Understanding Relationship to Self and Other

How you relate to yourself and to the people around you shapes nearly every part of your life. Our network of therapists with experience in this area is growing, and many practitioners on First Session can support you in exploring these patterns.

The way you talk to yourself, the boundaries you set, and the dynamics you notice in your closest relationships are all connected. Therapy focused on your relationship to self and other can help you examine patterns in how you see yourself — your self-worth, inner dialogue, and sense of identity — alongside how you connect with others, including attachment styles, communication habits, and interpersonal boundaries. Understanding these patterns often opens the door to more fulfilling relationships and a stronger sense of who you are.

Because this is a broad area of focus, many therapists approach it through different lenses, including work on self-esteem, attachment, boundaries, or interpersonal dynamics. When browsing therapists on First Session, consider watching intro videos to get a feel for each therapist’s style. You may also find it helpful to explore related focus areas like identity, self-esteem, or attachment to widen your search and find the right support.

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Arsalan Ahmad

Registered Psychotherapist
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Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
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Arsalan Ahmad

Arsalan Ahmad

Registered Psychotherapist
Offers Free Consultation
$180/session
Depression, Men's issues, Grief and Loss, Life transitions, Terminal Illness, Self-esteem, Meaning and purpose, Mindfulness, Mindfulness and stress reduction, Relationship to self and others
Depression, Men's issues, Grief and Loss, Life transitions, Terminal Illness, Self-esteem, Meaning and purpose, Mindfulness, Mindfulness and stress reduction, Relationship to self and others
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About First Session
What does ‘relationship to self and other’ mean in therapy?

In a therapeutic context, relationship to self and other refers to the patterns that shape how you perceive yourself and how you interact with the people in your life. The "self" side includes your inner dialogue, self-image, and sense of worth, while the "other" side involves attachment patterns, communication styles, and boundary-setting in relationships. Therapy in this area often explores how these two dimensions influence each other — for example, how low self-worth may affect the kinds of relationships you form, or how difficult relationship experiences may shape how you see yourself.

What are the benefits of exploring this in therapy?

Working on your relationship to self and other in therapy may help you develop greater self-awareness and recognize recurring patterns that no longer serve you. Many people find that this work supports healthier boundaries, improved communication, and a more compassionate inner dialogue. Over time, exploring these themes can contribute to stronger connections with others and a more grounded sense of personal identity.

Who might benefit from therapy focused on relationship to self and other?

This area of focus can be relevant to anyone who wants to better understand themselves and their relational patterns. It may resonate with people who struggle with self-criticism, have difficulty setting boundaries, notice repeating cycles in their relationships, or feel unsure about their sense of identity. Whether you are navigating a specific challenge or simply want to grow in self-understanding, exploring your relationship to self and other can be a meaningful starting point.

How do I find a therapist who works with relationship to self and other?

Because this is a broad therapeutic theme, you may not always find it listed as a standalone specialty. Many therapists address these topics through related areas such as self-esteem, attachment, interpersonal relationships, or identity work. On First Session, you can browse therapist profiles and watch intro videos to understand each practitioner’s approach. Expanding your search to include related focus areas can help you connect with a therapist whose experience aligns with your needs.

Are there related approaches I could explore?

Several related focus areas may support similar goals. If self-perception is a primary concern, exploring therapists who work with self-esteem or identity may be helpful. For relational patterns, consider searching for support with attachment, boundaries, or interpersonal relationships. Some therapeutic modalities, such as psychodynamic therapy or emotion-focused therapy, often incorporate work on how you relate to yourself and others as a core part of the process.

How can First Session help me find support?

First Session makes it easier to find a therapist who fits your needs. You can browse therapist profiles, filter by focus area and location, and watch intro videos to get a sense of each therapist’s personality and approach before booking. All therapist credentials are verified during onboarding, and many offer both online and in-person sessions across Canada. If your initial search feels narrow, try broadening to related topics like self-esteem, attachment, or boundaries to discover more options.