Tweens

Tweens

MORE ABOUT TWEENS

Tweens

Helping Kids Ages 9-12 Build Confidence, Emotional Skills, and Resilience

The pre-teen years can be both exciting and overwhelming. Between growing independence, social pressures, and emotional changes, many tweens feel unsure of themselves - or unsure how to cope. You might notice anxiety, mood swings, withdrawal, or difficulty managing frustration and self-esteem.

At Four Wings Psychology, we offer therapy for tweens in Nepean and virtually across Ontario. Our therapists help children build emotional awareness, confidence, and coping skills so they can navigate this stage of life with more calm, connection, and self-trust.

What is Tween Therapy?

Tween therapy is tailored for kids in those in-between years - not quite children, not yet teenagers. It helps them make sense of their emotions, relationships, and growing sense of identity in a safe, supportive space.

Our approach is:

  • Collaborative and age-appropriate - building trust at your child’s pace
  • Emotionally safe and grounded - never rushed or pressured
  • Creative and flexible - using conversation, art, or play when helpful
  • Inclusive and strengths-based - supporting all learning and communication styles
  • Family-supported - involving caregivers as key partners in the process

Therapy gives tweens a place to be heard, express themselves honestly, and develop tools for resilience and self-understanding.

What Can Tween Therapy Help With?

Tweens face many emotional, social, and academic challenges as they grow. Therapy offers a space to work through them with care and curiosity.

We support tweens experiencing:

  • Anxiety, fears, or phobias
  • School stress, test anxiety, or avoidance
  • Emotional outbursts or withdrawal
  • Low self-esteem
  • Peer conflict or social struggles
  • Grief, loss, or family transitions (e.g., divorce, relocation)
  • Bullying or social media stress
  • Identity exploration, including gender and neurodivergence
  • Early signs of depression or emotional shutdown

If your tween is struggling but can’t quite find the words, therapy helps them learn how to express and manage what’s happening inside.

What to Expect in Tween Therapy at Four Wings Psychology

We begin with a collaborative intake that includes both the caregiver(s) and your child. This helps us understand your concerns, goals, and what support feels most helpful. From there, we work at your tween's pace - using a mix of talk, play, and creative strategies to build comfort and trust.

In therapy, your tween may:

  • Learn to name and regulate emotions
  • Build coping tools for stress, frustration, or sadness
  • Explore thoughts, beliefs, and problem-solving skills
  • Strengthen confidence and sense of identity
  • Practice social or communication skills
  • Process change, loss, or life transitions

Caregivers receive regular updates and guidance while we also respect your tween’s growing independence and privacy.

Why Choose Four Wings Psychology for Tween Therapy

At Four Wings, we combine warmth, experience, and evidence-based care to help tweens - and their parents - feel supported through this important stage of growth.

Our approach is:

  • Trauma-informed and strengths-based
  • Grounded in child development and emotional regulation research
  • LGBTQ2S+ affirming and neurodiversity-affirming
  • Culturally responsive and anti-oppressive
  • Creative and flexible - incorporating art, play, and mindfulness where helpful
  • Accessible in-person in Nepean and virtually across Ontario
  • Collaborative - offering parent consultation and caregiver support as needed

We help tweens and their families move through this stage with greater understanding, confidence, and connection.

Ready to Support Your Tween's Emotional Growth?

If your child is feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or just needs a space to talk, therapy can make a meaningful difference.

At Four Wings Psychology, we offer gentle, evidence-based support to help tweens feel grounded, capable, and more in control of their emotions - both now and as they grow.

GET HELP WITH TWEENS

Ready to work on this area?

Book a FREE 15-minute consultation with one of our therapists

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT TODAY MEET OUR TEAM