Therapy for Teens
A safe place for teens to talk, be heard, and build confidence
The teenage years can be complicated. Young people are navigating changing relationships, school pressures, identity, independence, expectations, and emotions—all while figuring out who they are and where they fit.
Sometimes it's difficult to know whether what you're seeing is typical teenage behaviour or a sign that your teen could benefit from additional support.
At Rebecca Richter Therapy, I provide counselling for teens and youth in Winnipeg and online throughout Manitoba. Therapy offers young people a supportive, non-judgmental space where they can talk about what's happening in their lives and develop practical tools for managing challenges.
What can bring a teen to therapy?
Teens may benefit from counselling when they're experiencing:
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Anxiety or excessive worry
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Persistent sadness or low mood
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Stress or feeling overwhelmed
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School-related difficulties
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Social challenges or friendship problems
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Family conflict
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Low self-esteem
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Perfectionism
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Difficulty managing emotions
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Major life changes or transitions
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Grief or loss
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Trauma or difficult experiences
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Difficulty adjusting to changes
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Concerns related to attention or ADHD
Sometimes there isn't one obvious problem. A teen may simply seem different from their typical self.
Signs your teenager may need additional support
Parents sometimes notice changes such as:
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Withdrawing from family or friends
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Losing interest in activities they previously enjoyed
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Significant changes in sleep or appetite
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Increasing irritability or emotional outbursts
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Frequent physical complaints without an obvious cause
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Avoiding school or social situations
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Falling grades or difficulty keeping up
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Excessive worrying
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Becoming unusually self-critical
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Difficulty managing everyday responsibilities
One sign by itself doesn't necessarily mean your teenager needs therapy. What matters is the overall pattern, how long the changes have been happening, and how much they are affecting your teen's daily life.
What can be expected in therapy with a teen?
Building trust is an important first step.
Rather than expecting a teen to immediately open up, therapy provides an opportunity to develop a relationship where they can gradually feel comfortable talking about what matters to them.
Depending on their needs, therapy may focus on:
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Understanding and managing emotions
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Coping with anxiety and stress
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Building self-esteem
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Improving communication
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Navigating relationships
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Developing problem-solving skills
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Managing perfectionism
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Understanding thought patterns
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Coping with difficult experiences
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Developing healthier strategies for handling stress
Parents may also be involved when appropriate. Confidentiality and its limits are discussed clearly so that both the young person and their parent or caregiver understand what to expect.
Therapy that meets teens where they are
Teenagers don't always communicate distress in the same way adults do. A supportive therapeutic relationship can help make it easier for them to identify what they're experiencing and find ways forward.
If you're wondering whether therapy could help your teenager, you don't need to have all the answers before reaching out.
Let's talk
Book a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your concerns and determine whether therapy may be a good fit.