Introduction

The Concept of the Self

This self-concept, the collection of beliefs we hold about ourselves, plays a vital role in shaping our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. This concept of self is how we view who we think we are, our abilities, worth, and potential.

A positive self-concept is evident in people who are confident, ambitious, and resilient. Negative self-concept often leads to self-doubt, low self-esteem, lack of motivation or passion, and feelings of inadequacy.

How Can Hypnotherapy Help?

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that taps into the power of the subconscious mind. It offers a powerful solution for some of us struggling with a negative self-concept.

By accessing the subconscious—where many of our core beliefs reside—hypnotherapy allows clients to confront and reframe deeply ingrained perceptions that hinder their growth.

In this Article

We explore the nature of self-concept and explore the common causes and consequences of having a negative self-view. We deep dive on how (client-centred) hypnotherapy can help reprogram the subconscious mind to seed healthier and more empowering self-concept ideals.

Understanding this connection between hypnotherapy and the subconscious mind can help us connect the dots and be able to effectively strategise an action plane for personal improvement.

1. Understanding Negative Self-Concept

What is Self-Concept and the Negative Self-Concept?

Self-concept refers to the mental image we hold of ourselves. It encompasses our beliefs about our abilities, who we think we are, our values, and our place in the world.

It is the sum of all the perceptions we’ve gathered throughout our lives about who we are and what we believe we are capable of achieving.

A healthy self-concept can propel us forward, whereas a negative self-concept—built on limiting beliefs—manifests as self-sabotage, holding us back.

When we hold negative views about ourselves, we often feel undeserving of success, love, or happiness. This perception influences the manner in which we behave, make decisions, and/or interact with others.

What Causes Negative Self-Concept?

The root cause of having a negative self-concept can be traced back to early life experiences. As children we were highly impressionable, and our self-image was shaped by our interactions with those who were close to us, parents, teachers, and peers.

Harsh criticism, unrealistic expectations, or lack of emotional support during formative years can plant the seeds of self-doubt.

Societal pressures also contribute significantly. Furthermore, unrealistic beauty standards, narratives about what success should look like, and the constant comparisons we often experience on social media can erode our self-worth.

This unfortunately leads us to believe we fall shortand not as deserving as others. Additionally, past traumatic experiences, whether personal or professional, could have further reinforced these negative self-beliefs, cementing the idea that one is ‘not good enough’.

How Does Having a Negative Self-Concept Impact Your Life?

A negative self-concept has far-reaching consequences. In our daily life, the way we think about ourselves can result in us having a fear of letting others get ‘too close’, in the reluctance of taking risks, and a tendency to isolate ourselves.

This mindset can manifest as low self-esteem, hindering relationships, preventing us from pursuing new opportunities or perpetuating negative self-talk.

In the workplace, the people with a negative self-concept often experience the imposter syndrome, chronic procrastination, or the inability to self-challenge.

We tend to refrain from taking on risky tasks or projects and sabotage our progress. Over time, when done consistently, this can lead to a stalled career growth, diminished motivation, and an unfortunate cycle of self-fulfilling prophecy.

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2. The Incredible Power of the Subconscious Mind

The Role of the Subconscious Mind in Shaping Beliefs, Habits, and Self-Perception

The subconscious mind is the hidden powerhouse influencing much of what we think, feel, and do. While our conscious mind is responsible for logical reasoning and decision-making, the subconscious mind is responsible for storing our deep-rooted beliefs, memories, habits, and emotional responses.

The subconscious mind functions automatically from memory, guiding much of our behaviour without us even realising it.

When it comes to self-concept, the subconscious mind plays a key role. From early childhood, the subconscious mind absorbs information from all arounds us (and how we feel about it) about who we are and what we are capable of.

These messages can come from parents, teachers, friends, or even the media, and they shape our internal narrative. If these negative messages—such as “you’re not smart enough” or “you’ll never succeed”—become embedded in the subconscious, affecting our self-esteem and self-concept for years to come.

How the Subconscious Mind Retains Negative Patterns and Beliefs Over Time

Negative patterns in the subconscious mind are often the result of repeated exposure to disempowering thoughts and experiences. When we are consistently criticised, often fail, or experience rejection, our subconscious absorbs these events and forms patterns of thought around them. These patterns are then reinforced each time similar situations arise.

For example, if someone is repeatedly told they cannot achieve success, their subconscious mind will adopt this belief and begin to see failure as inevitable. As a result, they may stop trying to succeed altogether, creating a cycle of self-sabotage.

Because the subconscious operates beneath our conscious awareness, these patterns can become deeply ingrained, making them difficult to change through willpower or logic alone.

Reprogramming the Subconscious Mind and Lasting Change

Reprogramming the subconscious mind is essential for breaking free from negative self-concept patterns. Unlike traditional approaches that focus on conscious thought, hypnotherapy works directly with the subconscious to uproot and replace negative beliefs.

Through client-centred hypnotherapy, the client enters a state of deep relaxation where the mind becomes more receptive to positive suggestions.

In this heightened state of focus, the subconscious can absorb new, empowering beliefs that can overwrite the old, limiting ones.

For instance, where the subconscious once held the belief, “I am not good enough,” hypnotherapy can help instil positive affirmations or suggestions such as, “I am worthy and deserving of success.” Over time, these positive beliefs will become more and more realistic, leading to lasting changes.

Reprogramming the subconscious mind allows individuals to move past mental blocks and self-imposed limitations, fostering a healthier, more resilient self-image.

The effects of this transformation extend into every area of life, from career success to personal relationships, making hypnotherapy a powerful tool for creating profound change.

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About The Author

I am an accredited Client-Centred Hypnotherapist CHT and Parts Therapists CPTF helping take clients to a new level of performance. I am a proud member of the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association®. I am also a qualified Executive Coach focusing on Positive Mindset Strategies.

Understanding what triggers us to get stuck in a cycle of negative thoughts or damaging behaviours is essential. Hypnosis can help you have clarity and drive. Positive Mindset Coaching fuels that drive swiftly prompting you into action.

Executive Mindset, Performance Coaching and hypnotherapy are a winning combo!

Do not hesitate to get in contact to learn more mindset@lungisasonqishe.com