Social Skills & Self-Esteem Building at Lakeside Rooms
Confidence, Connection and Communication at Every Age
Everyone wants to feel accepted, valued, and confident in who they are. Social skills and self-esteem shape the way people interact with others - at school, in workplaces, in friendships, and within families. When someone struggles to communicate, build relationships, or feel good about themselves, it can affect learning, mood, motivation, and general wellbeing.
Social challenges may look different depending on a person’s age or stage of life.
Children may find it hard to join play or manage big feelings around peers. Teenagers might worry about fitting in, feel pressure from friendships or social media, or avoid situations because of fear of judgement. Adults may experience self-doubt, find social situations draining, or struggle with assertiveness in relationships or work environments.
Lower self-esteem is common and can be influenced by many factors - past experiences, bullying, learning or developmental challenges, or major life changes. Research in Australia suggests that around 1 in 7 young people experience low self-esteem that impacts their wellbeing or social relationships (Headspace, 2020). These difficulties are important to recognise early, because confidence and communication skills influence so many aspects of life.
How Lakeside Rooms Can Help
Lakeside Rooms psychologists and psychiatrists work collaboratively with individuals to understand their strengths and specific areas of support. Therapy focuses on building self-awareness, communication abilities, and social confidence - empowering people to feel more connected and capable in everyday situations.
Approaches may include:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – challenging self-critical thoughts and building practical coping skills
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – strengthening resilience while staying true to personal values
Play and expressive therapies – supporting children to learn through creativity and movement
Parent management strategies, when appropriate, to reinforce skills in daily routines
Social skills coaching – practising communication, problem-solving and confidence-building strategies
Mindfulness-based techniques – increasing emotional regulation and presence in social interactions
Support is tailored to each person’s goals - whether that is making new friends, speaking up in the classroom, feeling more confident at work, or nurturing a stronger sense of identity.
Lakeside Rooms creates a respectful and encouraging therapeutic environment where individuals can build positive self-belief and stronger relationships with those around them.