Teenagers (11 years onwards)

As a parent of a teenager or a child starting at Secondary school, it can be difficult to know what is just the run up to or teenage behaviour (which, let’s be honest, can be challenging at times) that links in with their natural development, or something else. 

If there are changes in behaviour that persist over a couple of weeks or longer, or there is a noticeable change in your child that you know is really impacting on them or having an effect on the family or within school, it might be time to seek some extra help. 

In our experience, of this age, finding the words to say how they feel can at times be difficult. Your child is unique. Counselling in an integrative way means that we adapt the type of therapy to them and their individual needs. 

The benefits of talking therapy are that it helps them to understand who they are and allows them to explore their feelings, helping them to understand themselves better whilst allowing them to gain confidence, self-expression, and the ability to communicate these feelings. At the same time, it gives them the tools to be able to feel stronger and more in control as they move towards adulthood and an optimistic future.

How we perceive your child and their counselling journey:

• Teenagers are not miniature adults.  At the Snug we will not respond to them as if they are.
• Teenagers are people.  They are capable of experiencing deep emotional pain and joy.
• Teenagers are unique and worthy of respect.  We prize the uniqueness of each of them and respect the person they are. 
• Teenagers are resilient.  They possess a tremendous capacity to overcome obstacles and circumstances in their lives. 
• Teenagers have an inherent tendency toward growth and maturity.  They possess an inner intuitive wisdom. 
• Teenagers are capable of positive self-direction.  They are capable of dealing with their world in creative ways. 
• Teenagers have a right to remain silent.  We therefore respect their decision not to talk. 
• Teenagers will take the therapeutic experience to where they need to be.  We will not attempt to determine when or how this happens. 
• Teenagers’ growth cannot be speeded up.  We recognise this and will be patient with their developmental process.

It is often easier for young adults to speak with a non-family member or a friend. At The Snug we are here to listen, not to judge or to tell them how they should feel, we are trained to help navigate those feelings with them. 

At our location at Uncommon, we have facilities for both teenagers and Parents. Parents are welcome to wait close by in the café area while therapy takes place. On our first meeting, we will go through some questions and chat in order to get to know each other, building the therapeutic relationship and giving them the time to understand who I am and what I do. Sessions last for 50 minutes with a minimum of 6 sessions suggested. 

For more information on the areas that I work with in counselling, take a look at my  FAQ’s page.

I offer both face to face, and Zoom sessions, but our Initial Consultation will be face to face in order that the process of building the therapeutic relationship can take place.

All sessions last 50 minutes, costs are £85 per session, with a 24-hour cancellation fee of 50%.