Supporting tweens through a unique and often misunderstood stage of life.

Pre-teens / Tweens

Tweens are in a developmental stage that can feel confusing — physically, emotionally, and socially — and sometimes overlooked because they are not quite children and not yet teens. Our counseling offers a safe, age-appropriate space where tweens can express themselves, build coping skills, and navigate the changes they’re experiencing with confidence.

Tweens are in a unique stage of life that often seems to be overlooked and misunderstood due to their physical appearance and growth and cognitive abilities not always quite matching with their emotional and/or maturity levels. We see tweens that may act or respond one way (perhaps the way we would prefer) in one situation and/or environment and then completely different in another (perhaps acting “younger”). This can lead to frustration and difficulties for all involved including both parents/caregiver and the tween themselves.

As mentioned before, the physical (and hormonal) growth and changes that occur amongst tweens can significantly vary and that will continue through teen years. These drastic variations can lead to challenges in peer relationships, self-esteem, self-confidence, and more as the desire to fit in begins to gain in importance. We also often unintentionally have varying expectations for others based on certain attributes such as physical and/or cognitive advanced children being thought of or expected to act older than they actually are.

In session with tweens it can look very different for each child and even each session with the same child. Some wish to engage in more of the play therapy type activities, others wish to engage in more of a traditional talk therapy, and some engage in both play and talk type therapies. I leave that choice and freedom to the child so that they can have a sense of control in their lives.

What Counseling for Tweens Looks Like

Tweens — typically between childhood and adolescence — are navigating a period of rapid change. Physically, emotionally, and socially, this stage can bring new challenges and growing self-awareness. Because they are not yet teens but no longer young children, tweens may struggle with feelings that are hard to understand or express.

Our counseling for tweens provides a supportive, age-appropriate space where they can:

Explore emotions and experiences they may not fully understand
Build confidence and self-awareness
Learn healthy coping strategies
Improve communication and social skills
Navigate stressors at school, with peers, or at home

By meeting tweens where they are developmentally, we help them build resilience and self-understanding before challenges become overwhelming.

When to Consider Counseling for Your Tween

You may consider counseling if your tween is showing changes in mood, behavior, or confidence that seem persistent or overwhelming. Because this stage of development can be complex, early support can make a meaningful difference.

Counseling may be helpful if your tween is experiencing:

Increased anxiety or worry
Difficulty managing emotions
Social struggles or peer conflict
Academic stress
Family transitions or changes
Low self-esteem or withdrawal

Providing support during this transitional stage can help tweens develop healthy coping skills, emotional resilience, and confidence as they move toward adolescence.