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Specializations

Self-Esteem & Confidence

Helping children and teens build a kinder, more realistic relationship with themselves and the confidence to move through the world as they truly are.

Children · Teens · In-person & Virtual
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When a Child or Teen Doesn't Believe in Themselves

Low self-esteem can quietly shape how a child or teen experiences every part of their life: how they approach challenges, how they treat themselves after a mistake, how they relate to their peers, and whether they feel worthy of good things.

Signs can include a harsh inner critic, giving up easily, avoiding new things out of fear of failure, comparing themselves unfavourably to others, difficulty accepting compliments, or consistently saying 'I'm not good at anything.'

Therapy at Little Waves creates a space where children and teens can begin to examine these beliefs, understand where they come from, and build a more accurate and compassionate view of themselves. The goal is not false positivity: it is helping young people see themselves clearly, without the distortion of self-criticism.

What We Work On
  • Identifying and challenging negative self-talk
  • Building awareness of genuine strengths and accomplishments
  • Developing a more compassionate inner voice
  • Managing perfectionism and fear of failure
  • Resilience after setbacks and mistakes
  • Social confidence and assertiveness
  • Separating self-worth from performance or achievement

How a child sees themselves shapes everything. Therapy is a space where those beliefs can be gently examined, challenged, and rebuilt on a more accurate and kind foundation.

How We Help

Approaches Used

1

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Identifies the negative thought patterns that fuel low self-esteem and helps children and teens develop more balanced, realistic ways of seeing themselves and the world around them.

2

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Helps young people develop a healthier relationship with self-criticism: not by arguing with it, but by learning to observe it with distance and act according to their own values.

3

Narrative Therapy

Explores the stories children and teens carry about who they are and opens up space to rewrite those stories in ways that are more compassionate, accurate, and empowering.

4

Strengths-Based Approach

Shifting the focus from what is wrong to what is present and valuable: building awareness of genuine strengths and accomplishments.

Build the foundation for lasting confidence

Every journey starts with a first step. Reach out and we'll find the right path forward for your child or teen, together.

66 Centre St, Thornhill, ON · In-person & virtual sessions available