Melissa Foster
Nov 15, 2024
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Therapy for Teens (Ages 15-17)
Real support during a complicated time.
At Dragonfly, we specialize in supporting teen girls through anxiety, low self-esteem, friendship struggles, family stress, and big life transitions (and more). Our therapists create a warm, down-to-earth space where teens can be themselves—no pressure, no judgment. We focus on building a real connection and meeting them where they’re at, so they feel heard, understood, and supported from the very first session.
Is Your Teen Struggling to Cope?
When Emotions, Stress, and Change Feel Too Big to Handle
Is your daughter pulling away from you or struggling to manage her emotions? Have you noticed signs of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or mood swings? Maybe she seems overwhelmed by school pressures, friend drama, or the constant comparison game on social media. You might find yourself worrying about her ability to cope—wondering if she’s okay and unsure how to help.
Adolescence is a period of big feelings, identity shifts, and rising pressure. For some teens, that stress can show up as irritability, withdrawal, perfectionism, or even physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches. For others, it may lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, social anxiety, or a sudden drop in motivation.
As a parent, it’s difficult to watch your teen struggle. You want to support
her but might feel like your words just aren’t getting through anymore.
You're not alone in this—and your teen doesn’t have to be either.
Adolescence is a time of intense change—physically, emotionally, and
socially. For many parents, it can feel like their once-easygoing child has
become withdrawn, reactive, or overwhelmed.
At Dragonfly Psychological Services, we specialize in supporting teen girls
through these transitions, helping them feel more grounded, confident,
and connected (to themselves and others).
It’s Common for Teens to Struggle — And It’s Okay to Seek Help
If your teen has been feeling overwhelmed, withdrawn, irritable, or unsure of themselves, you're not alone — and neither are they. The teen years are full of emotional, social, and physical changes that can be difficult to navigate. Many adolescents experience mood swings, self-doubt, academic stress, shifting friendships, or pressure from social media. These challenges are a normal part of growing up, but that doesn’t mean they should be ignored.
It’s not uncommon for parents to wonder if what they’re seeing is “just a phase” or something more. The truth is, even typical developmental changes can feel incredibly intense for a teen. And sometimes, they need support from someone outside the family to help them make sense of it all.
Reaching out for therapy isn’t a sign that anything has gone wrong — it’s a healthy, proactive step toward helping your teen feel more confident, grounded, and understood. Many families find relief simply by having a safe space for their teen to talk things through.
Parenting a teen can feel overwhelming...
Many families feel caught between giving teens independence and wanting to protect them. Today’s teens face a uniquely intense mix of pressures: academic performance, peer comparison, body image struggles, and constant digital connectivity. Add to that shifting social identities and the emotional rollercoaster of adolescence, and it’s no surprise that many young people feel lost or stuck.
You may have tried talking, giving space, setting boundaries, or offering support, only to feel shut out or blamed. That can leave you feeling helpless, frustrated, or scared.
Here’s the truth: these struggles are common, and they are not a reflection of your parenting. Teens often need someone outside of the family to help them process what they’re going through. That’s where therapy can make all the difference.
Therapy can help your teen feel better, understand their feelings, and grow stronger with more confidence, calm, and kindness toward themselves.
"Adolescence is when girls experience social pressure to put aside their authentic selves and display only a small portion of their gifts"
Mary Pipher
How Therapy Helps Teens Thrive...
Teen therapy at Dragonfly Psychological Services is designed to meet your daughter where she’s at. Our work focuses on building trust first—so she feels safe enough to talk about what’s really on her mind.
We use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), emotion-focused therapy, mindfulness, and self-compassion strategies. These tools help teens understand their emotions, reduce stress, challenge unhelpful thinking, and develop healthier coping skills.
We also help teens:
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Build stronger self-esteem and confidence
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Navigate friendships, school pressures, and social media
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Process family dynamics and communication challenges
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Cope with anxiety, sadness, or emotional overwhelm
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Develop a clearer sense of identity and values
Sessions are tailored to your teen’s needs. Some days might be focused on skill-building;
others may involve talking through recent events, conflicts, or worries. We also offer
parent check-ins as needed, to keep you informed and supported along the way.
With time, therapy helps teens feel more grounded, connected, and emotionally resilient—
better able to handle the challenges that come with growing up.
Supporting your teen now can help prevent more serious issues down the road. Therapy during adolescence builds emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and healthy coping strategies—skills they’ll carry into adulthood. It can also reduce the risk of long-term anxiety, depression, or relationship difficulties.
We’ve seen teens who once felt overwhelmed and stuck begin to flourish—feeling more confident in themselves and more connected to others. Early support truly makes a difference.
Every girl’s story is different, and so are her needs. Here are the counselling services we offer to support teens in navigating life’s challenges...
You May Be Interested in Therapy for Teens -
But Have Some Questions...
What issues do you help teens with?
We support teen girls through a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, low self-esteem, perfectionism, depression, peer struggles, family changes, identity exploration, self-harm, and more. Our therapists are experienced in navigating the complex emotional world of adolescence with compassion and care.
Do you offer in-person or virtual therapy—and which is better for teens?
We offer both, but for many teens, in-person therapy can be more effective—especially at the start. Being in the same room with a warm, supportive therapist can help your teen feel more connected, engaged, and understood. That said, virtual sessions are a great option for busy schedules or when getting to the office isn’t possible. We’re happy to talk with you about what might work best for your teen.
How involved will parents be in the therapy process?
Parents will definitely be involved to some extent. However, the content of the sessions will remain confidential to help build your teens 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 know if my teen needs therapy?
Signs that your teen may benefit from therapy include persistent mood changes, withdrawal from friends or activities, changes in sleep or appetite, declining school performance, or increased irritability or anxiety. If you’ve noticed they’re struggling and not quite themselves, it may be time to reach out for support.
You and your teen deserve support that feels genuine and grounded.
You don’t have to figure this out alone or keep wondering if things will get better with time.
Therapy offers your teen a safe, judgment-free space to talk, process, and grow—with someone who truly understands what they're going through.
At Dragonfly, our female psychologists specialize in supporting teen girls through life’s emotional ups and downs.
We focus on building trust, meeting teens where they’re at, and helping them feel heard and respected—without pressure or pretense.
If you're exploring therapy for your teen or unsure if now is the right time, we invite you to start with a free 20-minute phone consult.
No pressure, no obligation—just a warm conversation where you can ask questions and see if we’re the right fit to support your family.
Available Therapists
(Offering In-Person or Virtually Counselling Services in the Calgary Area)
Don't want to book online? Not sure who to book with?
Get in touch to book a free phone consult.
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Therapy for Teens in Calgary, AB
In Person and Online Sessions Available
1407 10 St SW, Calgary, AB T2R 1E7
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