Self-Esteem Therapy for Children & Teens
Building Your Child's Confidence and Inner Strength
Healthy self-esteem—a balanced, accurate view of oneself that includes recognition of both strengths and challenges—is the foundation for emotional well-being, resilience, and success in life. Unfortunately, many children and teens struggle with negative self-perception, excessive self-criticism, and lack of confidence that can impact every aspect of their development. As both a licensed therapist and mother of three San Francisco teenagers, I understand the crucial importance of nurturing positive self-worth in young people.
Self-esteem therapy provides children and teens with a safe space to explore their self-perception, challenge negative beliefs, recognize their inherent worth, and develop a more compassionate relationship with themselves. Through specialized therapeutic techniques tailored to your child's unique personality and challenges, we can help transform self-doubt into self-confidence that will support them throughout life.
Ready to help your child develop stronger self-esteem? Book a free 15-minute consultation to discuss how we can work together to nurture your child's confidence and positive self-perception.
Understanding Self-Esteem Challenges in Children & Teens
Self-esteem issues can manifest in many ways across development:
Younger children: Giving up easily, negative self-talk, reluctance to try new things
School-age children: Perfectionism, sensitivity to criticism, comparison to peers
Tweens and teens: Self-consciousness, risk avoidance, people-pleasing, negative body image
Low self-esteem often coexists with other challenges like anxiety, depression, peer relationship difficulties, academic underachievement, or experiences of bullying. Self-esteem concerns may also emerge during major life transitions or due to messages from family, media, or social environments.
My Approach to Self-Esteem Therapy
My therapeutic approach to enhancing self-esteem combines several evidence-based methodologies:
Cognitive behavioral techniques: Identifying and challenging negative self-talk and beliefs
Strength-based approaches: Discovering and building upon existing capabilities
Self-compassion practices: Developing kindness toward oneself during difficulties
Mindfulness skills: Building awareness of critical thoughts without attachment
Experiential activities: Creating opportunities for mastery and success
Expressive therapies: Using art, writing, and play to explore self-perception
As both a therapist and mother of three teenagers in San Francisco, I bring professional expertise and nurturing support to our work together. I understand the unique pressures Bay Area youth face—from academic competition to social media influence to diverse family expectations—and how these factors can impact self-perception.
Signs Your Child May Benefit from Self-Esteem Therapy
Consider reaching out if your child:
Frequently engages in negative self-talk or self-criticism
Shows perfectionism or fear of failure
Gives up easily or avoids challenges
Is overly sensitive to criticism or correction
Demonstrates difficulty accepting compliments
Shows excessive people-pleasing behaviors
Compares themselves negatively to peers
Has trouble identifying personal strengths
Exhibits body image concerns or negative appearance focus
Supporting Parents in Nurturing Self-Esteem
Parents play a crucial role in developing children's self-worth. Through our work together, I'll help you:
Examine communication patterns that may impact your child's self-perception
Provide effective praise that builds authentic confidence
Create opportunities for appropriate challenge and growth
Balance protection with fostering independence
Model healthy self-regard and self-compassion
Counter negative cultural or social media messages
For parents seeking additional guidance, I also offer specialized parent coaching sessions focused on fostering healthy self-esteem.
Begin Your Child's Journey to Confidence
Self-esteem struggles can affect every aspect of a child's life, from academic performance to friendships to emotional well-being. With the right support, children and teens can develop remarkable self-acceptance, confidence, and resilience. As both a licensed therapist and mother of three teenagers here in San Francisco, I bring professional knowledge and compassionate understanding to our therapeutic relationship.
Contact me today for a free 15-minute consultation to discuss how we can work together to help your child develop the self-esteem and confidence they need to thrive.
