Self Esteem Groups for Teen Girls
By Yana Shenker, LCSW-R
Founder, Resilient Mind Psychotherapy
Adolescence is a period of rapid emotional, social, and psychological change especially for girls. Between academic pressure, social media, body image concerns, shifting friendships, and growing independence, many teen girls experience dips in confidence and self-esteem. For parents, it can be difficult to know when these changes are part of normal development and when additional support may be helpful.
Self-esteem groups for teen girls offer a structured, therapist-led environment where adolescents can explore confidence, emotional awareness, and healthy self-expression alongside peers facing similar challenges. Understanding how these groups work can help parents make informed decisions about whether group therapy is the right fit for their child.
Resilient Mind Psychotherapy is currently offering an in-person Girls Cultivating Self-Esteem Group designed for teen girls ages 13–15. This ongoing group provides a supportive, therapist-led environment where adolescents can explore confidence, self-awareness, and healthy ways of relating to themselves and others.
Adolescence is a time of emotional growth, identity development, and increased social pressure. This group helps teen girls strengthen self-esteem, improve assertiveness, and practice positive self-talk through guided discussions, interactive activities, and peer connection.
Ages: 13–15
Meets: Mondays at 6:00 PM
Format: In-person, small group setting
Facilitated by: Jennifer Ilyayeva, Clinical Intern (under licensed supervision)
Cost: $30 per session (out-of-pocket)
Group therapy allows teens to connect with peers who may be experiencing similar challenges, helping them feel less alone while developing emotional and social skills in a structured, supportive space.
To learn more about this group or to see if it may be a good fit, parents are encouraged to contact our office directly or explore our full Group Therapy for Children and Teens offerings.
Between the ages of 13 and 15, teens begin forming a stronger sense of identity while becoming increasingly sensitive to how they are perceived by others. Self-esteem during this stage influences:
Emotional resilience and stress management
Academic engagement and motivation
Peer relationships and social confidence
Willingness to express needs and set boundaries
Low self-esteem may show up as withdrawal, self-criticism, irritability, perfectionism, avoidance of social situations, or difficulty speaking up. While not every teen needs therapy, ongoing struggles with confidence or self-worth can benefit from professional support.
A self-esteem group is a form of group therapy led by a trained mental health professional. Unlike casual support groups, therapeutic groups follow a structured format with clear goals and clinical oversight.
In self-esteem groups designed for teen girls, participants engage in guided discussions, activities, and reflections that focus on:
Developing a healthier sense of self-worth
Improving emotional awareness
Strengthening assertiveness and communication
Practicing positive self-talk
Learning coping skills for stress and social pressure
Groups are intentionally kept small to ensure safety, comfort, and meaningful participation.
Group therapy offers benefits that individual therapy alone may not provide. For many teens, seeing peers openly discuss similar struggles reduces feelings of isolation and “being the only one.”
Key benefits of self-esteem groups include:
Normalization:
Girls learn that others experience similar doubts and insecurities, which can reduce shame and self-criticism.
Social Learning:
Teens practice communication, listening, and self-expression in real time with peers.
Confidence Building:
Participating in discussions and activities helps teens build confidence gradually in a supportive environment.
Emotional Regulation:
Groups often include tools for managing strong emotions, stress, and negative thought patterns.
Peer Connection:
Healthy peer interaction supports emotional growth and social development during adolescence.
While each program may vary, most self-esteem groups for teen girls follow a predictable and reassuring structure. A typical session may include:
A brief emotional check-in
Guided discussion around a self-esteem or confidence-related topic
Interactive exercises or activities
Opportunities for reflection and sharing
Therapist-led support to ensure emotional safety and respect
Sessions are designed to be engaging while remaining clinically appropriate and age-specific.
Group therapy can be very effective, but it is not the right fit for every adolescent. A self-esteem group may be helpful for teens who:
Struggle with confidence or self-doubt
Have difficulty expressing themselves
Experience social stress or peer pressure
Benefit from peer interaction and shared experiences
Teens who are experiencing severe emotional distress or prefer one-on-one support may benefit from individual therapy first. A mental health professional can help determine the most appropriate level of care.
Parents often ask about safety and confidentiality in group settings. Therapeutic self-esteem groups are:
Led by trained clinicians or supervised clinical interns
Guided by clear group rules and expectations
Designed to promote respect, emotional safety, and inclusion
Carefully screened to ensure developmental appropriateness
Facilitators actively manage group dynamics to ensure that sessions remain supportive and constructive.
Parents play an important role in supporting teens participating in group therapy. Helpful ways to stay involved include:
Encouraging open, non-judgmental conversation
Respecting your teen’s privacy while remaining available
Supporting consistency and attendance
Avoiding pressure to “fix” emotions quickly
Group therapy is a process, and growth often happens gradually.
Self-esteem groups for teen girls can provide valuable support during a critical stage of development. By offering a safe space to explore emotions, practice communication, and build confidence alongside peers, group therapy helps adolescents develop skills that extend well beyond the therapy room.
For parents navigating how best to support their teen’s emotional well-being, understanding the role and structure of group therapy is an important first step.
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