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Understanding Low Mood & Self-Confidence in Children
Child Low Mood, Self-Esteem & Confidence Support
Assessment Information Sheet – HarbourLight Psychology Melbourne
Understanding Low Mood & Self-Confidence in Children
Some ups and downs are a normal part of childhood. However, when sadness, low motivation, or negative self-beliefs persist over time, they can start to affect a child’s wellbeing, learning, and relationships.
Children may experience:
• Ongoing sadness or emotional flatness
• Loss of interest in play or activities they once enjoyed
• Frequent self-criticism or fear of getting things wrong
• Sensitivity to feedback or comparisons with peers
These experiences are not signs of weakness. They often reflect how a child is responding to pressure, change, or challenges in their environment.
At HarbourLight Psychology, we provide supportive, developmentally appropriate therapy for children who are struggling with low mood, self-esteem, or confidence. Our focus is on supporting the development of emotional understanding, resilience, and self-belief in a gentle, child-centred way.
Low mood and confidence concerns can look different for every child. Common signs include:
Common Signs in Children
Emotional & Thinking Patterns
- • Persistent sadness, tearfulness, or irritability
• Negative self-talk (“I’m bad at everything”, “No one likes me”)
• Fear of failure or avoidance of challenges
• Difficulty accepting praise or reassurance
Physical & Behavioural Signs
- • Low energy or frequent tiredness
• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Clinginess or withdrawal from others
• Physical complaints (tummy aches, headaches) linked to stress
Impact on Daily Life
- • Reduced engagement at school or in play
• Avoidance of new activities
• Pulling away from friends
• Increased emotional outbursts at home
These difficulties often overlap with anxiety, grief, learning challenges, or neurodiversity. Support can help children understand their feelings and develop coping strategies.
Why Seek Support?
When low mood or self-doubt continues without support, it can affect:
• School engagement
• Social confidence
• Emotional development
• Family relationships
Early support may assist children to:
• Build emotional regulation skills
• Strengthen self-confidence
• Reduce avoidance behaviours
• Help children feel more capable and supported
Therapy is not about “fixing” a child; it focuses on helping them build skills and understanding to navigate challenges with greater confidence.
Therapy Process
Our approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to your child’s developmental stage.
What to Expect
Initial Sessions:
Exploring your child’s experiences, emotions, strengths, and challenges in a gentle, play-based way (with parent input as appropriate).
Check-ins & Tools:
Using child-friendly questionnaires and activities to understand patterns and track progress.
Ongoing Sessions:
Building emotional awareness, coping strategies, and confidence through play, stories, and practical exercises.
Review & Planning:
Regular reviews to adjust strategies and celebrate progress.
Duration: Varies depending on individual needs
Cost: Medicare rebates may be available with a GP Mental Health Care Plan. Private health insurance or NDIS support may be available depending on your circumstances. Please confirm with your provider or case manager.
Wait time: Current wait times are typically around 1–2 weeks
You do not need a formal diagnosis to begin support.
How Therapy May Support Your Child
Support may help children to:
• Understand and name emotions
• Develop skills to challenge unhelpful self-talk
• Support the development of confidence in trying new things
• Develop emotional regulation skills
• Support improvements in social connections
• Develop a more positive view of themselves
Approaches Used
Therapy draws on evidence-based approaches suitable for children, including:
• Psychoeducation – learning about feelings in child-friendly ways
• CBT-informed strategies – working with thoughts and behaviours
• Play-based interventions – stories, games, and creative activities
• Skills-building – calming strategies, problem-solving
• ACT-informed work – building self-kindness and flexibility
• Parent guidance – practical strategies to support your child at home
Where appropriate, we can liaise with schools or GPs as part of the support process.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know if my child needs support?
If sadness, low confidence, or withdrawal lasts several weeks and affects daily life, support may be helpful.
What happens in sessions?
Sessions are play-based and supportive, helping children explore feelings and learn coping skills.
Can medication help?
For most young children, psychological therapy is the first-line approach. In some cases, medication may be considered and is always prescribed and monitored by a GP or paediatrician.
Will parents be involved?
Yes, parent involvement is discussed collaboratively and tailored to your child’s needs.
When to Seek Urgent Support
If your child expresses:
• Thoughts of self-harm
• Statements about wanting to disappear
• Significant behaviour changes
• Safety concerns
Please seek urgent support through your GP, local emergency services, or Lifeline (13 11 14).
Why Choose HarbourLight Psychology?
- • Registered psychologists experienced in supporting children with low mood, self-esteem, and confidence concerns
• Warm, child-centred approach
• Evidence-based care
• Current wait times are typically around 1–2 weeks
• Medicare & Private options available
• After school sessions available
• Location: Melbourne / East Melbourne
Get Started
If low mood or self-confidence concerns are affecting your child’s wellbeing, support is available.
HarbourLight Psychology – helping children build confidence and emotional strength.
Feel understood. Find your way forward.
Get in touch for any questions so we can start working together. Call 03 8594 0423 or message below
