Why Rejecting Your True Self is Self-Harm | Belle Episode 3

In this bonus episode of In Therapy, we explore how Belle's obsession with looking "perfect" is backfiring. She opens up about how her focus on flawless appearance is attracting shallow relationships, leaving her unfulfilled. I explain a profound truth: to find a deep, meaningful connection, you must first transform your relationship with yourself. Discover why balancing self-pride and authenticity is key to attracting the right kind of love.

It’s been 5 months since Belle finished her therapy journey, and we’re checking in to see how things are going! In this final vlog, Belle gets real about life post-therapy—the wins, the struggles, and everything in between. She shares how she’s using the tools she learned, what’s been challenging, and how she’s continuing to grow. If you’ve ever wondered what life really looks like after therapy, this one’s for you. Belle’s journey reminds us that healing doesn’t stop when therapy ends, and that every step forward (even the messy ones) counts.

It’s Belle’s final episode, marking the culmination of her incredible journey. Since our last session, she’s embraced major life changes, moving back in with her parents and continuing to work hard to integrate the tools and insights she’s gained along the way. Therapeutic work isn’t about erasing the past but healing from it so we can open up to new possibilities in the present and the future. Belle’s journey shows how commitment and courage can break the hold of past narratives, allowing her to live life on her own terms. Her story is a powerful reminder that your past doesn’t define you—it’s the work you do now that shapes your future. I hope her journey inspires you to take that first step toward healing, growth, and awakening your full potential.

Belle has made incredible progress on her journey of self-discovery—becoming more emotionally honest, silencing her inner critic, and nurturing a stronger sense of self-worth. Today, we’re diving even deeper into her healing process by addressing a lingering wound: the trauma from her last relationship. In this powerful session, Belle learns that true self-love means honouring her emotions, expressing them authentically, and valuing her own healing above the weight of the past. By confronting the version of her ex she has been holding onto in her heart, she begins to release the pain and rediscover her inner strength. Through this transformative process, Belle lets go of old wounds, deepens her connection to herself, and steps into a brighter, freer future with renewed self-assurance.

In this episode of In Therapy, we delve into Belle’s struggles with her body image, which we soon learn began with her father’s criticisms during her childhood. Over time, these judgments became ingrained, transforming into a harmful internal narrative that controls her sense of self-worth. When we shine a light on our inner critic, we often realise it’s pushing us to meet unattainable ideals, draining us in the process. By consciously choosing not to engage, we begin to reclaim the energy it has stolen. Though it’s a gradual process, each step away from harsh self-criticism is a step toward body acceptance and self-love.

In this episode, learn how to get rid of your inner critic (for good)! Watch as I teach Belle a powerful technique to help her stand up to her inner critic—something you can learn and apply yourself. Our most important relationship is the one we have with ourselves, and self-worth is built through ongoing actions. How we choose to engage with ourselves either strengthens or undermines our self-esteem. Learning to counter our inner critic and reclaim our power is essential to reshaping this relationship.

This episode of In Therapy explores Belle's childhood and the lack of emotional support that shaped her struggles with self-criticism and anxiety. We discuss how unmet emotional needs in childhood lead to unresolved wounds that affect self-love, relationships, and mental health as adults. Learn how early experiences shape your worldview and discover ways to heal and meet your emotional needs.

This episode of In Therapy explores how rejecting your true self can be a form of self-harm. When you constantly pretend to be someone you're not, it becomes impossible to truly feel love or connection because others are relating to a false version of you. By embracing authenticity and living from a more genuine place, you allow yourself to experience deeper connections, greater happiness, and a life that feels more aligned with who you really are. Discover why being authentic makes everything in life easier and how you can start living more authentically today.

In this episode of In Therapy, Belle opens up about the key events she calls the 'troughs'—the moments she believes are at the root of her struggles. As we explore further, it becomes clear that these events are just symptoms of deeper issues from her past. Join us as we uncover the layers of Belle's trauma and the profound impact it has had on her life. In Therapy is a series that follows real people on their therapeutic journeys. In this season, we tackle common struggles like toxic self-talk, body dysmorphia, low self-esteem, and childhood trauma.

In this first episode of In Therapy, we dive into toxic self-talk— what is toxic self-talk, why it happens, and how to overcome toxic self-talk. Gain practical tools and insights to help you break free from negative thinking patterns and transform your mindset. In Therapy is a series that follows real people on their therapeutic journeys. In this season, we tackle common struggles like toxic self-talk, body dysmorphia, low self-esteem, and childhood trauma.