Self-E

Self-E is a therapeutic, arts-based group program designed to support students in Grades 4–6 to explore self-esteem, identity, confidence, friendships, boundaries, belonging and media influence.

The upper primary years are a significant stage of development. Young people are often experiencing increased independence, stronger peer influence, growing awareness of social media and the early transition toward adolescence.

While this stage can be exciting, it can also bring comparison, self-doubt, friendship challenges and social pressure. Self-E provides a safe and creative space for students to understand themselves more deeply and develop healthier ways of relating to themselves and others.

Through Arts Therapy, reflection and group connection, students are supported to strengthen self-awareness, confidence, emotional safety and respectful peer relationships.

About the Program

Self-E uses creative and therapeutic activities to make conversations about identity, confidence and relationships accessible and engaging.

The program is facilitated by a qualified Arts Therapist and delivered onsite at your school. Small group delivery supports emotional safety, connection and meaningful participation.

Program structure:

• designed for students in Grades 4–6

• suitable for young people aged approximately 9–12 years

• facilitated by a qualified Arts Therapist

• delivered onsite at your school

• designed for groups of up to eight students

• delivered weekly over eight weeks

What Students Explore

Throughout the program, students are supported to explore:

• what self-esteem is and how it can affect daily life

• self-identity, personal strengths and self-expression

• healthy, reciprocal friendships

• belonging, peer influence and social comparison

• what boundaries look like, sound like and feel like

• how media and online content can influence self-esteem

• respectful communication and group connection

• compassionate ways of thinking about themselves

These themes are explored through art-making, creativity, reflection and supported group discussion, allowing students to participate in ways that may feel less confronting than direct conversation alone.

Who May Benefit?

Self-E may be helpful for students who:

• experience low confidence or self-esteem

• find friendships difficult to navigate

• worry about what others think of them

• compare themselves closely to others

• are highly influenced by peers or social media

• experience friendship conflict or exclusion

• have difficulty recognising or communicating boundaries

• are exploring identity, belonging or self-worth

• would benefit from additional support before adolescence or secondary school

Self-E can also be offered as a proactive wellbeing program for students who are not experiencing visible difficulties but would benefit from strengthening their confidence, identity and relationship skills.

Our Therapeutic Approach

Self-E is grounded in a child-centred, neuroaffirming and relationship-based approach.

We understand that young people often explore significant thoughts and feelings more safely through art, metaphor, creativity and supported group experiences. Students are respected as individuals and encouraged to participate and express themselves in ways that feel comfortable and meaningful to them.

Supporting Your School Community

Self-E can be delivered as part of your school’s wellbeing program, social and emotional learning initiatives, transition support or targeted small group intervention.

The program may be particularly valuable for schools noticing concerns relating to:

• confidence and self-esteem

• friendship difficulties or peer conflict

• exclusion and belonging

• social comparison or people-pleasing

• personal boundaries

• media and peer influence

Through a structured and creative therapeutic experience, Self-E aims to support greater self-awareness, stronger identity, healthier friendships, increased confidence and a deeper sense of belonging.

Enquire About Self-E

Self-E can be delivered within your school and tailored to the needs of your student group.

Contact Lemon Drops Kids Therapy to discuss your school’s wellbeing goals and how Self-E may support your students and wider school community.