Stage 5: Therapy for Adolescence
The teen and tween years are full of growth, possibility, and big questions — but they can also feel scary or overwhelming. Erikson described this stage as Identity vs. Role Confusion, meaning it’s a time when young people are exploring who they are, what they believe in, and where they belong.
This can bring up questions like:
Who am I, really?
What do I want for my future?
Where do I fit in?
Why do I feel anxious, lost, or unsure of myself?
For parents, it can be tough to watch your teen or tween struggle with these questions. You may notice stress from academic or work pressure, shifting friendships, dating challenges, or a lack of confidence. Sometimes, these struggles show up as anxiety, depression, or withdrawal. In addition, adolescents today are navigating larger systems stressors like school violence and social media pressures.
How Therapy Can Help
Adolescent therapy provides a safe, supportive space to sort through all of this. It’s a place where they can be heard without judgment, explore their identity, and build confidence and resilience for the future. For parents, it’s the reassurance that your child has a compassionate guide walking alongside them through these important years.
In therapy, we may focus on things like:
Managing stress and big transitions
Navigating friendships, dating, and family dynamics
Building self-esteem and self-acceptance
Coping with anxiety, depression, or feeling “stuck”
Interfacing with social media and learning healthy boundaries
Exploring values, passions, and personal goals
Our Approach
We don’t expect young people to have it all figured out — none of us do. What matters is that they feel supported as they explore, grow, and take steps toward a life that feels authentic and meaningful. Therapy is less about “fixing” and more about creating a safe space for curiosity, resilience, and self-discovery.
Why it Matters
Therapy during this stage can provide a safe, supportive space for teens to navigate questions of identity, self-esteem, and belonging. With guidance, they can develop healthier coping strategies, clarify personal values, and build stronger relationships. By addressing challenges like peer pressure, academic stress, or uncertainty about the future, therapy helps adolescents move toward a clearer sense of self and prepares them to enter adulthood with confidence and resilience.
STAGE 6