The root of low self-esteem

When we start exploring low self-esteem, we try to identify a Bottom Line, which is a negative belief that someone has about themselves. 

There are two main categories that beliefs fall into:

1- Lovability

2- Capability

A lovability negative core belief could be:

1- I am unlikeable

2- I am unlovable

A capability negative core belief could be:

I am useless

I am hopeless

Someone suffering from low self-esteem could have examples of both bottom lines under both of these headings. 

Having this negative belief about yourself has a detrimental affect on one's view of the world. 

We identify negative core beliefs near the beginning of therapy and use this as a starting point to help the process of changing the negative view of self.