When Friendships Change (Teens)
A teen worksheet exploring friendship changes, feelings, supportive people, new places to connect and a small next step.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Coping · Social skills
- Approach / concern
- Teens (13-18)
- Technique
- Coping · Social skills
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the When Friendships Change (Teens)?
Peer relationships are central in adolescence, and friendship changes and exclusion can strongly affect mood and self-esteem.
Why it works
Steinberg (2001) reviewed adolescent development, including the growing importance of peers. Adolescent DBT includes interpersonal effectiveness skills for peer relationships (Rathus & Miller, 2015).
When to use it
- Friendship conflict and exclusion
- Changing schools
- Social anxiety in teens
- School counselling
How to use it in session
- Describe what’s happening.
- Name feelings.
- Identify supportive people.
- Explore new connections.
- Plan a step.
Clinician tips
- Validate the intensity of peer pain.
- Screen for bullying and self-harm.
- Respect privacy.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for friendships to change in high school?
Yes. Friendships often shift as people grow and change interests.
What if I don’t have any friends right now?
That’s hard, and it can change. Clubs and activities are good places to start.
References
Steinberg, L. (2001). We know some things: Parent-adolescent relationships in retrospect and prospect. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 11(1), 1-19.
Rathus, J. H., & Miller, A. L. (2015). DBT skills manual for adolescents. Guilford Press.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
