Therapy for Building Self-Esteem in Kids in Eden Prairie, MN
Confidence is something children can learn and strengthen with the right support.
When a child struggles with confidence or self-worth, it can quietly affect every part of their life.
If you find yourself wondering, “How can I improve my child’s self-esteem?”, therapy can help. Low self-esteem in kids often shows up as self-criticism, fear of failure, people-pleasing, or withdrawing from things they once enjoyed.
At Creekside Counseling, we offer therapy for building self-esteem in kids and teens who struggle with confidence, self-doubt, or negative self-talk. Our therapists provide in-person therapy in Eden Prairie, MN and virtual therapy across Minnesota, helping children develop a stronger sense of self and feel more secure in who they are.
Confidence and Self-Esteem in Children
Healthy self-esteem helps children feel capable, valued, and resilient. When confidence is low, kids may avoid challenges or feel easily discouraged.
Therapy for self-esteem building may be helpful if your child or teen is experiencing:
Negative self-talk or harsh self-criticism
Fear of making mistakes or trying new things
Difficulty asserting themselves or setting boundaries
Strong need for approval or reassurance
Withdrawal from peers, school, or activities
Therapy focuses on helping kids understand their strengths and build confidence from the inside out.
How Therapists Help Build Confidence in Kids
Therapists help children build confidence by creating a safe, supportive space where kids feel seen and accepted. Through therapy, children can learn to:
Identify and challenge negative beliefs about themselves
Develop self-compassion and emotional awareness
Build problem-solving and coping skills
Practice assertive communication
Feel more confident in social, school, and family settings
As confidence grows, kids often feel more willing to take healthy risks and express themselves.
What Therapy Looks Like at Creekside Counseling
Therapy for self-esteem building is not about forcing positivity or comparison. It is about helping children develop a realistic, supportive view of themselves.
Our sessions are:
Child-centered and developmentally appropriate
Focused on emotional safety and trust
Designed to build confidence through skill-building and reflection
Parents may be involved when helpful to support confidence-building at home.
Our Approach to Self-Esteem Therapy for Kids
Our therapists use evidence-informed, trauma-aware approaches tailored to each child’s needs. This approach supports confidence and self-esteem while honoring each child’s unique personality and pace.
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CBT helps children understand how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. In therapy, kids learn to notice negative or self-critical thinking patterns that often show up with depression and practice more balanced, supportive ways of thinking. CBT also helps children build coping skills for managing sadness, low motivation, and emotional overwhelm in everyday situations.
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ART is a gentle, structured therapy that helps children work through distressing memories or emotional experiences without needing to talk through every detail. This can be especially helpful for kids who have trouble putting feelings into words. ART supports emotional relief, improved mood, and a stronger sense of control over thoughts and feelings.
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This approach focuses on building a strong, trusting relationship between your child and their therapist while helping kids identify strengths and small, achievable steps forward. Rather than focusing only on problems, solution-focused therapy helps children notice what is already working and build confidence as they move toward emotional stability and hope.
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Play therapy helps children express and work through anxiety using activities that feel natural and safe, such as play, art, movement, or storytelling. For kids who have difficulty explaining worries with words, play therapy supports emotional regulation, confidence, and coping skills in a developmentally appropriate way.
Common Reasons Kids Struggle With Self-Esteem
Children may struggle with confidence for many reasons, especially during key stages of development.
Therapy helps children understand these experiences, rebuild confidence, and develop a healthier sense of self over time.
❋ Social difficulties or peer conflictFriendship struggles, exclusion, or bullying can lead kids to question their worth and feel unsure of where they belong.
❋ School challenges or academic pressureDifficulty keeping up, fear of failure, or feeling “behind” can impact how children view themselves and their abilities.
❋ Family stress, transitions, or past experiencesChanges at home or earlier experiences can shape how children see themselves and their place in the world.
❋ Anxiety, perfectionism, or fear of making mistakesChildren who feel pressure to get things “just right” may become overly self-critical and hesitant to try new things.
Our Providers
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Elisabeth Emmerich
OWNER, MA, LPCC, RPT™
Elisabeth helps women navigate anxiety, perfectionism, and the lingering effects of childhood trauma, while also supporting kids and teens through anxiety, trauma and life transitions. As a mom of three, she brings firsthand understanding of the pressures of motherhood to a warm, compassionate, and practical approach that helps clients untangle old patterns and create meaningful change.
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Marina Mitcheltree
MA, LPCC
Marina supports children, teens, and families navigating anxiety, behavioral challenges, and life transitions. She specializes in early childhood mental health, child-parent relationships, and play therapy, and is passionate about empowering women and supporting BIPOC communities. As a mom, she brings personal insight into the challenges of parenting while creating a compassionate, practical space for families and individuals to heal and grow. -
![Laura Muench Eden Prairie MN Social Worker]()
Laura Muench
MSW, LICSW
Laura specializes in early childhood, autism support, and parent-child relationships, helping families navigate behavior challenges, anxiety, and life transitions. With a strong focus on connection and attachment, she takes a warm, practical approach to supporting both children and parents. Laura especially enjoys working with young children and guiding families toward more confidence, stronger communication, and meaningful, lasting change.
Your Questions, Answered
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Children may be overly self-critical, avoid trying new things, seek constant reassurance, or struggle with confidence in school or social settings.
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Therapy helps children develop a more positive self-image, challenge negative thoughts, and build confidence through small successes.
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It can be influenced by experiences such as bullying, academic struggles, comparison to peers, or negative self-talk.
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It can, but therapy provides tools and support to help children build confidence more intentionally and sustainably
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Encouraging effort over perfection, offering specific praise, and creating a supportive environment can help children feel more confident and secure.
