The Self-Esteem Workbook for Teens: Activities to Help You Build Confidence and Achieve Your Goals

by Lisa M. Schab LCSW

Overview

For teens, confidence is key! This fully revised and updated edition of The Self—Esteem Workbook for Teens has everything you need to boost self—confidence, improve your social skills, balance social media use, and reach your goals.

As a teen, it is incredibly important to have self—confidence, especially when you consider all the societal pressures teens face today, particularly about appearance and grades. Growing up in today’s world is difficult, and in the midst of all this life—related stress, it’s easy to magnify your own weaknesses and minimize—or even ignore—your true assets. This workbook can help.

In this fully revised and updated second edition of The Self—Esteem Workbook for Teens, you’ll learn to develop a healthy, realistic view of yourself that includes honest assessments of your weaknesses and strengths, and you will learn to respect yourself, faults and all. You’ll also learn the difference between self—esteem and being self—centered, self—absorbed, or selfish. Finally, this book will show you how to distinguish the outer appearance of confidence from the quiet, steady, inner acceptance and humility of true self—esteem.

This second edition includes practical exercises to help you deal with body image issues, be more assertive and set boundaries with others, and navigate difficult social situations—including bullying, cyberbullying and social media overload. You’ll also find activities that promote healthy thinking habits and problem solving; tips for handling criticism, setbacks, and self—doubt; and strategies for developing self—awareness, self—acceptance, and self—worth.

With the right amount of self—confidence, you will have the emotional resources you need to succeed and reach your goals. This workbook can help you get started, step by step.

In these increasingly challenging times, kids and teens need mental health resources more than ever. With more than 1.6 million copies sold worldwide, Instant Help Books are easy to use, proven—effective, and recommended by therapists.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781648480003
Publisher:	New Harbinger Publications
Publication date:	06/01/2022
Edition description:	Second Edition, Revised
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	7.90(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.70(d)
Age Range:	13 - 18 Years

About the Author

Lisa M. Schab, LCSW, is a practicing psychotherapist in the greater Chicago, IL, area; and author of twenty—four self—help books, including The Anxiety Workbook for Teens, The Self—Esteem Workbook for Teens, and the teen guided journals, Put Your Worries Here, Put Your Feelings Here, and Find Your Self—Love Here. 

Schab has been interviewed as an expert on Milwaukee television stations WTMJ—TV and WISN—TV, and by The New York Times, Scholastic Choices magazine, Teen Vogue, Psych Central, and Kate Shannon’s Creative Therapy Umbrella podcast. Schab has authored regular mental health columns for Chicago Parent Magazine and The Sun newspapers. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

Table of Contents

To Readers v

To Parents, Professional and All Helping Adults vii

Activity 1 What Is Healthy Self-Esteem? 1

Activity 2 Recognize Your Power: Your Self-Esteem Is in Your Hands 6

Activity 3 Claim Your Intrinsic Value and Worth 10

Activity 4 Release Devaluing Messages 15

Activity 5 Choose Positive Self-Messages 22

Activity 6 The Power of Self-Compassion 27

Activity 7 The Perfection of Diversity 32

Activity 8 Your Authentic Self Is Your Best Self 36

Activity 9 Who You Are for Your Family 41

Activity 10 Who You Are for Your Friends 46

Activity 11 Who You Are for Society 49

Activity 12 It's Normal to Not Know 54

Activity 13 Discovering Your Likes and Dislikes 57

Activity 14 Discovering Your Dreams 61

Activity 15 Discovering Your Beliefs 65

Activity 16 Discovering Your Passions 69

Activity 17 You in the Universe 73

Activity 18 Why You Are Here 78

Activity 19 Celebrate Your Strengths, Work with Your Weaknesses 83

Activity 20 The Power of Intuition 87

Activity 21 Your Body Image: How to Fight False Facts 93

Activity 22 Your Body Image: How to Love the Body You've Got 98

Activity 23 About Judgment 103

Activity 24 Take Charge of Social Media 108

Activity 25 How to Talk to People: Basic Social Skills 114

Activity 26 Assertive Communication 120

Activity 27 Don't Take Everything Personally 125

Activity 28 No One Is Liked by Everyone 129

Activity 29 Peer Pressure 133

Activity 30 Setting Healthy Boundaries 137

Activity 31 The Look of Healthy Self-Esteem 142

Activity 32 The Power of Managing Feelings 146

Activity 33 Tolerating Discomfort 152

Activity 34 The Power of Inner Peace 157

Activity 35 Thinking Habits That Help or Hinder 162

Activity 36 Accepting Mistakes 168

Activity 37 The Power of Gratitude 171

Activity 38 The Power of Possibility 177

Activity 39 The Power of Conviction 182

Activity 40 The Power of Responsibility 187

Activity 41 The Power of Positive Decisions 192

Activity 42 The Power of Facing Challenges Head-On 198

Activity 43 Setting Realistic Goals 202

Activity 44 Problem-Solving Skills 207

Activity 45 It's Never Too Late to Turn Things Around 213

Activity 46 Smart People Ask for Help 218

Conclusion 223

Interviews

Schab resides in the Greater Chicago, IL, Area.

Editorial Reviews

The Self—Esteem Workbook for Teens actively engages students in a gentle self—exploration of the ways both internal and external factors influence their self—perceptions and well—being. The workbook is set up with a logical flow that provides information, engages the student in thoughtful self—analysis, and offers reflection on one’s individual strengths and positive attributes. Additionally, the workbook guides students in changing behaviors and thought processes detrimental to their well—being. The scenarios in the book provide relatable, real—life situations of which the adolescent can easily make sense.”
—Wendy Merryman, PhD, counselor in the Central Dauphin School District, working to promote positive personal, social, emotional, and academic growth of students in individual, small—group, and classroom settings

Wendy Merryman

Yet another excellent workbook for teens by Lisa M. Schab! The Self Esteem Workbook for Teens is a useful tool that actively engages teens utilizing enjoyable and introspective activities to help them explore ways to build positive self—esteem. Teens, parents, therapists, and anyone who works with teens would find this book to be an incredible resource to include in their library.”
—Ariel Callen, BS, certified family—based therapist

Ariel Callen

This is a brilliant, inspiring book that teaches and guides teens to navigate their inner world, as well as the world they live in. In a masterful piece, Schab has encompassed all aspects of teenagers’ experience: body, mind, spirit, and relationships. The workbook format offers results—oriented lessons for a lifetime of healthy self—esteem. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has a teenager or has ever been one.”
—Susan Schwass, LCSW, private practitioner working with teens and their families for thirty—five years

Susan Schwass

This is a warm and wonderfully written workbook! It will not only guide teens to wholesome self—esteem, but will also help them through the inevitable ups and downs of their lives with sound mental health. I heartily recommend it.”
—Glenn R. Schiraldi, PhD, University of Maryland School of Public Health (ret.), and author of The Self—Esteem Workbook and The Adverse Childhood Experiences Recovery Workbook

Glenn R. Schiraldi

Bolstering authentic self—esteem is critical to self—acceptance and mental well—being. The Self—Esteem Workbook for Teens offers teens, parents, and adults who work with them an engaging and effective tool. Relevant scenarios give teens an understanding of what self—esteem is based on, and activities allow them to explore their beliefs and interests to recognize and appreciate their strengths. Daily affirmations are helpful in highlighting the essential concepts.”
—Mary K. Alvord, PhD, psychologist, and coauthor of Conquer Negative Thinking for Teens and Resilience Builder Program for Children and Adolescents

Mary K. Alvord

Lisa Schab’s workbook provides the reader with excellent tools to better understand themselves, where they are, and where they want to go. With this deeper understanding, they can embrace their whole selves and live a more authentic, fulfilling, and successful life.”
—Michelle Skeen, PsyD, author of Just As You Are and Love Me Don’t Leave Me

Michelle Skeen

I’ve used Lisa Schab’s workbooks for teens for many years in my work with 7—12 grade students as a school counselor. I appreciate the tools and activities in this workbook because they are user—friendly, developmentally appropriate, engaging, and I see results when students take advantage of the exercises. This is a must—have resource in every school counselor’s office, and a book I can refer parents to when they’re looking to help their teens as well!”
—Chelsea Roberts, BS, Eau Claire M.S. school counseling; University of Wisconsin – Stout; 7—12 grade school counselor at Gibraltar Secondary School

Chelsea Roberts

An amazing resource—everything you want in a self—esteem workbook, plus more! Practical skills and tools are framed in an inviting and engaging way, updated for today’s modern world. This is a must—have on every clinician’s bookshelf, and a true gift for parents and teens alike who are looking for accessible support.”
—Cheryl M. Bradshaw, RP, MA, author of The Resilience Workbook for Teens and How to Like Yourself

Cheryl M. Bradshaw

The Self—Esteem Workbook for Teens is essential to have in a social—emotional learning tool kit. The workbook is an invaluable resource for teens and professionals which provides guided lessons and practical activities to explore self—acceptance, and teaches positive skills to encourage personal growth during the challenging journey of adolescence. The expanded activities in this edition offer further opportunities for self—discovery, self—reflection, and building positive and healthy relationships.”
—Jenny Szewczyk, NCSP, school psychologist at Westbrook High School in Westbrook, CT

Jenny Szewczyk

The Self—Esteem Workbook for Teens is outstanding and very needed. Every chapter made me think of a teen who would benefit from this. I love the affirmations in each chapter. This workbook has so many valuable messages and activities to help teens build up their self—esteem. Another inspiring winner for this school social worker to utilize.”
—Ellen Griffith, MSW, middle school social worker

Ellen Griffith

This is a brilliant, inspiring book that teaches and guides teens to navigate their inner world, as well as the world they live in. In a masterful piece, Schab has encompassed all aspects of teenagers’ experience: body, mind, spirit, and relationships. The workbook format offers results-oriented lessons for a lifetime of healthy self-esteem. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has a teenager or has ever been one.”
—Susan Schwass, LCSW, private practitioner working with teens and their families for thirty-five years
 



“The Self-Esteem Workbook for Teens actively engages students in a gentle self-exploration of the ways both internal and external factors influence their self-perceptions and well-being. The workbook is set up with a logical flow that provides information, engages the student in thoughtful self-analysis, and offers reflection on one’s individual strengths and positive attributes. Additionally, the workbook guides students in changing behaviors and thought processes detrimental to their well-being. The scenarios in the book provide relatable, real-life situations of which the adolescent can easily make sense.”
—Wendy Merryman, PhD, counselor in the Central Dauphin School District, working to promote positive personal, social, emotional, and academic growth of students in individual, small-group, and classroom settings
 



“This book offers teenagers empathetic, honest, and clear ways to challenge self-esteem and build self-insight. It touches on everything from society’s external, often overbearing mixed messages, which teenagers encounter daily, to deep, personal internal conflicts and family dynamics. The numerous, unique activities offer teens a safe and positive space to change their thoughts and actions, ultimately helping them to have more successful relationships and high school careers.”
—Nicole Brown, MAAT, LPC, CYI, The Child, Adolescent, and Family Recovery Center and the Child, Adolescent, and Family Development Center




“Lisa Schab's workbook on self-esteem for teens is replete with commonsense exercises and instructions that are all informed by current research and developmental theory. Each of the 'Know This' prefaces illustrate Schab's practical wisdom and advanced clinical skills as a psychotherapist and professional whose knowledge-sets span the emotions, minds, and behaviors of both teens and their families.”
—Randolph Lucente, PhD, professor of adolescent psychology at Loyola University Chicago's School of Social Work


“The Self-Esteem Workbook for Teens provides a comprehensive, usable format of step-by-step progression toward a healthy self-concept, the foundation of effective learning.  Lisa Schab has developed a program designed to encourage self-reflection, self-awareness, perseverance, and the importance of taking action to improve the situation.  Throughout, teens are counseled to pay attention to and act upon the urgings of the authentic self—an incredibly valuable life skill. The workbook could easily be used by either individuals or groups.”
—Nancy Hanrahan, MA, NCC, school counselor at St. Joseph School, Libertyville, IL
 



“Adolescence is often a bewildering time when self-esteem gets battered. Teens regularly second-guess themselves and worry about their self-worth, leading them to engage in self-destructive behaviors. This workbook gives readers practical, creative, and empowering tools to not only explore their identity but build self-confidence and make smart, healthy decisions. It also helps teens become critical consumers, discover their passions, navigate peer pressure, and become more compassionate toward themselves and others. It's truly a must-read for any teen!”
—Margarita Tartakovsky, MS, associate editor at psychcentral.com



“This workbook encompasses all aspects of a teen’s journey to a higher self-esteem.”
—Tracey Engdahl, juvenile corrections counselor

From the Publisher