Negative self-talk
Frequent criticism of themselves, feeling not good enough, or struggling to recover after mistakes.
Self-esteem support for children and teens building steadier confidence.
Therapy support for children and teens who doubt themselves, avoid trying, feel easily embarrassed, compare themselves, or need help building self-trust.
Confidence
Low confidence can make everyday challenges feel too risky.
Self-esteem concerns can look like avoidance, perfectionism, people-pleasing, social worry, negative self-talk, giving up quickly, or a child who seems afraid to be seen trying.
Roots to Branches supports confidence by helping children and teens build language for what they feel, practice coping skills, understand patterns, and develop a steadier sense of self within the family and social world around them.
What families notice
Support for confidence that has started to fray.
Therapy helps clarify what is underneath avoidance or self-doubt and what kind of support may help confidence grow.
Avoidance
Not wanting to try, join, speak up, go to school, or risk embarrassment even when they want to participate.
Social confidence
Peer stress, comparison, social anxiety, identity questions, or worry about belonging.
Perfectionism
Pressure to get it right, fear of mistakes, shutdowns, or big feelings when expectations feel too high.
Related care paths
Confidence support can connect to child, teen, and anxiety care.
These pages help families understand connected supports for self-esteem and emotional resilience.
Common questions
Before you request an appointment.
Do both offices offer support for self-esteem and confidence?
Yes. Child therapy, teen counseling, play therapy, parent coaching, and related support are available across Aurora and Wheaton. Fit depends on clinician availability, specialty, location, age, and family needs.
Is self-esteem support only for teens?
No. Children and teens can both struggle with confidence, avoidance, social stress, perfectionism, and negative self-talk. The care path depends on age and fit.
Can anxiety affect self-esteem?
Yes. Anxiety, school stress, peer conflict, and repeated difficult experiences can affect confidence. Support often looks at the connected pattern rather than one concern in isolation.
Begin
Start with a thoughtful match.
Request an appointment and Molly will help clarify fit, location, availability, and next steps.