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Level Up: The Hero of My Story is a strengths-based therapy activity designed to support teenage boys with low self-esteem. Using a video game–style and hero’s journey metaphor, this activity helps teens reframe how they see themselves, recognize internal strengths, and set achievable “quests” that build confidence and self-worth over time.
Why It Works:
Many teen boys connect more easily with metaphor, structure, and gamified experiences. By framing personal growth as a story where the teen is the main character—not the problem—this activity encourages a shift from a victim mindset to a growth-oriented, empowered identity. Challenges become obstacles to overcome, and effort becomes progress rather than failure.
Therapeutic Focus:
Reframing negative self-beliefs
Identifying personal strengths and abilities
Building motivation through achievable goals
Encouraging agency, resilience, and self-efficacy
Therapist Role:
The therapist serves as a guide or “game master,” helping the teen name strengths, define challenges, and design realistic self-esteem quests that align with the teen’s interests and abilities.
This activity helps teens see themselves as capable, evolving, and worthy—reminding them that they are not stuck in their story, they are actively leveling up.
Level Up: The Hero of My Story is a strengths-based therapy activity designed to support teenage boys with low self-esteem. Using a video game–style and hero’s journey metaphor, this activity helps teens reframe how they see themselves, recognize internal strengths, and set achievable “quests” that build confidence and self-worth over time.
Why It Works:
Many teen boys connect more easily with metaphor, structure, and gamified experiences. By framing personal growth as a story where the teen is the main character—not the problem—this activity encourages a shift from a victim mindset to a growth-oriented, empowered identity. Challenges become obstacles to overcome, and effort becomes progress rather than failure.
Therapeutic Focus:
Reframing negative self-beliefs
Identifying personal strengths and abilities
Building motivation through achievable goals
Encouraging agency, resilience, and self-efficacy
Therapist Role:
The therapist serves as a guide or “game master,” helping the teen name strengths, define challenges, and design realistic self-esteem quests that align with the teen’s interests and abilities.
This activity helps teens see themselves as capable, evolving, and worthy—reminding them that they are not stuck in their story, they are actively leveling up.