Art Therapy Activities for Building Self Esteem in Girls

Because sometimes words aren’t enough—and that’s where art steps in.

For many girls, especially those who struggle to name or express what they’re feeling, art becomes a powerful pathway to self discovery. It gives them a safe space to process emotions, tell their stories, and connect with their inner voice—without needing to say a word.

Art therapy-style activities help girls explore who they are, what they’ve been through, and how they see themselves. It’s not about “being good at art”—it’s about letting creativity become a tool for confidence, healing, and personal growth.

Whether you’re leading a workshop, supporting students, or mentoring girls 1:1, these art-based self esteem activities are easy to implement and deeply impactful.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Art opens up space for self reflection, healing, and expression

• Creative self esteem activities help girls reconnect with their inner strength

• There’s no “right” way to do it—it’s about the process, not the product

• Art becomes a mirror for girls to see and celebrate who they really are

1. Self Portrait with a Twist

Have girls draw or paint themselves—not as they look, but as they feel. Encourage them to use symbols, colors, or patterns that reflect their strengths, personality, and energy. Then have them share the story behind their portrait (if they feel comfortable).

2. Create a “Me Tree”

Girls draw a tree with roots, a trunk, and branches.

• Roots = where they come from (family, culture, values)

• Trunk = who they are today (personality, strengths)

• Branches = dreams and future hopes

This activity grounds self esteem in both identity and aspiration.

3. Affirmation Art Tiles

Using cardstock, index cards, or mini canvases, girls decorate small tiles with affirmations or kind messages to themselves. These can be turned into a collage, strung together as a banner, or tucked into a confidence jar.

4. Color Your Emotions

Assign colors to emotions and let girls create abstract or symbolic art that expresses how they’re feeling. Then reflect with questions like:

• What colors did you use the most?

• What do you notice about your art?

• What would your artwork say if it could speak?

5. Design a Self Esteem Shield

Girls create a personal “strength shield” divided into sections that represent their talents, values, challenges overcome, and people who inspire them. Think of it like a coat of arms for the heart.

6. Magazine Mirror Collage

Give girls a small mirror and have them decorate the frame with magazine clippings, words, and images that reflect how they want to see themselves. This craft can become a daily reminder to reflect on inner beauty and worth.

7. Create a Visual Timeline of Growth

Draw a winding path, ladder, or stepping stones and have girls illustrate key moments in their personal growth journey—things they’ve learned, overcome, or become proud of.

8. Emotional Mandalas

Start with a blank circle template. Inside, girls create mandalas using colors and shapes that reflect their inner world. This repetitive, calming activity invites mindfulness and gentle self reflection.

9. Self Love Word Weaving

Girls choose 5–10 words that reflect their identity, strengths, or aspirations and “weave” them together into a piece of visual poetry—using bold lettering, mixed media, or graphic design.

10. Create a “Worthy Wall”

Each girl decorates a square with the prompt: “I am worthy of…” Add them all together to form a visual wall of worthiness in your group space or classroom.

Want Even More Therapeutic Art Activities?

The Creating A Kinder Girl World Activity Kit includes creative, kindness-themed projects that naturally support self esteem through emotional expression, empathy, and connection. Perfect for art-based clubs, workshops, or school events, this kit helps girls turn compassion—inward and outward—into something beautiful and lasting.

Because when girls create with intention, they’re not just making art. They’re rewriting their inner narrative. They’re reminding themselves: I matter. I’m strong. I belong.

With Love,
Kate