9 Engaging Therapy Activities for Teens

Howard Spector, Co-Founder, SimplePractice

September 5, 2024

Three teenage girls discuss their therapy journeys and the therapy activities for teens they have tried with their therapists

Looking for enjoyable therapy activities for teens?

Whether you’re a therapist or counselor who sees teen clients, or you have children or teenagers in your life, here are some helpful therapeutic activity ideas.

Incorporating therapy activities for kids and teens is a helpful and effective therapy strategy to foster growth and development during the tumultuous adolescent years.

From art therapy to mindfulness exercises, these fun therapy activities for youth provide a safe space for teens to explore their emotions and develop coping skills.

Interactive teen therapy games, journaling prompts, and group discussions can help teens build self-awareness, improve communication skills, and enhance their overall well-being.

Therapists who introduce therapy activities for teens that resonate with the unique needs of young adults—including group therapy activities for teens—create a supportive environment where teenagers can navigate the challenges of adolescence and thrive.

Art therapy activities for teens

When considering therapy activities for kids and teens, art therapy may be the very first category of activity that comes to mind. And, for good reason! Creative activities can offer powerful therapeutic benefits. For example, art therapy exercises for teens help young adults express themselves and manage their emotions.

Here are three creative therapy activities for teens you can use with your clients.

Painting or drawing emotions

For teens who enjoy visual arts activities (and not all of them do!), painting or drawing emotions helps teens identify and articulate their emotions through visual art, which can be easier than verbal expression.

Additionally, engaging in painting or drawing can be calming and provide a therapeutic outlet for stress relief and emotional tension. This activity may allow kids and teens to explore their feelings in a non-verbal way, leading to greater self-awareness and understanding.

Instructions:

Provide the teen a range of art supplies such as paints, brushes, markers, colored pencils, and paper. Ensure they feel comfortable with the materials.
Introduce the activity by saying: “Today, we’re going to use art to explore and express how you’re feeling. This can help you understand your emotions better.”
Provide them the prompt: “Think about an emotion you’re experiencing right now or recently. It might be sadness, anger, joy, or anything else you’re feeling.”
Ask them to draw or paint something that represents that emotion. They might use colors, shapes, or abstract forms to convey their feelings.
Remind them that there’s no right or wrong way to express their emotions. The focus is on how they feel and how they choose to depict it.
After completing the piece, invite them to talk about their creation. “Can you tell me about what you made? What colors or shapes did you choose, and why?”
Discuss how the process felt. “How did creating this piece help you understand or manage your emotions?”

Collage making

As one of the key art therapy activities for teens, collage making encourages creativity and can be a less intimidating way for teens to express their thoughts and feelings.

This art activity helps teens visually represent their experiences and emotions by combining different images and textures. The process of selecting and arranging images can be stimulating and can help improve focus and decision-making skills.

Instructions:

Supply the teen with magazines, newspapers, colored paper, glue, scissors, and a large sheet of paper or cardboard.
Introduce the activity by saying: “Today, we’re going to create a collage that represents something about you or how you’re feeling. Collages are great for putting together different pieces to make a whole picture.”
Provide the prompt: “You can choose images or words from the magazines that resonate with you, or that represent your thoughts and emotions.”
Begin the exercise by asking them to look through the materials and cut out images, words, or patterns that they feel drawn to.
Encourage them to create the collage by arranging and gluing the pieces onto their paper or cardboard in a way that makes sense to them.
After completing the collage, talk about the various elements. “What do the images and words you chose represent? How do they connect to your feelings or experiences?”
Discuss the process and outcome. “How did you feel while creating this collage? Did it help you express or understand something about yourself?”

Self-reflective journaling

When it comes to therapy activities for teens, self-reflective journaling provides a structured way for children and teenagers to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

Journaling provides a safe space for teens to express and process their emotions, which can help them manage feelings of anxiety, sadness, or anger.

Writing about experiences and thoughts helps teens gain insight into their own behaviors, triggers, and patterns, fostering greater self-understanding. Journaling can also serve as an emotional outlet, reducing stress and helping teens cope with daily challenges in a constructive way.

What’s more, regular journaling can enhance a teen’s ability to articulate their thoughts and feelings, which can translate into better communication skills in their relationships.

Finally, reflecting on personal experiences and challenges in writing can improve problem-solving abilities and encourage proactive thinking.

Instructions:

First, introduce the activity by explaining the purpose and benefits of journaling. For instance, you might say: “Journaling is a way to explore your thoughts and feelings on paper. It can help you understand yourself better and manage your emotions.”
Let them know there’s no right or wrong way to journal. “Your journal is for you. It’s a private space where you can be honest and open with yourself.”
Discuss different journal formats with your client and help them come to a decision. They can choose a traditional notebook, a nice hardcover blank journal, a digital document, or a journaling app. Ensure the type of journal is one that the teen feels comfortable using.
Encourage them to write regularly, whether daily or a few times a week. Ask them to try to set aside some time each day or week to write. Let them know it doesn’t have to be long—just enough to express what’s on their mind.
Inspire them to write by providing prompts that are easy to answer and relevant to their experiences. For instance, you can say: “Let’s start with some simple questions to get you thinking.”
Introduce a prompt from the list below or choose one of your own. You might say: “Today, let’s use the prompt, ‘What was one positive thing that happened today? How did it make you feel?’”
Ask them to write as much detail as they feel comfortable with. “Try to be as specific as possible about the experience and your feelings.”
If they struggle with a prompt, provide support. “If you’re having trouble with this prompt, think about what you felt during the event. It’s OK to take your time.”
If they’re comfortable, discuss their journal entries in your sessions. Ask them: “Would you like to share what you wrote? How does it feel to talk about it?”
Explore recurring themes or patterns in their journaling. You might say: “I noticed you mentioned feeling stressed about school often. What might be contributing to that?”
Offer positive feedback and reinforcement for their efforts in journaling. “I’m really impressed with how honestly you’re writing about your feelings. It takes a lot of courage.”
Encourage consistency and remind them of the benefits of regular journaling. “Remember, journaling can help you process your thoughts and emotions, and it can be a powerful tool for self-discovery.”

Journaling prompts for teens:

“What was one positive thing that happened today? How did it make you feel?”
“What was the most challenging part of your day? How did you handle it?”
“What emotion are you feeling most strongly right now? Can you describe why?”
“Write about a time when you felt proud of yourself. What did you accomplish and how did it feel?”
“What are three things you like about yourself? Why are these important to you?”
“Describe a situation where you felt misunderstood. How did you handle it, and what could you do differently next time?”
“What are two goals you’d like to achieve in the next month? What steps can you take to reach them?”
“Think about a goal you achieved recently. What did you learn from the experience?”
“List three things you’re grateful for today. How do they impact your life?”
“Write about a person who has positively influenced your life. How did they help you?”
“What are some things you do to cope with stress? How effective are these strategies?”
“Describe a time when you successfully managed a difficult situation. What strategies did you use?”

Guided imagery and drawing

Drawing and guided imagery helps teens to relax their minds and reduce stress by taking them on a mental journey. This activity allows for the expression of feelings and thoughts in a creative way. The process can even help uncover subconscious thoughts and emotions.

Instructions:

First, ensure the environment is calm and free from distractions. Provide drawing materials like paper, colored pencils, or markers.
Introduce the exercise by saying: “We’re going to start with a guided imagery exercise. I’ll guide you through a relaxing mental journey, and you’ll create a drawing based on that experience.”
Lead them through a calming visualization. For example, “Imagine you’re walking through a peaceful forest. What do you see, hear, and feel? Visualize this in as much detail as possible.”
After the guided imagery, ask them to draw or paint what they experienced during the visualization. “Use your drawing to capture the images, feelings, and sensations from your mental journey.”
Talk about the drawing. Ask them questions like: “What did you choose to include in your drawing? How does it relate to the imagery you experienced?”
Afterward, discuss their feelings and thoughts. For example, you might ask: “How did the imagery exercise affect your mood? Did the drawing help you understand anything new about yourself?”

Mindfulness exercises for kids and teens

Mindfulness therapy activities for kids and teens are engaging and beneficial for young people. Mindfulness exercises offer a holistic approach to mental well-being, encouraging teens to cultivate mindfulness and inner peace.

Guided meditation sessions

As part of your overall toolkit of therapy activities for teens, guided meditation sessions can enhance focus, reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.

Instructions:

Ensure the environment is calm and free from distractions. Have the teen find a comfortable seated or lying position.
Start with a brief explanation of what guided meditation is and how it can help them feel more relaxed and centered.
Encourage them to close their eyes or focus softly on a fixed point.
Begin by guiding them to take a few deep breaths, inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth. As they breathe, ask them to release any tension in their body.
Lead them through a calming visualization. For example, you might guide them to imagine themselves in a peaceful place, like a beach or a forest. Describe the scene in detail—what they might see, hear, smell, and feel.
Once they are settled into the visualization, guide them to focus on a specific aspect of the scene. This could be the sound of waves, the warmth of the sun, or the rustling of leaves.
Introduce a few positive affirmations or calming statements that they can repeat to themselves silently. For instance, “I am calm and relaxed” or “I am in control of my thoughts and feelings.”
Gently guide them back to the present moment. Encourage them to notice how they feel now compared to before the meditation.
Ask them to take a few deep breaths and slowly open their eyes when they’re ready.

Body scan meditation

Doing a body scan meditation helps with body awareness, relaxation, and reducing tension. Additionally, this exercise can promote mindfulness and help teens recognize and address stress or anxiety. This activity can also enhance emotional regulation.

Instructions:

Encourage the teen to find a comfortable lying or seated position and to close their eyes if they’re comfortable doing so.
Start by asking them to take a few deep breaths, focusing on the sensation of the breath entering and leaving their body.
Guide them to bring their attention to their toes. Ask them to notice any sensations, such as warmth or tension, without trying to change anything.
Slowly direct their focus up through each part of the body (feet, legs, hips, abdomen, chest, arms, neck, and head), encouraging them to observe any sensations or feelings in each area.
If their mind wanders, gently bring them back to focusing on the area of the body they were instructed to observe.
End the session by asking them to take a few more deep breaths and slowly bring their awareness back to the present moment. Encourage them to notice how their body feels now compared to before the exercise.

The 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise

This 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise is a therapeutic activity that helps teens become more aware of their surroundings and focus on the present moment, which can be particularly useful during moments of stress or anxiety.

Instructions:

Name five things you can see

Encourage your teen clients to look around their environment and identify five distinct things they can see. This can be anything from a picture on the wall to the pattern on a rug. Ask them to describe the details of each item, like its color, shape, or texture. This adds depth and engages their observational skills.

Name four things you can touch

Ask your clients to notice four things they can physically touch. This could be the texture of their clothing, the feeling of the chair they’re sitting in, or the surface of a table. Prompt them to focus on the sensations they feel, like whether something is soft, hard, smooth, or rough.

Listen for three things you can hear

Have your teen clients listen for three different sounds around them. It could be the hum of an air conditioner, distant traffic, or the sound of their own breathing. Encourage them to listen for both obvious and subtle sounds, helping them become more aware of their auditory environment.

Name two things you can smell

Guide your clients to identify two distinct smells. If they’re in an environment where there aren’t strong smells, they can think of their favorite scents or remember the smell of something they like. They might need to use their imagination or recall a recent smell if they can’t identify any strong odors at the moment.

Mention one thing you can taste

Finally, have them focus on one thing they can taste. This might be a bite of food, a drink they’re consuming, or even the taste of their mouth. If they can’t taste anything right now, suggest they think about their favorite flavor or recall the taste of a recent meal.

Teen therapy games

Everyone loves games, right? Games can be a valuable tool for engaging teenage clients and facilitating therapeutic work in a fun and interactive way.

The Problem-Solving Scenarios game

This game is both fun and has a number of benefits for teen clients. The problem-solving scenarios game enhances problem-solving and decision-making skills, provides strategies for managing and coping with challenging situations, and boosts resilience.

Instructions:

First, prepare the materials by creating “scenario cards.” Write or print out different hypothetical scenarios on index cards or paper. Scenarios should be relevant to teens’ lives (e.g., “What would you do if you had a disagreement with a friend?” or “How would you handle a stressful exam situation?”). Additionally, provide your clients with pens and paper to brainstorm solutions.
Introduce the game by saying: “We’re going to play a game where we’ll explore different problem-solving scenarios. It’s a way to practice thinking through challenges and finding solutions.”
Start the game with each player/participant taking turns drawing a scenario card. The participant reads the scenario aloud and then discusses possible solutions or ways to handle the situation. Encourage them to think critically and consider different perspectives. If comfortable, participants can role-play the scenario to practice problem-solving skills in a more interactive way.
After each scenario, reflect on the solutions and strategies discussed. Ask: “What solutions did you come up with? How do you feel about the different ways to handle the situation?” Discuss which strategies might be most effective in real-life situations and why.
Afterward, you might suggest applying these problem-solving strategies to real-life situations. “Try using some of the strategies we talked about the next time you face a challenging situation. How did it work out?”

The Feelings Wheel game

This game helps teenagers identify and articulate their emotions more clearly. It can encourage open dialogue about feelings, improving verbal expression and understanding. The Feelings Wheel game also promotes empathy by sharing and listening to others’ emotional experiences.

Instructions

First off, prepare the materials by creating a Feelings Wheel. Draw or print a wheel divided into sections, each labeled with different emotions (e.g., happy, sad, angry, anxious, etc.). You can find printable versions online or make your own. Additionally, have some index cards or paper and pens on hand in session for writing down scenarios or questions.
Introduce the game by saying: “We’re going to use this Feelings Wheel to help us explore and talk about different emotions. It’s a way to understand and express how we’re feeling.”
To begin playing the game, each participant takes turns spinning the wheel. After landing on an emotion, the participant shares a personal experience or scenario related to that feeling. For example, if the wheel lands on “anxious,” they might talk about a time they felt anxious.
Use additional prompts or questions to guide the discussion, such as “How did you handle that emotion?” or “What strategies did you use to cope with it?”
After playing, reflect on the discussion. You might ask: “What did you learn about yourself or others today? Did talking about these feelings help you understand them better?”

Outdoor and movement activities

Outdoor and movement activities can be incredibly effective therapy ideas for teenagers, offering both physical and mental health benefits.

Here are some activities to consider that your teen clients may find fun and rewarding.

Nature walks

When it comes to teens’ physical health, nature walks provide moderate physical exercise, which improves cardiovascular health, boosts energy, and enhances overall fitness. Plus, exposure to natural environments can lead to improved mood and mental clarity.

Additionally, being in nature helps reduce mental fatigue and stress and has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Instructions:

First off, prepare by choosing and agreeing to a safe location. Select a nearby park, trail, or any safe natural setting. Ensure it is accessible and appropriate for the teen’s physical abilities.

Introduce the activity by saying: “We’re going to go for a nature walk, which can help clear your mind and improve your mood. It’s a great way to connect with nature and get some fresh air.”
During the walk, ask them to pay attention to their surroundings by asking: “Notice the colors, smells, and sounds of nature. What do you see? What can you hear?” You can also use this time for reflection or conversation about their thoughts and feelings. “How are you feeling right now? What’s on your mind?”
After the walk, discuss their experience. You might ask: “How did the walk make you feel? Did you notice any changes in your mood or thoughts?”
Afterward, encourage regular practice. Suggest making nature walks a regular part of their routine. For example, you might say: “Consider taking walks whenever you need to clear your mind or feel overwhelmed.”

Stretching and yoga

As one of the therapy activities for teens to consider trying with your young clients, yoga helps lower cortisol levels, reducing stress and promoting a sense of calm. In addition, yoga and stretching improve flexibility, strength, and balance. They also help with muscle relaxation and reducing physical tension.

When it comes to mental well-being, yoga encourages mindfulness and concentration through controlled breathing and movement, which can enhance mental clarity and focus. Regular practice with yoga and stretching can improve mood and emotional regulation, helping to manage anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Instructions:

First, ensure your client wears comfortable clothing and that you have a quiet, clean space with enough room for stretching and movement. Provide mats or comfortable surfaces if needed.
Begin the activity by saying: “We’re going to do some yoga and stretching exercises. These activities can help you feel more relaxed and focused.”
Start with gentle stretches to warm up the body. You might say: “Let’s begin with some gentle stretches to loosen up your muscles.”
Introduce basic yoga poses such as Child’s Pose, Downward Dog, and Warrior Pose. “We’ll move through some simple poses. Focus on your breathing and how your body feels in each position.”
Incorporate breathing techniques. You can say: “Try inhaling deeply through your nose and exhaling slowly through your mouth as you move through the poses.”
After the activity, discuss their feelings and physical sensations. You might ask: “How did yoga and stretching make you feel? Did you notice any changes in your body or mood?”

These engaging therapy activities for teens create a safe space for adolescents to navigate their feelings, cultivate resilience, and, ultimately, empower teenage clients to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and clarity.

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