Case Study: Mable’s Search for Self-esteem

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Mable said during one of her counseling sessions that her dad was unstable, which typically manifested as pouting or verbal outbursts toward her and her three siblings. Mable is nineteen now but remembers in vivid detail balling up in a fetal position many nights as she listened from her bedroom to the “fights” between her dad and mom.

Her mother worked full-time outside of the home. For the most part, Mable reared herself during the day, while at night she lived in low-grade fear, never knowing what her dad may do next. During high school, she dated several boys and was promiscuous with most of them.

She just broke up with another boyfriend, which is why she wants to see you for counseling. From her perspective, she is suffering from low self-esteem. She has read In Search of Significance and several other self-help books that teach how her primary problem is a low view of herself, which is how she came to her conclusion.

Mable became a believer two years ago but has grown very little, due to her lack of connection with her local church and nobody willing to take her under their wing for ongoing discipleship.

Case Study Questions:

1. Is her problem low self-esteem? Why did you answer the question the way that you did?
2. What is the difference (if any) between low self-esteem and low self-worth? Be clear and specific with your answer.
3. What books, articles from our site, and life projects would you suggest for Mable to read? Why?

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Rick Thomas

Rick launched the Life Over Coffee global training network in 2008 to bring hope and help for you and others by creating resources that spark conversations for transformation. His primary responsibilities are resource creation and leadership development, which he does through speaking, writing, podcasting, and educating.

In 1990 he earned a BA in Theology and, in 1991, a BS in Education. In 1993, he received his ordination into Christian ministry, and in 2000 he graduated with an MA in Counseling from The Master’s University. In 2006 he was recognized as a Fellow of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC).