Top 5 Signs Your Teen Might Need Therapy
From Being and Becoming Counselling & Wellness Services in Burnaby, BC
As parents, it’s natural to wonder: Is my teen just going through a phase, or is something deeper going on? The teen years are filled with emotional ups and downs, but certain behaviours may indicate your teen could benefit from professional support.
At Being and Becoming Counselling & Wellness Services, we specialize in teen therapy in Burnaby, helping local families navigate challenges like anxiety, depression, school stress, and identity concerns. If you're worried about your teen’s mental health, early support can make a profound difference.
Here are the top 5 signs your teen may need therapy, along with how we can help.
1. Persistent Emotional Distress
Occasional moodiness is typical during adolescence—but prolonged sadness, irritability, or anxiety may be a red flag.
What to watch for:
Frequent crying or emotional shutdown
Ongoing feelings of hopelessness or low self-worth
Constant worry, nervousness, or panic attacks
Emotional outbursts that feel “bigger than the situation”
How therapy can help:
We support teens in identifying their feelings, learning emotional regulation strategies, and working through anxiety or depressive patterns in a safe and compassionate space.
2. Social Withdrawal or Isolation
Teens may naturally seek more independence, but complete withdrawal from friends, family, or activities can indicate deeper struggles.
What to watch for:
Refusing to attend school or social events
Losing interest in hobbies or friend groups
Spending excessive time alone in their room
Saying things like “no one understands me” or “I don’t care anymore”
How therapy can help:
We’ve seen local teens struggle with isolation due to academic pressure, peer comparison, and post-pandemic disconnection. Therapy helps rebuild social confidence and self-esteem.
3. Academic Decline or School Avoidance
If your teen is suddenly struggling at school—emotionally or academically—it may reflect underlying mental health concerns.
Look for signs like:
Skipping classes or refusing to go to school
Falling grades despite effort
Trouble concentrating, completing homework, or staying organized
School-related anxiety or panic attacks
What we do:
Our therapists work with teens to manage stress, boost executive functioning, and improve school-life balance—while collaborating with school staff when needed.
4. Risky or Self-Destructive Behaviour
Any signs of self-harm, substance use, or reckless behaviour should be taken seriously.
What to watch for:
Self-injury (e.g., cutting, scratching)
Expressing thoughts of suicide or hopelessness
Drug or alcohol use
Running away, stealing, or other risk-taking behaviours
What therapy offers:
At Being and Becoming, we provide trauma-informed care to help teens cope safely, build resilience, and move away from destructive habits with the right support.
5. Major Emotional or Behavioural Shifts
Rapid or extreme changes in behaviour, personality, or mood could point to something more serious than “teen drama.”
Warning signs include:
Dramatic mood swings or outbursts
Major sleep, appetite, or hygiene changes
Increased irritability or aggression
Regressing to younger behaviours (e.g., clinginess or bed-wetting)
Why this matters:
Teens often don’t have the tools to express emotional overwhelm. Our therapists help identify root causes and offer a structured path forward.
Normal Teen vs. Concerning Behaviour
Typical Teen Behaviour
Occasional mood swings
Wanting more alone time
Some forgetfulness with schoolwork
Temporary defiance or attitude
Red Flags That May Require Therapy
Prolonged sadness, hopelessness, or anger
Full withdrawal from family or friends
Refusing to attend school or extreme decline
Frequent aggression or risky behaviour
Why Choose Us for Teen Therapy in Burnaby?
At Being and Becoming Counselling & Wellness Services, we create a welcoming space for teens to explore their inner world without judgment. Here’s what sets us apart:
✅ Experienced youth therapists trained in a variety of approaches, offering trauma-informed care
✅ A compassionate, relational approach that helps teens feel safe and respected
✅ In-person sessions in Burnaby and online sessions across British Columbia
✅ Strong collaboration with families while respecting teens’ confidentiality
We believe therapy is not about “fixing” your teen—it’s about helping them build tools to feel better, communicate effectively, and navigate life with greater resilience.
How to Talk to Your Teen About Therapy
If you're noticing these signs, the next step is a gentle, open conversation. Here’s how to approach it:
Choose the right time—avoid bringing it up during conflict
Use “I” statements like: “I’ve noticed you’ve been really down lately”
Normalize therapy as a supportive tool, not a punishment
Ask open-ended questions like: “Would you be open to talking to someone?”
We’re here to support not just your teen—but you as a parent, too.
Book a Free Consultation
Worried about your teen? You’re not alone—and we’re here to help.
Being and Becoming Counselling & Wellness Services offers compassionate, teen-focused therapy in Burnaby. Our therapists work with teens ages 13+ (we also work with children) dealing with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, trauma, perfectionism, identity, and more.
📍 Located in Burnaby, BC | Virtual sessions available across BC
Helpful Local Resources
Kids Help Phone – 24/7 support for teens: call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
Crisis Centre BC – Immediate mental health crisis response
Final Thoughts
Your teen doesn’t have to face these challenges alone. And neither do you.
At Being and Becoming, we’re proud to support Burnaby teens and families with evidence-based, heart-centered therapy that meets them where they are—and walks with them toward healing.
Let’s take the first step—together.