Therapeutic Art Projects for Teen Girls Struggling With Low Self Esteem

Because when words feel too heavy, art can speak for the heart.

When a teen girl is battling low self esteem, it can feel like she’s carrying invisible weight. Sometimes, she shuts down. Sometimes, she lashes out. And sometimes, she simply doesn’t have the words to explain what’s going on inside.

That’s where therapeutic art projects come in. These creative, expressive activities offer a safe space for girls to release big emotions, explore their identity, and reconnect with their inner strength—without pressure or judgment.

You don’t have to be an art therapist to use these tools. You just need a compassionate heart, a safe space, and the willingness to let the process matter more than the product.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Therapeutic art projects help girls process emotions and build self worth through creativity

• They’re especially powerful for girls who struggle to express themselves verbally

• These projects work well in groups, 1:1 settings, or quiet solo time

• There’s no “wrong” way to do it—what matters is the feeling, not the final piece

1. Emotion-to-Color Abstract Art

Provide a blank page and a variety of colored pencils or paints. Invite girls to assign a color to each feeling they’re carrying, then create an abstract piece using those colors. Afterward, guide a gentle reflection:

• What feelings showed up for you?

• Which ones are asking for your attention or care?

2. Create a Safe Space Collage

Girls create a collage (digital or physical) of what a safe, kind space looks and feels like. It might be real or imagined—a cozy room, a favorite place, a peaceful mental space. This gives them a visual anchor to return to when they’re overwhelmed.

3. Make a “Worthy” Word Art Piece

Using markers, magazines, or cut-out letters, have girls create a piece that reflects the message “I am worthy.” Let them add surrounding words that describe why: “because I try,” “because I care,” “because I’m human.”

4. Shadow + Light Self Portrait

Girls draw themselves with two sides: one that shows how they feel on the outside, and one that represents what they’re holding inside. It opens up space to talk about hidden struggles—and inner strengths they may not even see.

5. Build a Healing Heart Mosaic

Cut out a large heart shape and tear colored paper into small pieces. Each piece represents a part of their story—challenges, wins, feelings, or qualities. Glued together, the heart becomes a powerful visual of healing through wholeness.

6. Create a Self Esteem Storyboard

Girls illustrate a “scene-by-scene” comic strip showing a moment when they overcame something tough—or are imagining a future moment when they will. It’s a creative way to build narrative confidence and remind them of their strength.

7. Visual “Letter to My Younger Self”

Invite girls to write (or draw!) a message to their younger self—something kind, encouraging, or healing. Then reflect: What do you need to hear from yourself right now, too?

8. Paint What You Need

Ask girls: If your emotions could paint something to show you what you need right now, what would it be? This open-ended project invites deep intuition and care.

9. Draw Your Inner Critic vs. Inner Champion

Have girls personify the two voices in their head—the critic and the cheerleader. What do they look like? Sound like? Which one do they want to listen to more?

10. My Future Self Portrait

Girls imagine themselves five years from now and create a portrait or vision board of that version of themselves. Ask:

• What is she doing?

• How does she feel?

• What does she believe about herself?

This activity builds hope and belief in who they’re becoming.

Want a Kit Full of Creative, Heart-Led Tools?

The Confidence & Self Esteem Coaching Kit includes reflection-based art prompts, healing worksheets, affirmations, and journaling tools designed to help girls reconnect with their worth in supportive, empowering ways. It’s perfect for small groups, school programs, or 1:1 mentoring with girls who need a gentle reminder: they are enough.

Remember, you don’t need fancy materials or artistic training to make a difference. Just create the space—and trust the process.

With Love,
Kate