Creative Art Therapy Activities to Boost Confidence in Teen Girls

Self-Expression + Self-Worth = Empowerment That Sticks

Art is more than just paint and pretty pictures. It’s a powerful tool for self-expression, healing, and confidence-building—especially for teen girls who often struggle to put their feelings into words.

Creative activities help girls slow down, explore their identity, release inner critics, and reflect on who they really are—without judgment or pressure to “get it right.”

Whether you’re a teacher, coach, counselor, or parent, these art therapy-inspired activities can help girls discover their strengths, process their emotions, and feel proud of what makes them unique.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Art helps girls express emotions and identity without needing to talk

• These activities focus on self-worth, voice, strengths, and growth

• No art skills needed—just space, materials, and a willingness to explore

• Perfect for groups, after-school programs, or quiet at-home reflection

• Confidence grows when girls create, reflect, and feel safe to be themselves

🎨 1. “I Am” Self-Portrait Collage

Supplies: Magazines, glue sticks, paper, scissors, markers

Have girls create a self-portrait using words, images, and colors that reflect their inner strengths—not appearance. Encourage prompts like:

• “I am brave when…”

• “I feel strong when…”

• “These are the things that matter to me…”

Why it works: Girls get to see their identity in a visual way that celebrates who they are on the inside.

🌈 2. Emotions-to-Color Abstract Art

Supplies: Watercolors, chalk pastels, or colored pencils

Ask girls to choose an emotion they’ve felt recently (confidence, fear, sadness, pride) and turn it into abstract art using color, shape, and line—no words or figures, just feeling.

Then, invite reflection: “What does this piece tell me about what I need?”

Why it works: It externalizes big feelings in a safe, creative way—and builds emotional awareness.

🖼️ 3. Strength Shield Design

Supplies: Paper, markers, or cardstock cut into a shield shape

Girls divide their “shield” into four parts:

1. My values

2. My strengths

3. A challenge I’ve overcome

4. What makes me a good friend/leader

Let them decorate and hang their shield as a visual reminder of who they are when they feel strong.

Why it works: It connects confidence to identity and personal power.

💌 4. Love Letter to Myself

Supplies: Stationery, washi tape, markers, envelopes

Girls write a letter to themselves as if from a loving best friend.
Include:

• Things they’re proud of

• Encouragement for hard days

• Reminders of their worth and bravery

They can decorate it, seal it, and open it the next time they need a confidence boost.

Why it works: It helps reframe the inner critic and develop compassionate self-talk.

🪞 5. Mirror Affirmation Frame

Supplies: Small mirrors or cardstock + frame templates, markers

Girls design a frame around a mirror (or use cardstock to create a symbolic “mirror”) and fill it with affirmations and words that reflect their true selves:

“I am smart.”
“I can speak up.”
“I deserve to take up space.”

Why it works: Builds daily confidence and helps girls reshape their internal dialogue.

🎭 6. Confidence Mask Project

Supplies: Paper plates, markers, sequins, glue, feathers

Have girls design two sides of a mask:

• Front side: What they show to the world

• Back side: What they feel, fear, or wish people knew

Then, reflect: “What would it look like to feel safe showing both sides?”

Why it works: It builds awareness of emotional expression and hidden strengths.

📷 7. Empowerment Photo Booth

Supplies: Camera or phone, props, poster board

Set up a mini photo shoot where girls pose with handmade signs featuring:

• Affirmations

• Power words

• Dreams or leadership goals

Print the photos and let girls journal about what they see in themselves.

Why it works: It shifts the focus from appearance to presence and personal power.

🌀 8. Growth Spiral or Timeline

Supplies: Poster paper, markers

Girls draw a spiral or timeline that charts their personal growth:

• Brave moments

• Lessons learned

• Strengths they’ve built

• Goals they’re working toward

Optional: Add symbols, colors, or quotes that represent each chapter.

Why it works: It helps girls see how far they’ve come—and feel hopeful for what’s next.

Bonus Idea: Host an Empowerment Art Showcase

Let girls choose a piece of art to share (if they feel comfortable) and explain what it represents.
Celebrate each creation and end with a Shine Circle or kind words exchange.

Want Even More Creative Tools for Confidence-Building?
The FearlesslyGiRL Program Kits include printable art activities, affirmations, journaling pages, and group facilitation guides—so you can run powerful, heart-centered sessions without spending hours planning.

Because when girls create with intention, they grow with confidence.

And that creativity? It’s not just fun—it’s transformational.

– Kate