Does this sound like your child?
Every child wants to feel proud of who they are. But when self-esteem is low, kids often carry shame, self-doubt, or fear of not being good enough. This can affect school, friendships, and even family life.
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Kids and teens with low self-esteem may:
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Talk negatively about themselves or say they are “stupid” or “not good enough”
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Avoid trying new things out of fear of failure
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Compare themselves harshly to others
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Struggle to accept compliments or achievements
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Withdraw from peers or social activities
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Act out with anger or perfectionism to cover insecurity
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Become overly dependent on approval from others
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These challenges are not signs of weakness or laziness. They are the result of how a child’s brain and body process stress, belonging, and self-worth.
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Many children who struggle with self-esteem also have unique strengths such as creativity, empathy, or intelligence, but those strengths can get buried under fear and self-doubt.
At PlayWorks, We Help Kids and Teens Build Healthy Self-Esteem
Children with low self-esteem often avoid trying new things out of fear of failure. Therapy helps them take healthy risks and celebrate progress, not just perfection.
At PlayWorks, therapy gives children a safe and supportive place to build confidence from the inside out. Through play and creative expression, kids learn to see their value, celebrate their strengths, and practice self-compassion.
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Strengthen confidence in school, sports, and friendships
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Learn to challenge negative self-talk
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Build resilience after setbacks or mistakes
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Develop pride in unique strengths and talents
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Improve social skills and peer relationships
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Reduce shame and perfectionism
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Strengthen family communication and trust
Play therapy helps children improve self-concept, emotional resilience, and social skills, which are core building blocks of self-esteem.
- Play therapy research on child development and self-worth (Bratton et al., 2005; Ray, 2011)
Why is Play Based Therapy So Effective for Improving Self-Esteem?
When kids feel valued and capable, their brains release dopamine, the same chemical linked to motivation and joy. Therapy helps strengthen this positive cycle.
Self-esteem is not built through lectures or constant reassurance. It develops when kids safely explore who they are, practice new skills, and feel understood.
Play therapy supports the brain systems that process belonging and reward, including the prefrontal cortex and limbic system.
Over time, kids learn to:
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Recognize and celebrate their strengths
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Build resilience when things do not go perfectly
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Express feelings without shame
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Strengthen peer and family relationships
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Develop confidence that lasts into adulthood
Why Wilmington Parents Choose PlayWorks for Self-Esteem Support
We focus on strengths
We help children see their unique gifts and use them as tools for growth and confidence.
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We make therapy playful and safe
Through art, stories, and games, therapy feels approachable and encourages kids to take healthy risks.
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We support families too
We provide parents with tools and feedback to help reinforce positive self-esteem at home.
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We honor the whole child
We address more than just surface behaviors. We nurture identity, resilience, and confidence for the long term.
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We are inclusive and affirming
Our therapists are trained in trauma-informed, adoption-competent, and LGBTQ+ affirming care. Every child and family is respected here.
You’re Not Alone & It’s Not Too Late
Low self-esteem can leave kids feeling stuck and parents feeling worried, but there is hope. At PlayWorks, therapy is child-first, family-focused, and grounded in neuroscience. We help children discover their strengths, build confidence, and develop a healthier relationship with themselves.
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Together, we will help your child feel proud of who they are and ready to thrive.
We’re located in Wilmington, NC and work with children, teens, and families across the Cape Fear region.Schedule your free 20-minute parent consult or start the intake process here.