Gledswood Hills, Kingswood and online

Therapy for young people with low self-esteem.

When a child keeps putting themselves down, small challenges can feel huge. Our psychologists work with children, teens and parents to understand where self-doubt comes from, and practise new ways of thinking.

Monday to Friday, 9am to 4:30pm, or leave a message and we’ll call you back.

We’re away from the phones right now. Send an enquiry and we’ll get back to you by the next business morning.

  • No GP referral needed to book
  • Medicare rebates with a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan
  • NDIS and WorkCover clients welcome

What it can look like.

Every child deserves to feel good about who they are. When self-esteem is low, kids may stop trying new things, withdraw from friends or put themselves down. It’s often linked to experiences like bullying, learning difficulties, social struggles or high expectations.

  • Negative self-talk such as “I’m not good enough”
  • Avoiding new activities for fear of failure
  • Difficulty accepting compliments
  • Comparing themselves harshly to others
  • Sensitivity to criticism or setbacks

Low self-esteem isn’t a personality trait a child is “stuck with”.

How we approach self-esteem

Our psychologists use approaches grounded in evidence, working with families and, where helpful, schools.

  1. 1

    Understanding your child’s experience

    Your psychologist starts with what’s going on for your child, including how they talk about themselves, and where self-doubt shows up at school, with friends and at home. You’ll talk about what brought you here and what you’d like to change.

  2. 2

    Choosing an approach together

    Your psychologist explains the options and why they might suit your child, then you agree on a plan together.

  3. 3

    Reviewing the plan together

    Along the way, your psychologist checks progress with you and your child, using measures chosen for your child and what they’re working on, and adjusts the plan if needed.

What support can include
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Helps kids notice unhelpful thoughts and practise more balanced, supportive ones.
  • Strengths-based identity work Encourages children to see their abilities and achievements as part of who they are.
  • Social skills Supports positive interactions with peers.
  • Coping with setbacks Ways to handle setbacks and try new situations.
  • Family coaching Ways for parents to encourage effort and self-belief at home.

Read about the types of therapy we use →

Who you’ll see

A psychologist who fits.

You’ll see one of our 25+ psychologists, at Gledswood Hills, Kingswood or online. All our psychologists are registered with AHPRA.

Behind your child’s psychologist

Depth behind the person you see

Your child sees one psychologist. Behind them is a practice that invests in what they know: training through the year, supervision built in, and time set aside to keep up with the research.

  • Trained for the work in front of them

    Our psychologists train through the year, and we train together when we take on a new approach.

  • Enough of us to match your child properly

    With 25+ psychologists, we can put your child with someone who works with their age, what’s going on, and how they like to work.

  • Keeping up, on purpose

    New research, new frameworks and new tools get tested against what we already do. What earns its place stays.

If something isn’t working.

Tell us, or tell your psychologist. Here’s what can happen next.

  • Ask for a different psychologist

    We aim to get it right first time. If not, tell us and we’ll match you with someone else. No reason needed, and you won’t have to start over.

  • Talk it through with your psychologist

    Your psychologist reviews the plan with you, and can talk your care through in supervision. All our psychologists work with regular supervision and shared clinical standards.

  • Wondering about medication?

    If medication might be worth considering, we can write to your GP or paediatrician with what we’ve found, with your consent.

Before you book.

  • Where

    Two locations, or online

    See your psychologist in person at Gledswood Hills or Kingswood, or have your sessions online.

  • Fees and rebates

    Medicare

    No GP referral needed to book. With a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, we process your Medicare rebate on the spot, and it’s usually paid into your account within 24–48 hours.

  • Funding

    NDIS and WorkCover

    NDIS and WorkCover clients welcome.

Questions parents ask.

Can’t see yours? Our Client Care team can help on 1300 151 110.

How does Unbound Minds support children with low self-esteem?

We use evidence-based strategies to help children recognise their strengths, challenge negative self-talk and try new things in small, achievable steps, in a safe space.

Do you work with parents as part of the process?

Yes. We guide parents in reinforcing self-esteem at home, from celebrating effort, not just outcomes, to modelling positive self-talk. This ensures children feel supported consistently across home, school, and therapy.

What are some signs my child might be struggling with self-esteem?

Children with low self-esteem may avoid trying new things, compare themselves negatively to others, or become overly sensitive to mistakes. They might also show reluctance to speak up in class or participate in activities they once enjoyed.

How can I help my child feel more confident day to day?

Give them opportunities to succeed by setting tasks they can realistically achieve, then celebrate those successes. Encourage problem-solving rather than stepping in too quickly. We also provide parents with tailored strategies to nurture confidence in everyday situations.

Can self-esteem issues affect other areas of my child’s life?

Yes. Low self-esteem can influence friendships, school performance and overall wellbeing, which is why we look at the whole picture.

Start with a phone call.

We’ll listen, ask a few questions and match your child with a psychologist who fits.

Monday to Friday, 9am to 4:30pm, or leave a message and we’ll call you back.

We’re away from the phones right now. Send an enquiry and we’ll get back to you by the next business morning.