Understanding Core Beliefs
Core beliefs are the deeply held ideas we carry about ourselves, other people, and the world. They’re like invisible “rules” or “lenses” that shape how we see and interpret everyday life.
Most of the time, we don’t even realize these beliefs are running in the background. But they strongly influence our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Where Do Core Beliefs Come From?
Core beliefs usually develop early in life, based on our experiences and the messages we received growing up. For example:
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If love felt conditional, you may have developed the belief, “I’m only worthy if I succeed.”
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Societal standards around achievement, appearance, or gender roles can turn into internalized beliefs.
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Negative or painful events can shape beliefs like, “People can’t be trusted,” or “I’m not safe.”
Common Examples of Core Beliefs
About yourself: “I’m not good enough,” “I’m unlovable,” “I must be perfect.”
About others: “People will always let me down,” “No one really cares.”
About the world: “Life is unsafe,” “Good things don’t last.”
Why Core Beliefs Matter
Because they sit so deep, core beliefs often drive automatic thoughts and emotional reactions. For example:
If your core belief is “I’m a failure,” even small mistakes may feel overwhelming.
If you believe “Others can’t be trusted,” it may be hard to feel safe in relationships.
Core Beliefs can lead to People-Pleasing Tendencies
While core beliefs can feel heavy, the important thing to remember is that they’re learned—which means they can also be unlearned or reshaped.
Healing and Changing Core Beliefs
In therapy, you can learn to:
Identify the beliefs that no longer serve you
Explore where they came from and how they’ve shaped your life
Challenge and replace them with healthier, more balanced beliefs