Back-to-School Therapy: Helping Teens Start the School Year with Support and Confidence
- Jenna M. Kraft, LCSW
- Aug 28
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 11
As the summer winds down and students in Downers Grove and the surrounding Western Suburbs prepare to return to school, many teens and parents alike experience a mix of excitement and anxiety. For some, the start of a new school year brings fresh opportunities. For others, it brings stress, uncertainty, and emotional tension. At DGCW, we understand the transition back to school can be particularly challenging for our kids, and we’re here to help.
Why is Back-to-School Difficult for Adolescents?
The back-to-school season is more than just shopping for supplies and setting new routines. For many, it can bring up nervousness around:
A return to academic pressures and potentially a fear of failure
Social anxiety about fitting in or establishing a friend group
Body image concerns or self-esteem issues brought on by peer pressure
Bullying, cyber-bullying, or peer conflict
Family stressors or changes in home routine or schedule
Mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, or ADD/ADHD
Even students who appear outwardly successful can feel overwhelmed by the expectations placed on them. Especially considering the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for reasoning and executive functioning, is still developing. Therapy provides a safe and confidential space to process these feelings and increase resilience.
How Therapy Can Help Your Adolescent During the School Year
Therapy can be a powerful tool for teens navigating both academic and emotional pressures. At our practice, we work collaboratively with teens and their families to:
Build healthy coping strategies for stress, anxiety, and academic pressures
Develop executive functioning skills, such as time management and organization skills
Improve communication skills with parents, teachers, and friends
Address social struggles, including peer pressure and isolation
Increase self-awareness and self-image through guided reflection and goal-setting
Our professional, licensed mental health expert therapists specialize in working with adolescents and understand, through experience and training, the developmental, emotional, and social needs of this age group.
Signs Your Teen Might Benefit from Therapy
If you’re unsure whether your child would benefit from additional support, here are some things to be on the lookout for:
Avoiding school or changes in academic performance
Withdrawal from friends, peers, or family
Consistent, increased irritability or mood swings
Trouble sleeping or changes in appetite
Frequent complaints of headaches or stomachaches without a known medical cause
Verbal or written expressions of hopelessness or low self-worth
The presence of any of these behaviors may indicate that your child is struggling and could benefit from a professional assessment and ongoing support.
Why Choose a Local Practice in Downers Grove?
Located conveniently in the heart of downtown Downers Grove, IL, our practice offers a welcoming, family-friendly environment designed to help young people feel comfortable and understood. We also understand the specific stressors that local students face, whether they're attending Downers Grove North, Downers Grove South, or one of the area's private or elementary, or middle schools. We also offer both in-person and virtual tele-health therapy sessions, providing flexibility to accommodate busy school and extracurricular schedules.
Start the School Year Strong: Mentally and Emotionally
Back-to-school doesn’t have to mean back to overwhelming stress. With the right dedicated support, teens can learn to understand and manage their emotions, successfully navigate relationships, and thrive in all areas of their lives.
If your teen is struggling with the transition back to school, or with some other change or transition, or you’d like to support their well-being this school year proactively, our team is here to help.
Contact Downers Grove Counseling and Wellness today to schedule a consultation. Let’s work together to help your child and family feel confident, supported, and ready for the year ahead!
Downers Grove Counseling and Wellness PLLC
4910 Main Street
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Phone: 630-426-9719
Online Scheduling Link: https://downersgrovecounseling.clientsecure.me/
The transition back to school can be so challenging for parents and kids alike. It’s good to have some tools at the ready to conceptualize this time better.