What is life transitions therapy for teens?

Therapy focused on navigating change—like starting or switching schools, moving, friendship shifts, family changes, grief and loss, and new responsibilities—by building coping skills, clarity, and resilience.

How are parents or caregivers involved?

We review confidentiality at the first session and keep your teen’s privacy central. With your teen’s consent, a caregiver may join briefly at the start or end and receive general updates, while session details remain private unless safety concerns arise.

Is online therapy available? Do we need a referral?

Yes—secure virtual sessions are available in addition to in-person appointments in Calgary. No referral is required to get started.

What are signs my teen might need support?

Persistent anxiety or sadness, irritability, sleep or appetite changes, school avoidance or drop in grades, withdrawal from friends or activities, and feeling overwhelmed by change can all be signs it’s time to seek help.

Do you collaborate with schools or other supports?

With consent, we can coordinate high-level strategies with school staff or other providers to support your teen’s goals while keeping session details private.

What happens in the first session?

We focus on comfort and trust, clarify what’s changing and what’s hardest right now, and create a plan together—so your teen leaves with practical next steps.

Teen girl standing at a crossroads — navigating life changes and uncertainty

Therapy for Life Transitions (Teens 15-17)

Life Moves Fast—Therapy Helps to Make Sense of It

At Dragonfly, our therapists offer a real, down-to-earth space where clients can feel safe — no judgment, no pressure. We focus on building a relationship based on trust and meeting individuals where they are at, so they feel truly heard and supported from the very first session.

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Are changes making your teen feel lost or overwhelmed?

Adolescence is full of change—new schools, shifting friendships, identity exploration, family adjustments, and growing independence. While these transitions are normal, they can leave your teen feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected from themselves and those around them. Maybe you notice mood swings, withdrawal, or a sense of “I don’t care anymore” that feels deeper than typical teenage angst. Perhaps your normally outgoing teen has retreated and questions her every move or is experiencing anxiety that gets in the way of living her life.

For girls, these transitions can be especially intense. There’s often pressure to be everything at once—socially confident, academically successful, emotionally composed. Add in the influence of social media and constantly comparing themselves to others, and it’s no wonder many feel like they’re barely holding it together.

Ultimately, your teen might struggle to express what she’s feeling or feel isolated in her experience, which can impact her confidence, motivation, and overall well-being.

Hand-drawn question mark on paper — symbolizing uncertainty and big questions during teen transitions

Most teens face challenges navigating change

It’s important to know that your teen is not alone. Many teens experience confusion, stress, and emotional ups and downs during times of transition. Peer pressure, academic expectations, and social media can intensify feelings of uncertainty. While these struggles are common, they deserve attention and care—not dismissal.

With the right support, teens can learn how to adapt, build resilience, and embrace change as an opportunity for growth.

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How therapy supports teens through transition?

At Dragonfly, we provide a safe, supportive space for your teen to explore her feelings and challenges related to life transitions. Our therapists understand how overwhelming it can be for girls to face big changes while also managing school, friendships, family expectations, and the pressure to have it all figured out.

We take the time to build genuine trust—so your teen doesn’t feel like she has to put on a brave face or

have the “right” answers.

In sessions, we help her unpack what she’s feeling, identify what’s causing stress or confusion, and learn

healthy ways to cope. Sessions may include talk therapy, creative tools (like journalling or art), and coping

strategies she can actually use in real life.

We support her in building confidence, calming her nervous system, and believing in her ability to handle

what life throws at her.

Together, we focus on helping your teen find balance and clarity amid change.

With the right support, your teen can feel more grounded, capable, and connected to herself again.

Let’s start with a free 20-minute phone consult.

No pressure, no commitment—just a chance to talk, ask questions, and see if we’re the right fit for you.

Teen girl silhouette watching the sunset — reflecting on growth, change, and new beginnings

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You May Be Interested in Therapy for Life Transitions
But Have Some Questions...

What kinds of transitions do you help teen girls navigate?

We support teens through a wide range of life transitions, including (but not limited to) school changes, moving homes, friendship or relationship changes, parental separation, loss, identity development, and major academic or athletic decisions. If something feels like a “big deal” to your teen, we treat it that way too.

How do I know if my teen needs support during a life transition?

Life transitions—like starting high school, changing friend groups, dealing with divorce, or preparing for graduation—can bring big emotional shifts. If your teen seems unusually withdrawn, anxious, irritable, or overwhelmed, it may be a sign she’s struggling to process those changes. Therapy offers a safe space to talk things through and gain healthy coping tools.

How involved will parents be in the therapy process?

Parents will definitely be involved to some extent. The majority of the content of sessions will remain confidential to help build trust. Teens need a sense of privacy in therapy to open up, but we keep parents informed of any safety concerns and any strategies that could help at home. We also welcome parent sessions if needed.

How do I talk to my teen about starting therapy?

Start with curiosity and care, not pressure. Let her know you’ve noticed she seems stressed or overwhelmed and that you’re here to support her—not fix her. You can say something like, “I know things have felt heavy lately, and I thought talking to someone might help. Would you be open to trying one session and seeing what you think?”