During sessions at MindCareCenter, people sometimes admit: “When someone praises me – I feel uncomfortable and immediately think I don’t really deserve it.” Dr. Daniel Reinhardt explains – the difficulty in accepting recognition usually isn’t caused by a lack of strengths, but by a persistent habit of noticing only shortcomings. That’s why in therapy we don’t just work on self-esteem – we help clients reconnect with their inner sense of personal worth.
Many clients say that they easily acknowledge the successes of others but consider their own achievements “not significant enough.” At MindCareCenter, we begin by teaching a person to pause in the moment of receiving recognition – not to deflect or downplay the compliment, but to allow themselves to accept it calmly. The psychologist helps explore where this internal resistance originates and why there is an urge to diminish the praise or immediately point out personal flaws.
Specialists at MindCareCenter apply methods focused on working with the inner critic and restoring a stable sense of self-worth. In therapy, we help clients recognize not only the outcome but also the effort and growth behind it. We talk about the right to receive support – that acknowledging one’s value is not a sign of weakness, but a reflection of emotional maturity. Over time, the person begins to view compliments not as pressure, but as an opportunity to see themselves through the eyes of others.
When therapy begins at the right moment – we often observe at MindCareCenter how clients gradually become kinder to themselves, stop justifying their successes and start accepting praise without internal conflict. This reduces self-criticism, builds confidence and supports healthier relationships – both with themselves and with those around them.
If you notice that it’s difficult for you to accept kind words or your first reaction to a compliment is to say it’s “nothing special,” this is an important signal. At Mind Care Center, we help clients learn to receive recognition, stop undervaluing themselves and embrace their inherent worth regardless of external approval.
Previously, we wrote about how to recognize school bullying in time, protect your child and restore their sense of safety.