25 Self-Esteem Group Therapy Activities

You also Feel? Group therapy can boost confidence and self-worth?

Yes you are right, It’s simpler than you think!” 

In this article, let’s check out 25 cool and easy group therapy activities. They’re all about making you feel good about yourself. Ready to give them a try and build up that Self-esteem?”

Why Group Therapy for Self Esteem?

Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves a small group of individuals working together with a trained therapist to address a specific issue or challenge. In the case of self-esteem, group therapy can provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment for individuals to explore their feelings and beliefs about themselves.

Have you ever wondered why working together in a group can be more powerful than facing challenges alone?

Research indicates that group therapy has proven to be highly effective in enhancing self-esteem. According to a study published in the Journal of Counseling Psychology (Smith et al.,2019), Individuals participating in group therapy reported greater improvements in self-esteem compared to those undergoing only individual therapy.

Group Therapy Activities

“I Am” Collage

Creating a “I Am” collage is a fun and creative way for individuals to explore their self-perception and self-worth. In this activity, each group member is given a piece of paper and a variety of magazines, newspapers, and art supplies.

The group leader will then ask each member to create a collage that represents who they are as a person. This can include images, words, and phrases that reflect their values, interests, and strengths.

After everyone has completed their collages, each member can share their creation with the group and explain the meaning behind their choices. This activity can help individuals identify and celebrate their unique qualities and improve their self esteem.

Positive Affirmation Jar

A positive affirmation jar is a simple yet powerful activity that can help individuals reframe negative self-talk and boost self-esteem. The group leader will provide each member with a small jar or container and a stack of blank cards.

Each member will then write down positive affirmations or compliments about themselves on the cards and place them in their jar. These affirmations can be anything from “I am strong and capable” to “I am worthy of love and respect.”

At the end of the activity, each member can take turns pulling out a card from their jar and reading it aloud to the group. This exercise can help individuals focus on their strengths,increasing self esteem and build a more positive self-image.

“I Am” Poem

Writing a “I Am” poem is another creative way for individuals to explore their self-perception and self-worth. In this activity, each member is given a piece of paper and a pen.

The group leader will then ask each member to write a poem that starts with the phrase “I am” and includes positive statements about themselves. For example, “I am strong and resilient, I am kind and compassionate, I am worthy of love and respect.”

After everyone has completed their poems, each member can share their creation with the group. T

Positive Self-Portrait

Creating a positive self-portrait is a fun and creative way for individuals to explore their self-perception and self-worth. In this activity, each member is given a piece of paper and art supplies.

The group leader will then ask each member to create a self-portrait that reflects their positive qualities and strengths. This can include images, symbols, and colors that represent their values, interests, and personality.

After everyone has completed their self-portraits, each member can share their creation with the group and explain the meaning behind their choices. This activity can help individuals to remove their negative thoughts.

Gratitude Lists

For this group activity, each person is given a piece of paper. On the paper, everyone writes down things they are thankful for. These can be big or small, like having a good friend, enjoying a sunny day, or even just having a delicious meal.

The idea is to make a list of things that bring joy and appreciation. When someone is feeling a bit down, they can look at their gratitude list to remind themselves of the positive aspects in their life. This activity helps the group focus on the good things and promotes a sense of thankfulness among its members. Sharing these lists can also create a positive and uplifting atmosphere within the group.

Acts of Kindness Journal

In this group activity, everyone gets a special journal. When someone does something nice, like helping a friend or sharing, they write it down.

The aim is to keep adding these acts of kindness to the journal over time. It becomes a record of all the good things the group does, promoting kindness and creating a positive feeling. Sharing these acts of kindness can inspire others to do positive things, making the group a supportive and caring place.

Strengths Tree

Draw a tree together. On the branches, write down things that each person is good at or likes about themselves. Watch the tree grow with everyone’s strengths. It’s a cool way to see the awesome things each person brings to the group.

Dream Board:

Each person creates a dream board by cutting out pictures or words from magazines and gluing them on a board. The pictures represent dreams and goals they have. The dream board is a visual reminder of what each person wants to achieve. Sharing dream boards with the group can inspire and motivate everyone to follow their dreams.

Self-Care Pledge

Participants make a personal pledge to engage in self-care by writing down specific actions they will take on paper. This could include things like taking breaks, getting sufficient sleep, or engaging in enjoyable hobbies and activities. By sharing their self-care pledges with each other, individuals are reminded to prioritize their own well-being, while also creating a supportive environment where everyone encourages each other to properly care for themselves. The written pledges serve as a reference for prioritizing self-care.

Value Diamonds

participants draw a diamond and write inside it what is important to them, like values, priorities, or what they cherish. These “Value Diamonds” visually represent each person’s guiding principles and priorities. By sharing their diamonds with the group, individuals help foster understanding and appreciation among members about what truly matters to each person. The activity allows for self-reflection on values and creates connection through sharing priorities with others.

Self-Love Letters

Participants write a letter to themselves using kind and encouraging language. The letters allow for self-appreciation by focusing on individual strengths and positive qualities.

Sharing “Self-Love Letters” in the group creates a supportive space where everyone’s value is recognized and accepted. It’s a simple yet impactful exercise that boosts self-esteem by promoting self-love through words of affirmation. The activity fosters a culture where members uplift one another.

Photo Compliments

In this activity, group members share photos with each other. Everyone takes turns giving compliments about the pictures, focusing on positive and uplifting words. This activity encourages a supportive and affirming atmosphere, where individuals celebrate and appreciate the unique qualities captured in the photos. It’s a simple and joyful way to spread positivity within the group.

Inspiration Mobile

Group creates a mobile displaying things that inspire members like quotes, pictures or dreams. This visual serves as a reminder of positivity and motivation, uplifting the atmosphere.

Self-Love Mantras

Individuals create short positive sayings about themselves as personal affirmations. Sharing these self-love mantras with the group promotes self-appreciation by focusing on strengths and worth, encouraging a supportive culture.

Self-Compassion Breaks

Group members take short breaks to practice self-compassion through pausing, breathing and being gentle with themselves. This helps individuals cope during difficult times and fosters a supportive environment.

Kind Hands Exercise

Participants draw their hands and write kind acts on each finger for a visual representation. This Kind Hands Exercise underscores how small acts of kindness can positively impact others and serves as a reminder to spread care and create a nurturing atmosphere in the group.

Self-Appreciation Bingo

Each person makes a bingo card with things they value about themselves. As these are shared, others mark cards. This recognizes strengths and fosters an affirming environment through appreciation.

Confidence Cup

Individuals decorate and fill a cup with achievements, big or small. Sipping from the Confidence Cup celebrates accomplishments and promotes a confident mindset within the group by focusing on successes.

Self-Care Show & Tell:

Group members share their self-care routines through demonstration and discussion. This creates a supportive environment where individuals can learn from and share ideas to promote well-being.

Comfort-Zone Pushpins

In this, participants mark where they feel safe on a board and move a pushpin outside to show taking a chance. This exercise encourages facing fears and trying new things.

“Me at My Best” Sketches

Group members draw pictures of themselves shining. Sharing the sketches spots the light on strengths and makes a good feeling place.

Compassionate Letters to Others

Participants write kind and caring letters to other group members. This activity encourages thoughtful messages between people and builds a friendly group.

Self-Esteem SUPERHEROES

Individuals imagine their self-esteem as a superhero and draw it. Self-Esteem SUPERHEROES help each person visualize their inner strength and uniqueness, encouraging a positive and empowering mindset in the group.

Appreciation Art Gallery:

each person brings or shares items that hold personal meaning or bring joy. It could be a drawing, a meaningful object, or a symbol of something they appreciate. These items collectively form a gallery display.

As everyone shares the stories behind their chosen items, the group experiences a shared journey of appreciation. The Appreciation Art Gallery becomes a visual and emotional representation of the positive aspects valued by each member. This activity encourages a sense of connection, gratitude, and celebration within the group.

Benefits of Group Therapy for Self Esteem

• Provides a sense of belonging and connection
• Encourages self-reflection and self-identity
• Offers a safe and supportive environment for sharing and receiving feedback
• Promotes social skills and communication
• Allows for the development of coping strategies and problem-solving skills

Conclusion

Group therapy sessions can be a powerful tool for boosting self-esteem and building confidence. Through fun and creative activities, individuals can identify and celebrate their unique qualities and build a more positive self-image. With the help of group therapy, individuals can learn to love and accept themselves for who they are.

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