How do you change old, damaging beliefs?

Growing up gay in a rabidly fundamentalist, evangelical Christian household was hard at times and terrifying at others. We went to church 3 times each week, and the idea that LGBT people are unlovable, irredeemable, and subhuman was deeply instilled in my psyche.

Often times, when people talk about old beliefs, they use the term old tapes playing. “I’ve got old tapes playing” is the cliche that I think of when I start to think negatively about my life and situation. These old tapes tell me I’m useless and that I’m even unworthy to be alive.

For those who have been through similar damaging experiences, how have you overcome the negative self-images and detrimental self-talk?

What steps did you take in your attempt to win out over the loud voices berating yourself?

Did you have an action plan?

What positive things did you do?

I’m looking for tools I can use to get rid of these useless old voices in my head that do nothing but drag me down.