Counselling Support - Core beliefs

Core Beliefs


Introduction to Core Beliefs


Core beliefs are the deep, automatic thoughts we have about ourselves, others, and the world. These beliefs often start forming in childhood when our brains are still developing. At this stage, we don’t have the ability to question or fully understand what’s happening around us. Instead, we absorb experiences like a sponge, creating beliefs based on what we see, hear, and feel.

For example, if a child grows up in a home where they rarely receive praise but often hear criticism, they might develop the belief: “I’m not good enough.” Because their young brain doesn’t yet understand that the problem may lie with the people around them, not with themselves, this belief feels like the truth.

As we grow older, our experiences often reinforce these core beliefs. Using the same example, as an adult, this person might find it hard to accept compliments, feel like a failure even when they succeed, or avoid trying new things because they’re afraid of getting it wrong. They might not realise it, but these reactions come from that early belief that “I’m not good enough.”

Core beliefs act like invisible glasses, shaping how we see the world and respond to it. They can show up in many areas of life, like relationships, work, or how we feel about ourselves. The good news is that, with awareness and effort, we can learn to challenge and change these beliefs to create healthier and more positive patterns in our lives.


Example of How Core Beliefs Develop

Imagine a child who grows up in a family where their feelings aren’t acknowledged. If they’re upset and hear phrases like, “Stop crying; it’s not a big deal,” they may start to believe: “My feelings don’t matter.”

As an adult, this person might find it hard to express emotions or might avoid opening up to others because they expect to be dismissed. They may also struggle to comfort others, feeling unsure of how to validate someone else’s emotions because they didn’t experience it themselves.

Understanding these patterns is the first step to breaking free from them. By recognising the core beliefs we’ve carried since childhood, we can begin to rewrite the story we’ve told ourselves and build a more compassionate and confident view of who we are.


To start exploring your own core beliefs, click the link below to download the core belief worksheet. This will guide you through identifying and understanding your core beliefs and how they might be affecting your life today.



core-beliefs-examining-evidence.pdf

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