Body Issues & Self Esteem

Often children and adolescents present as having concerns about their body image or concept of themselves, and this appears to reach a peak in high school. There is increasing evidence which suggests that “… children learn from their families, teachers, friends, and the media that fat is ‘bad’ and thin is ‘good’, and they learn this lesson well before adolescence” (Flannery-Schroeder & Chrisler).

Healthy self-esteem is like a child’s armor against the challenges of the world. Children who know their strengths and weaknesses and feel good about themselves seem to have an easier time handling conflicts and resisting negative pressures. They tend to smile more readily and enjoy life. These children are realistic and generally optimistic.

In contrast, children with low self-esteem can find challenges to be sources of major anxiety and frustration. Those who think poorly of themselves have a hard time finding solutions to problems. If given to self-critical thoughts such as “I’m no good” or “I can’t do anything right,” they may become passive, withdrawn, or depressed. Faced with a new challenge, their immediate response might be “I can’t.”

Self-esteem is similar to self-worth (how much a person values himself or herself). This can change from day to day or from year to year, but overall self-esteem tends to develop from infancy and keep going until we are adults.

Bright Ideas Psychology’s Child Psychologist can help your child develop a more rounded view of themselves and to develop the psychological flexibility in order to not be held back by a poor sense of self worth, and to move forward as bright, strong and resilient children.

An appointment can be made to see how Bright Ideas can work with you to resolve this issue. Call 02 9957 5858 to book free 15 mins Phone Consultation or Simply fill the contact us form and we will call you.

The types of issue Bright Ideas can help children & adolescents with are :

• Low self-esteem
• Vocational counselling and coaching for enhanced performance at school
• Case conferencing/ case management with school and other therapists
• Self harm counselling
• Bright Ideas Psychology provides coaching for exam success.
• Bullying at school
• Parenting strategies/ parenting counselling
• Child or teenage behavior problems/ behavioural therapy for children
• Ways to overcome from separation anxiety, obsessive and compulsive behaviors, traumatic stress and phobias)
• Learn creative techniques and strategies to help manage anxiety during this challenging period
• Adjustment difficulties
• Child sexual abuse counselling with a child abuse counselor

 A referral is not necessary; however clients can obtain an $81.79 rebate per session from Medicare if they obtain a Mental Health Care Plan from their Doctor. Rebates from many Health Insurers are also available.