At its heart, self-love is about learning to meet yourself with gentleness. This is what I believe because I have been there.
Love is about allowing space for how you are really feeling, without judgement or pressure to be different. Self-love may show up as listening to your body when it asks you to slow down, or acknowledging emotions that have been waiting to be seen.
For many of us, life events such as loss, anxiety, trauma or long-term stress can make this feel difficult. We may have learnt to put ourselves last, to stay strong for others, or to push through when we are struggling. In these moments, self-love is not about doing more, but about offering yourself understanding and care.
Therapy can provide a calm and supportive space to explore this at your own pace. Through humanistic and existential approaches, we gently look at your experiences, your relationships and the way you relate to yourself. Whether you are navigating bereavement, low self-esteem, identity questions, life changes or emotional overwhelm, therapy can support you in reconnecting with yourself in a kinder way.
Self-love is not something to achieve or perfect. It is an ongoing relationship with yourself, built slowly through compassion, patience and trust.
I work with adults and young people, offering short- and long-term therapy in person, online, outdoors or by telephone. If this reflection resonates with you, and you feel ready to explore it further, therapy may offer a gentle place to begin.