How to Overcome Feelings of Self Worth in Relation to Money

Do you feel that your self worth is dependent on how much money you have? If you answered, "yes" you're not alone. For many people their level of self worth is dependent on how much money they have. To help understand how self worth is correlated with money for some people and for tips on overcoming feelings of self worth in relation to money, I have interviewed psychologist Dr. Noa Heyman.

Tell me a little bit about yourself
"I am a NY State Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a private practice in Brooklyn, New York. I received my PhD from the Derner Institute at Adelphi University, and did additional training in the UK. My past experience includes work with LGBT and geriatric communities, and with chronically severely mentally ill patients. I have conducted original research about money, specifically how charitable giving is a means through which parents (sometimes unknowingly) express their personal values to their children. I currently work with adults in individual and couples therapy."

How is self worth correlated with money for some people?
"My research and experience have led me to the conclusion that in particular cultures and socio-economic groups, the associated feelings which come with changes in financial wealth is correlated to self worth. It is important to notice that above a certain economic threshold (where one can provide basic food, shelter and clothing for oneself and one's family) the value of money takes on a dimension of representation in addition to the purchasing power it holds. Self worth is then correlated to the associated feelings which having money can afford (e.g. power, status, control etc.), rather than the cash value of money itself."

How can someone overcome feelings of self worth in relation to money?
"For anyone who confuses their net worth with their self worth, it is important to understand the underlying feelings, and in particular their individual life experiences which have influenced how that person associates self perception with having money. For some, it is the importance of the perceived power and control, which needs to be addressed. For others, it may be the value of the perceived acceptance by one's peers, which defines their self worth. And still for others, self worth is equated with the feelings of respect received from one's friends and colleagues, which seems intricately linked to their financial success. Yet in every instance, it is the underlying feelings, which have been formed during the individual's lifetime, that are associated with money which needs to be identified, addressed, and ultimately, understood."

What type of professional help is available for someone that is having a difficult time overcoming feelings of self worth related to money?
"Talk about it. Money is one of the most taboo topics in our society, yet when discussed and understood, can serve as a launching point to greater self-awareness and improved interpersonal relationships.

Talk therapies which emphasize the impact of one's family history, and the as-of-yet-unknown motivating factors associated to wealth acquisition, can help uncover underlying beliefs related to self worth and money."

Thank you Dr. Heyman for doing the interview on how to overcome feelings of self worth in relation to money. For more information on Dr. Heyman or her work you can check out her website at www.DrNoaHeyman.com or email her at info@drnoaheyman.com .

Recommended Readings:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1828677/parenting_in_the_current_financial.html?cat=25">Parenting in the Current Financial Storm

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/370911/strategies_for_saving_money.html?cat=46">Strategies for Saving Money

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/6257728/coping_with_todays_economic_stress.html?cat=5">Coping with Today's Economic Stress