Psychotherapy for Identity Issues

Your sense of identity has to do with who you think you are and how you perceive yourself. It’s about how you define yourself. Developing a sense of self or an identity is an essential part of every individual becoming mature.

Different elements of our identity include our gender, race, sexuality, religion and ethnicity. Our identity is shaped by the values of our parents, peers and culture that are internalised from a young age.

Parts of our identity, such as race are set at birth, others can be modified over time, such as; the languages we speak or our religious preferences. Struggling with our sense of identity is a normal part of our development and maturity. However, identity issues can arise if we fail to establish a strong sense of self. If you feel that the values you have internalised do not align with your authentic self, you may be left feeling unfulfilled, and anxieties and insecurities may arise, in other words, without a strong sense of self and a clear identity, you are prone to lack of self-esteem, depression and a fear of intimacy that leaves you constantly feeling lonely.

Do I need help with my lack of sense of self?

Are you questioning who you are? Maybe what your purpose is, or what your values are? If so you may be experiencing what some call an identity crisis. This can often occur due to big changes or stressors, or due to factors such as age or facing  major transitions in your life such as  starting school, leaving home, divorce or retirement.

Signs that you may be experiencing a crisis of identity

• You’re questioning who you are — overall or with regards to a certain aspect of your life, such as relationships, age, or career
• You’re experiencing great personal conflict due to the questioning of who you are or your role in society
• Big changes have recently occurred that have affected your sense of self
• You’re questioning things such as your values, spirituality, beliefs, interests, or career path that have a major impact on how you see yourself
• You’re searching for more meaning, reason, or passion in your life

It’s completely normal to question who you are, especially since we change throughout our lives. However, when it begins to affect your functioning you may benefit from seeking psychological help.

Psychotherapy for identity issues in London

Individuals struggling with identity issues may experience symptoms of depression, hopelessness, addiction, and more. Therapy can allow individuals who are struggling with their identity to discuss their thoughts and feelings in a safe and confidential environment and help you to develop ways of coping with the challenges associated with identity issues.

A significant aspect of the psychoanalytic way of working is the relationship with the therapist which becomes the vehicle through which more buried patterns of relating can be experienced, thought about and understood. Over time you will build a relationship based on trust, giving you the confidence to share your feelings and emotions with your therapist.

This process will allow you to gain greater understanding of the ways in which past emotional experience can shape how we live, work and relate in the present. Through this  experience it becomes possible to say or feel things more freely in the hope of finding new ways of relating, finding your voice and strengthening your sense of self.

Some helpful information about dealing with identity

Healthline
You can read more about identity crisis
Health Line