ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Part one of a three-part conversation features author and therapist Dawna Daigneault discussing her book, Understanding Self-Worth: A Guide to Worth-Conscious Theory and Psychotherapeutic Practice, and introducing “birthright self-worth,” the idea that worth is inherent from birth rather than earned. Dawna distinguishes self-worth from self-esteem, explains how family systems can condition worth through transactional acceptance, and connects self-worth needs to early survival needs, emphasizing that the “how” of meeting needs (e.g., attunement vs. apathy or anger) shapes worth. She expands Eric Berne’s parental injunctions into intrusive versus abusive forms (e.g., “Be someone I like”) and describes how children prioritize attachment over authenticity, influencing adult relationships. Dawna outlines four rebuildable pillars—awareness, self-respect, self-esteem, and self-confidence—and describes therapeutic strategies for gently identifying conditions, protecting worth, and reducing shame and self-loathing.
Learn more about Mary and her therapy practice here:
Learn more about Dawna here:
Buy Dawna's Book here:
This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, medical care, mental health treatment, legal advice, or individualized professional support.
The conversations shared here are intended to explore ideas related to mental health, trauma, relationships, healing, and personal growth. Listening to this podcast does not create a therapist-client relationship with me, my guests, or any clinician mentioned on the show.
If you are experiencing emotional distress, a mental health crisis, or thoughts of harming yourself or someone else, please call 988 in the United States, go to your nearest emergency room, or contact a licensed mental health professional in your area.
Please use your own judgment and consult with an appropriate professional before applying anything discussed on this podcast to your personal life, health, relationships, or treatment decisions.
