Self-Confidence

Building self-confidence in children is crucial for their overall emotional well-being and success in various aspects of life, including academics, social relationships, and personal growth. A confident child is more likely to take on new challenges, express themselves openly, and recover from setbacks with resilience. Shiva Movafaghian, a seasoned psychotherapist, certified play therapist, and certified life coach, has over 15 years of experience in helping children develop self-confidence. Her holistic approach combines therapeutic play, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and mindfulness practices, all tailored to the unique needs of each child.

Shiva’s work on self-confidence starts with creating a safe and nurturing environment where children feel valued and accepted for who they are. She recognizes that children often internalize negative feedback or experiences, which can significantly impact their self-esteem. To counter this, Shiva uses play therapy to provide children with opportunities to express themselves without fear of judgment. In these sessions, children engage in creative activities such as drawing, role-playing, and storytelling, which allow them to explore their emotions, strengths, and areas for growth. By observing how children interact during play, Shiva gains insight into their self-perception and identifies any underlying insecurities that need to be addressed.

A key component of building self-confidence is recognizing and celebrating achievements. Shiva believes that every child has unique strengths and talents that deserve acknowledgment. During her sessions, she emphasizes positive reinforcement, highlighting the child’s successes and progress, no matter how small. For example, if a child is proud of a drawing they created, Shiva uses that moment to validate their effort and creativity. This helps the child associate hard work and persistence with a sense of accomplishment, boosting their confidence. By focusing on strengths rather than shortcomings, Shiva fosters a positive self-image in each child, encouraging them to take pride in their abilities.

Shiva also uses cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques to help children identify and reframe negative thought patterns that undermine their self-confidence. Many children struggle with self-doubt or perfectionism, believing they are not good enough or that they must be flawless to be valued. Shiva works with children to challenge these unhelpful beliefs and replace them with more constructive and empowering thoughts. Through engaging activities and relatable examples, she teaches children to recognize their inner critic and practice self-compassion. For instance, a child who feels inadequate because they did not perform well on a test might learn to reframe the experience as an opportunity for growth rather than a failure. This shift in mindset helps children develop resilience and a more balanced perspective on their abilities.

Goal-setting is another powerful tool Shiva uses to build self-confidence. She collaborates with children to set realistic and achievable goals, breaking down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Achieving these goals gives children a sense of mastery and boosts their confidence in their own capabilities. Shiva’s life coaching background enhances this process, as she incorporates motivational strategies that keep children engaged and focused. She encourages them to celebrate each accomplishment, reinforcing the belief that they are capable and deserving of success. This approach not only builds self-confidence but also teaches valuable skills in perseverance and self-discipline.

Shiva’s use of mindfulness techniques further supports children in developing self-confidence. Mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing, guided relaxation, and body awareness, help children become more present and aware of their feelings without being overwhelmed by them. These exercises teach children to stay grounded and focused, even in stressful situations, and to appreciate their own efforts and progress. Mindfulness also promotes self-acceptance, helping children understand that it is okay to make mistakes and that their worth is not defined by perfection. By practicing mindfulness, children learn to be more compassionate toward themselves, which is a crucial element of building lasting self-confidence.

Parental involvement is essential in reinforcing the work done in therapy. Shiva provides parent coaching and guidance to help caregivers support their child’s journey toward greater self-confidence. She offers practical strategies for creating a positive and empowering home environment, such as using affirming language, modeling confident behavior, and encouraging independence. Parents learn how to offer praise that focuses on effort rather than outcomes, which fosters a growth mindset in their children. Shiva also emphasizes the importance of active listening, helping parents understand and validate their child’s feelings without trying to fix everything for them. This approach helps children feel heard and respected, further boosting their self-esteem.

In addition to individual therapy, Shiva offers group sessions and workshops that focus on social skills and peer interactions. These sessions provide children with opportunities to practice assertiveness, communication, and teamwork in a supportive setting. Group activities are designed to build a sense of belonging and community, helping children realize that they are not alone in their struggles. By engaging in cooperative play and group discussions, children learn to appreciate their unique contributions and feel more confident in social settings.

Shiva Movafaghian’s comprehensive approach to building self-confidence equips children with the tools they need to thrive in all areas of their lives. Her blend of therapeutic techniques, mindfulness practices, and parental support ensures that each child receives a personalized and empowering experience. By fostering a strong sense of self-worth and resilience, Shiva helps children develop the confidence to face challenges head-on and embrace their full potential.