Build Your Tower: An Art Therapy Activity to Boost Self-Esteem

What is Self-Esteem?

Self-esteem is the long-term view we hold of our own self-worth. It’s different from self-confidence, which is situational. For example, someone might feel confident performing on stage but still have deep doubts about their overall value or identity. Tower of Self-Esteem, is an art therapy exercise designed to help you directly visualise your self esteem.

Low self-esteem can influence how we view challenges, relationships, and even how we talk to ourselves. That’s why it’s important to address and nurture it, especially in ways that are creative and accessible.

How Can Art Therapy Help Your Self-Esteem?

Art therapy offers a creative and non-judgmental space to explore thoughts, emotions, and personal stories. It works by engaging:

• Self-expression – getting thoughts and feelings out visually
• Autonomy – giving a sense of control over your expression
• Emotional processing – helping you reflect through creativity
• Self-reflection – reconnecting with your own strengths and voice

There are three powerful elements in art therapy that support growth:

1. The act of including yourself in the creative process
2. The emotional or personal outcome of what you’ve made
3. The process of art-making itself as a therapeutic release

Try This: The Tower of Self-Esteem Activity

This simple, guided art activity can help you become more aware of your strengths, values, and skills—all the things that make you, you. And it’s great for both adults and children!

Remember the goal isn’t to make something perfect—it’s to create something honest and kind to yourself.

What You’ll Need to build your tower of Self-Esteem:

• A blank sheet of paper
• Sketch pens, crayons, colored pencils—whatever you enjoy using

Steps to Follow:

1. Draw your tower – stack blocks one on top of another like building bricks.
2. Write one thing in each block – include:
   
   • Your strengths (e.g. resilience, creativity)
   • Your qualities (e.g. kind, helpful, patient)
   • Your talents (e.g. storytelling, music)
   • Your achievements (e.g. finishing a project, learning something new)
   • Your skills (e.g. organizing, problem-solving)
3. Decorate freely – give each block its own personality. No judgment!
4. Reflect – journal about what you included and why it matters to you.
5. Let it lead to self-talk – this can gently shift how you see your capabilities.

Here’s an example of what this activity may look like. You can also download the blank one, print it out and fill it in!

Journal entry: Explain each block.
Which block was the hardest to write?

Take your time to analyse each block,
you can also record your thoughts and hear it back
or share it with a trusted one.

Why Creative Exercises Like – The Tower Of Self-Esteem, Matter?

When we feel low, it’s hard to see ourselves clearly. Our inner critic gets loud. But when we create something physical—like a visual list of our strengths—it becomes easier to recognize our value. It’s a reminder that you’re made up of much more than your doubts or tough days.

This activity helps translate invisible self-worth into something real and visible. And that’s where real change can begin.

A Wonderful Practice for Children Too

This activity is also perfect for kids. Children often struggle to name their strengths out loud—but drawing, coloring, and naming their “superpowers” in a fun tower format gives them a powerful boost of confidence.

Parents, teachers, and therapists can all use this exercise to:

• Help children explore positive self-image
• Encourage open conversations about self-esteem
• Strengthen emotional expression in a creative, fun way

Doing this together also builds connection. Parents can model self-worth by building their own tower side-by-side, showing children that it’s okay to feel proud of who you are.

Pro Tip: Create a “Tower Wall” at home or in class where everyone can pin up their towers and celebrate each other’s uniqueness.

Want to Take This a Step Further?

Sometimes, just getting started can make all the difference—but having someone to reflect with can take the experience deeper. If you’d like support along your self-esteem journey, our therapists are here for you. Explore our team and book a session.

Credits: Therapist Faika