Adolescent Psychotherapy

Working with adolescents during a time of emotional distress can be complex and requires an expert. I work with adolescents to help them process their feelings, and communicate their needs.

It can be a very challenging, upsetting and worrying time for a parent or carer when their child is experiencing emotional distress and may be exhibiting worrying or challenging behaviour due to this emotional distress. It can also be a hard decision for a parent to decide whether this is the right type of support for their child and to in turn make contact with a psychotherapist.

Some of the issues that I help adolescents and their families to work through include:

Anxiety
Depression and Low Mood
Anger and Angry Outbursts
Low Self-Esteem and Confidence
Parental Separation/Divorce
Bereavement
Loss
Difficulties with friendships and other relationships
Bullying
Physical, Emotional and Sexual Abuse
Trauma
Sexual Identity
and many more

The Initial Consultation

When beginning therapy with a teen I have the first initial consultation with both the teen and the parent or caregiver. During this initial meeting both the parent and the adolescent can tell me their concerns and worries and we decide together if therapy is the right approach at this time. Following on from this session if it is agreed that therapy is the right approach then I would see the adolescent for four weekly sessions and then after the four therapy sessions I would have another session with the parents/carers and the adolescent in which we discuss how the therapy is progressing. Then based on how this session goes a plan would be made on how best to move forward in therapy in order to meet the adolscent’s needs.

My Approach

When working with teens I use an integrative approach that combines person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy and art psychotherapy. The therapeutic approach that is used within each session is based on the needs of the adolescent at that time.
From the beginning of this therapeutic process with teens and their parents/carers it is my aim to provide a warm, non-judgemental, supportive and fully accepting space so that each teen is able to move through the process of therapeutic change with their parents/carers.

The Process

Each session will last approximately 60 minutes and will usually be at the same time each week. The length of time in therapy varies from person to person and is set on an open-ended basis. We will review the therapy process every 5th session so as to make sure that your child is benefiting from therapy and you and they both feel as though they are progressing in the right direction.

Psychotherapy Services