Self-Belief—Today and Tomorrow

“Our self-image creates the infrastructure through which we respond to the world,” says researcher George Barna (Revolution, p.74). If that self-image, the vision we have of ourselves as something fearfully and wonderfully made by the Creator of the universe becomes distorted, what then? Associates’ therapist, Teresa Tindall, LPC, works with both children and adults whose self-belief has been damaged.

“When a child has been bullied by someone, a seed is planted into their belief system about who they are, " Teresa shared. Once it has, however, there is emotional healing which must take place. If that wound which was inflicted is not addressed, those seeds that were planted will take root and follow the child into adulthood."

In her work, Teresa often uses play or art therapy as well as role playing. “For a child who has been a victim, role playing may give them a safe place as well as an opportunity to express their anger toward the bully. It gives control to that child. Many of us know people who say they feel paralyzed when a situation requires them to feel assertive. Some seek to avoid any type of conflict at any price. These adults may have been bullied children who never worked through those experiences.”

There are a variety of reasons why a child may become a bully. He or she may be repeating behavior he has observed—either with parents, older siblings, or the media. They may be acting out to gain attention if they feel disenfranchised by a major event in the family—a new baby, divorce, or a death. In therapy, teaching anger management skills can help them to process their feelings in a more constructive way.

Teresa strongly believes that we each have a God-given self-worth. Often when working with adults, she will ask to pray with them allowing the Holy Spirit to bring to mind an early memory. Recalling and working through that time when those first seeds of negative self-belief began frees them to see themselves as God intended. For children, Teresa says, “Don’t ignore what has happened. Teamwork between the parent and child is necessary. If things are difficult and you feel your child is not improving, by all means, go for counseling. If the wounds are not healed, the roots from those seeds will impact your child for many years to come.”

If your child is struggling with difficult relationships at school and you need
help, call 336-896-0065, ext. 203, for an appointment.

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