Adolescent Psychotherapy

Adolescence is the developmental and transitional stage that takes place between 13 and 19 years of age. Adolescence can be a painful, confusing, frustrating and difficult developmental phase in one’s life. As teens develop, they tend to raise questions about identity, independence, and their futures. As they acquire their sense of self, they may face difficult choices regarding friendships, sexuality, gender identity, and academics.

As children become adolescents, they are constantly in the process of developing new social skills and emotional intelligence required to lead fulfilling lives. Adolescents may also have difficulties identifying and regulating their overwhelming emotions. When an adolescent’s ability to thrive and be happy is disrupted by a certain set of emotions or behaviours, or when they are unable to manage their difficult emotions, they may benefit from seeing a psychologist.

I have a special interest in adolescent psychotherapy. I draw from various theoretical frameworks to tailor the therapeutic process to meet the individual needs of the teenager. Psychotherapy can help adolescents through various challenges including depression, anxiety, self-harm, substance-abuse, peer-pressure, anger issues, behavioural problems, and difficulties with regulating their emotions.

As parents, you may have noticed changes in your child including changes in their mood, struggles at school, difficulties in relationships with friends and family, or other behavioural problems. If this is the case, but they do not want to open up to you, then my adolescent therapy sessions are a good avenue to explore to get them the help they need.

What to expect

Working with adolescents is often more complex, therefore it is crucial to conduct a thorough assessment of the presenting problem. I will meet with both of the teenager’s parents in order to understand their history and development. Next, I will meet with the teenager for several sessions to assess them and explore their concerns.

Once the assessment phase is complete, I will provide a treatment plan that will be discussed with the parents and adolescent, detailing the type of therapy that will be utilised, who will be involved in the therapy process and other practical matters that need to be addressed.