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

by Lisa M. Schab LCSW

Overview

Named in Tutorful’s Best Child Self-Esteem Boosters/Resources 2018

As a teen, it is incredibly important to have self-confidence, especially when you consider societal pressures about appearance and grades. Just growing up is difficult in and of itself, and in the midst of all this life-related stress, you may not be seeing yourself clearly. In fact, you may be magnifying your weaknesses and minimizing—or even ignoring—your true assets.

Psychologists believe that low self-esteem is at the root of many emotional problems. When you have healthy self-esteem, you feel good about yourself and see yourself as deserving of the respect of others. When you have low self-esteem, you put little value on your opinions and ideas, and may find yourself fading into the background of life. Without some measure of self-worth, you cannot accomplish your goals.

In The Self-Esteem Workbook for Teens, you will 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 will 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.

The book also includes practical exercises to help you deal with setbacks and self-doubt, skills for dealing with criticism, and activities that will aid in the development of self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-worth. With the right amount of self-confidence, you will have the emotional resources you need to reach your goals.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781608825820
Publisher:	New Harbinger Publications
Publication date:	06/01/2013
Series:	Instant Help for Teens Series
Pages:	200
Sales rank:	323,873
Product dimensions:	7.90(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	13 - 17 Years

About the Author

Lisa M. Schab, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker with a private counseling practice in the greater Chicago area. She has authored fourteen self-help books and workbooks for children, teens, and adults, including The Anxiety Workbook for Teens and Beyond the Blues. Schab teaches self-help workshops for the general public and training seminars for professionals, and is a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD). You can find out more about Schab at lisamschabooks.com.

Table of Contents

To Parents and Helping Professionals V

Introduction 1

Activity 1 What Healthy Self-Esteem Means 3

Activity 2 Your Story 6

Activity 3 Your Positives 9

Activity 4 Brain Chemical Messages 12

Activity 5 Family Messages 16

Activity 6 Social Messages 21

Activity 7 Self-Messages 24

Activity 8 The Truth About Human Worth 28

Activity 9 The Perfection of Diversity 32

Activity 10 About Bodies 36

Activity 11 About Mistakes 41

Activity 12 About Comparing 44

Activity 13 About Judgment 48

Activity 14 Your Authentic Self 52

Activity 15 Who You Are for Your Family 57

Activity 16 Who You Are or Your Friends 62

Activity 17 Who You Are for Society 65

Activity 18 It's Normal to Not Know 70

Activity 19 Discovering Your Likes and Dislikes 73

Activity 20 Discovering Your Dreams 77

Activity 21 Discovering Your Beliefs 81

Activity 22 Discovering Your Passions 85

Activity 23 Peer Pressure 89

Activity 24 You In The Universe 93

Activity 25 Why You Are Here 97

Activity 26 The Power of Attitude 101

Activity 27 The Power of Managing Feelings 106

Activity 28 The Power of Tolerating Discomfort 111

Activity 29 The Power of Responsibility 117

Activity 30 The Power of Intuition 122

Activity 31 The Power of Gratitude 127

Activity 32 The Power of Compassion 133

Activity 33 The Power of Possibility 138

Activity 34 The Power of Your Thoughts 143

Activity 35 The Power of Conviction 151

Activity 36 The Power of Positive Decisions 156

Activity 37 The Power of Facing Challenges Head On 163

Activity 38 The Power of Realistic Goals 167

Activity 39 The Power of Support 172

Activity 40 The Power of a Higher Power 179

Interviews

Lisa Schab lives in the Greater Chicago Area.

Editorial Reviews

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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