Supporting Young People Through Social Difficulties.

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We help kids and teens build the confidence and skills they need to connect, communicate and form positive relationships.

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The Bigger Picture

Making friends and fitting in doesn’t come easily to every child. Some kids feel left out, struggle to read social cues or find it hard to express themselves in groups. Over time, these challenges can affect confidence, learning and overall wellbeing.

Social difficulties don’t mean a child is unfriendly or unwilling. They often reflect differences in communication style, confidence or emotional regulation. With the right support, kids and teens can develop the skills they need to connect with others and feel more comfortable in social settings.

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How Social Difficulties Present In Kids & Teens.

Social struggles can show up in many ways, including:

Trouble starting or keeping conversations
Difficulty making or maintaining friendships
Avoiding group activities or preferring to stay alone
Misunderstanding social cues like body language or tone of voice
Feeling anxious, shy or frustrated in social situations

These difficulties are not a child’s fault. They are signs that extra support could help. Therapy gives children and families tools to make social experiences more positive and rewarding.

Our Approach To Supporting Kids & Teens With Social Difficulties.

At Unbound Minds, we use research-based strategies to help young people develop social confidence and communication skills.

Support can include:

Social Skills Training: Practical ways to start conversations, join group activities and respond to peers.
Role-Play and Practice: Safe opportunities to rehearse real-life scenarios and build confidence.
Emotion Recognition and Regulation: Helping kids understand their own feelings and read the emotions of others.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Addressing unhelpful thoughts like “nobody likes me” and building healthier beliefs.
Family Coaching: Strategies for parents to encourage social growth at home and in the community.
Strengths-Based Identity Work: Focusing on each child’s unique abilities and helping them feel proud of who they are.

Where helpful, we also work with schools to make sure social skills are supported in the classroom and playground.

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Helpful Answers For Parents.

Friendships are an important part of growing up, but some children find it hard to make or keep friends, pick up on social cues, or feel confident in groups. These struggles can leave children feeling isolated and parents unsure how to help. At Unbound Minds, we support children in developing social skills and confidence, while guiding parents and schools in creating environments where children can connect and thrive.

How does Unbound Minds support children with social difficulties?

We use evidence-based approaches to help children understand social cues, practise new skills, and build confidence in interactions. Therapy often involves role-play, problem-solving, and practical strategies that children can try in real-life settings.

Do you work with parents and schools as well as the child?

Yes. We work with the whole support network. Parents learn how to encourage positive interactions at home, while schools are provided with strategies to help children feel included and supported in the classroom and playground.

How can I tell if my child’s social struggles are just shyness or something more?

Shyness is common, but children usually warm up with time. If your child consistently avoids social situations, struggles to keep friendships, or feels distressed in groups, it may point to underlying social difficulties that benefit from extra support.

What should I do when my child is excluded by peers?

Listen with empathy and avoid minimising their feelings. Encourage friendships in smaller, supportive settings, such as structured activities or with children who share common interests. At Unbound Minds, we also teach children resilience strategies for navigating tricky social dynamics.

Can social difficulties improve with the right support?

Yes. With practice, encouragement, and structured strategies, children can learn the skills they need to feel more comfortable and confident socially. Our role is to make these skills practical and achievable in everyday life.

Take TheFirst Step.

If social difficulties are holding your child back, now is the time to reach out. With the right support, kids can grow the confidence and skills they need to thrive in their relationships.

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Unbound Minds provides general mental health information and professional psychological services. This website is not a substitute for personalised medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are in crisis or require urgent support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or seek help from your nearest emergency service.