Support for Emotional Expression in Pre-teens
Because Growing Up Shouldn’t Mean Shutting Down
At KidsHeart Medical Center, we often meet pre-teens who are quietly struggling — not with schoolwork or sports, but with their emotions. They may be irritable, withdrawn, or suddenly overwhelmed by feelings they don’t know how to name.
This age — between childhood and adolescence — comes with emotional intensity. Learning how to express those emotions in healthy, honest ways is a skill we help build gently and confidently.
Our child psychologists offer this support across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Al Ain.
What Do We Mean by Emotional Expression Support?
This is focused therapy that helps pre-teens:
- Understand what they’re feeling
- Recognize the body’s signals (tight chest, anger, tears)
- Put emotions into words without shame
- Develop tools to express themselves calmly
- Build self-awareness and emotional boundaries
Many children at this age want to “act like everything’s fine.” But support helps them realize it’s okay to not be okay — and that there are ways to talk about it.
When Should You Consider This Support?
You might want to seek help if your child:
- Bottles up feelings or avoids emotional conversations
- Has sudden outbursts that don’t match the situation
- Seems “numb” or disengaged from what’s happening around them
- Becomes defensive or shuts down when asked how they feel
- Is going through grief, transition, or emotional stress
- Is showing signs of anxiety, low mood, or frustration
We’re not here to force feelings — we’re here to help children feel safe expressing them.
How We Help Pre-teens Find Their Voice
Here’s what our support looks like:
- Parent Intake Session: We explore your concerns and emotional history.
- Individual Sessions With Your Child: We use conversation, creative tasks, or gentle games to explore emotions.
- Emotional Awareness Tools: We help identify feelings, triggers, and physical signs.
- Communication Coaching: Children learn how to explain what they feel without fear of rejection or anger.
- Parent Guidance (if needed): We share tips on how to listen, respond, and encourage open conversation at home.
It’s not about talking more — it’s about helping feelings make sense.
Why Families Trust KidsHeart
- Psychologists experienced in emotional development for ages 9–12
- Age-appropriate approaches that build trust and expression
- Support for families navigating mood changes, grief, or peer stress
- Communication strategies for both home and school life
- Located in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Al Ain
Because when pre-teens feel understood, they’re less likely to be overwhelmed by what they feel.
Dr. Dolly Habbal
Consultant Psychologist – PhD in Clinical Psychology
Dr. Deiaaeldin Adel Hosny
Consultant Clinical Psychologist – American Psychology Association & British Psychological Society
No Doctors found! with ID: 12483
Helping Pre-teens Open Up — One Honest Conversation at a Time
We provide a full assessment profile for all psychological, mental, and behavioral disorders, with clinical reports and intervention programs, for all developmental phases.
If your child is struggling to talk about what they feel, we can offer tools, space, and guidance to help them open up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. We start slowly and use activities that feel natural to the child, not forced.
Some moodiness is normal, but if emotions are affecting daily life, support can help.
Yes — we guide families in how to support emotional openness without pressure.
Both. We blend emotional education with therapeutic insight.
It depends on the child — we adjust based on comfort, progress, and need.