Therapy for teenagers
Being a teenager can be a lot to deal with, especially these days.
You might be struggling with anxiety or depression, feeling overwhelmed by what’s happening in your life or the world around you, or finding it difficult to understand who you are and where you fit.
You might be thinking about your sexuality or gender, trying to make sense of being neurodivergent, dealing with difficult friendships or family relationships, or adjusting to changes at home.
Sometimes it can feel hard to imagine the future or know what you want from it. You might feel insecure, hopeless about what comes next, or simply overwhelmed by the world and everything you’re expected to deal with.
You don’t need to know exactly what’s wrong or have the right words to explain it before coming to therapy.
Having someone you can talk to
I like working with teenagers because I can really remember what it was like being a teenager, despite being in my mid-30s! But I know things are different for teenagers these days. I’m not here to tell you what to do or decide how you should feel. I want to understand what’s happening for you and give you somewhere you can talk openly without feeling judged.
That might mean talking about anxiety or depression, relationships, family, identity, neurodivergence or difficult experiences you’ve been through. It might also mean working out how you feel when you’re not quite sure who you are.
My hope is that therapy helps you understand yourself better, feel better about who you are and feel more confident handling life’s challenges. I hope this helps you feel more hopeful about your future.
For parents
It can be difficult when you know your teenager is struggling but you’re not sure exactly what’s happening for them. Or maybe you do know, and it worries you.
You might be worried about their anxiety or wellbeing, wondering whether neurodivergence could be part of what they’re experiencing, or concerned about the impact of changes or difficulties within your family.
You may also have the sense that there are things your teenager is struggling with, but isn’t comfortable telling you about.
For many parents, part of the reason for seeking therapy is simply wanting their teenager to have another safe adult they can talk to.
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Finding someone your teenager will actually talk to
It’s understandable to wonder whether your teenager will engage in therapy, particularly if seeking support wasn’t originally their idea.
I work best with teenagers who are open to having support, even when it was a parent who first suggested therapy. I don’t expect them to arrive knowing exactly what they want to talk about, but they do need to be willing to engage in the process.
I know it can take time for teenagers to build trust and feel comfortable with someone new. Building trust with your teenager is an important part of my work. I also understand that, as their parent, you want to know they’re supported and may want guidance in understanding what they’re going through.
My aim is to work collaboratively with you while respecting your teenager’s confidentiality, so they can have a space where they feel safe talking honestly while you can feel reassured that they have support.
Thinking about starting therapy?
If you’re thinking about starting therapy, you’re welcome to get in touch.
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You can ask any questions you have, learn a little more about my approach, or book an appointment if you feel ready to get started. If you’d prefer to speak first, you can also request a free 15-minute initial conversation to briefly talk about what you’re looking for and whether I might be the right therapist for you.