belief in the Dignity and Worth of All People
At Bellaire Family Counseling, one of our foundational values is a belief in the dignity and worth of all people. It’s a concept that transcends mere semantics, touching the very core of our humanity and our work as therapists. Worthiness is not about meeting a specific standard or earning a particular status; it’s about recognizing that every individual inherently deserves love, acceptance, and kindness. This belief drives our approach to therapy and guides our interactions with each client.
Worthiness: A Universal Truth
Regardless of the struggles our clients face, our unwavering belief is that every person has intrinsic worth. This perspective is deeply rooted in the belief that all humans are valuable simply because they exist. In our practice, we embrace this belief wholeheartedly and strive to communicate it to our clients, no matter the challenges they might be grappling with.
Many clients come to us carrying a heavy burden of unworthiness, often shaped by past experiences, societal expectations, or self-criticism. They may feel that their value is contingent upon their actions or achievements. It is not uncommon for clients to experience feelings of shame or self-blame, which can obstruct their ability to recognize their inherent worth.
In therapy, addressing these feelings of unworthiness is crucial. Our goal is to help clients dismantle the barriers of self-doubt and embrace the truth of their inherent value. We achieve this by creating a safe and supportive environment where clients can begin to see themselves through a lens of unconditional positive regard. Confidentiality allows clients to share their deepest concerns without fear of judgment or breach of trust. In this way, clients to explore and confront their feelings of unworthiness openly, knowing they will be met with respect and empathy.
One of the most powerful tools in our therapeutic arsenal is the relationship between the therapist and the client. This relationship is built on a foundation of unconditional positive regard—a key component in helping clients feel worthy. By treating clients with respect, empathy, and kindness, we aim to provide a restorative experience that reinforces their sense of worth.
In practice, this means affirming to our clients, “You are worthy,” and “You matter.” These affirmations are not just words; they are a reflection of our commitment to seeing and treating our clients as valuable individuals, irrespective of their past or present circumstances. Through this lens of unconditional positive regard, clients can begin to trust in their own worthiness and experience a profound shift in how they perceive themselves.
A client’s perception of their own value or worth is often influenced by external factors such as achievements, grades, or appearance, especially during formative years. Parents, teachers, and coaches play significant roles in shaping a child’s self-perception. We encourage parents to foster an environment where children know they are valued for who they are, not just for what they achieve. Demonstrating love and appreciation independent of accomplishments helps prevent children from placing unnecessary conditions on their self-worth.
One of our favorite quotes comes from Brené Brown, who beautifully encapsulates the idea of worthiness.
“When you get to a place where you understand that love and belonging, your worthiness, is a birthright and not something you have to earn, anything is possible”
This resonates deeply with our belief that worthiness is not something to be earned or proven; it is an inherent quality we all possess. Whether viewed through a religious lens or a humanistic perspective, this understanding of worthiness underpins everything we do.