The Destructive Nature of Self-Obsession: Insights from Selfie by Will Storr and How Hypnotherapy Can Help

In today’s world, the pressure to be perfect is everywhere. Scroll through social media, and you'll find endless highlight reels showcasing flawless bodies, enviable lifestyles, and curated happiness. But beneath this glossy surface lies an unsettling truth: our growing self-obsession is taking a toll on our mental health. In today’s blog we will be taking a look at Will Storr’s thought-provoking book, Selfie, and explore how the modern fixation on self-image has created a culture of unrealistic expectations, chronic dissatisfaction, and emotional burnout.

At OLIP Therapy, we understand how destructive these patterns can be. Our hypnotherapy and counselling services are designed to help you break free from the cycle of self-criticism and perfectionism, guiding you towards a healthier, more balanced sense of self.

The Roots of Modern Self-Obsession

In Selfie, Storr delves into the history of Western culture’s obsession with the self, tracing it back to ancient Greece and its celebration of the “ideal individual.” Fast forward to today, and that ideal has morphed into something even more unattainable, thanks to the rise of social media and the “self-help” industry. The pressure to constantly improve, outperform, and present a perfect life isn’t just exhausting: it’s harmful.

Modern society equates self-worth with productivity, appearance, and success. This mindset breeds anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, as people chase an impossible version of perfection. The gap between who we are and who we think we should be becomes a source of constant stress.

1. The Psychological Toll of Perfectionism

Perfectionism isn’t about striving for excellence; it’s about feeling like nothing you do is ever good enough. Studies have shown that perfectionism is closely linked to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and even suicidal thoughts. The more we tie our self-worth to external achievements or appearances, the more fragile our mental health becomes.

At OLIP Therapy, we work with clients to challenge these destructive thought patterns. Through cognitive-behavioural counselling (CBT) and hypnotherapy, we help reframe your beliefs about success and self-worth. Our goal is to shift the focus from unrealistic external standards to internal growth, self-acceptance, and emotional resilience.

2. The Social Media Effect: A Highlight Reel of Insecurities

Social media has amplified self-obsession like never before. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok encourage constant comparison, making people feel inadequate if their lives don’t measure up to the curated perfection they see online. Research from the Royal Society for Public Health in the UK found that platforms like Instagram are linked to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and poor body image, especially among young people.

Hypnotherapy can be incredibly effective in breaking this cycle of comparison. By targeting the subconscious mind, hypnotherapy helps reduce the emotional triggers that fuel feelings of inadequacy. It encourages a shift from external validation to internal confidence, helping clients feel grounded in their own values rather than the fleeting approval of others.

3. Reclaiming Your Identity: Breaking Free from the ‘Selfie’ Culture

The relentless focus on self-improvement can leave you feeling disconnected from your true self. When your identity is built on how others perceive you, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. This is where counselling and hypnotherapy play a transformative role.

At OLIP Therapy, we help clients explore their authentic selves beyond societal expectations. Our counselling sessions create a safe space to process feelings of inadequacy, while hypnotherapy helps rewire the subconscious mind to foster self-compassion and emotional balance. Imagine waking up without the crushing pressure to be “perfect” - just the freedom to be you.

Break Free from the Cycle of Self-Obsession

If you’ve been feeling trapped by the relentless demands of self-improvement, perfectionism, or social comparison, you’re not alone. The good news is that change is possible.

At OLIP Therapy, we’re here to help you break free from destructive self-obsession and build a healthier relationship with yourself. Our combination of hypnotherapy and counselling is tailored to support your mental well-being, helping you feel confident, grounded, and at peace with who you are.

Take the first step towards a more fulfilling life - contact us today to book your consultation.