Teenagers (11 years onwards)
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 have a chat with them to see if they may need some extra help.
In my experience, of this age group, finding the words to say how they feel can at times be difficult. Your child is unique. This quest for autonomy means that they’re not always likely to talk with parents, this is completely normal and is why sometimes as a therapist we can act as a sounding board helping them to create a space to explore identity, and who they really are.
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, learn healthy coping skills and empower them to face life’s challenges with confidence and adaptability.
The areas that we work in
- Anger Management
- Anxiety & Stress
- Academic pressure (exams, mocks, GCSEs, A Levels)
- ADHD
- Bereavement and loss
- Bullying
- Communication difficulties
- Depression
- Family dynamics (parents, separation or divorce, blended families)
- Friendships
- Low mood, self esteem and confidence
- Relationships
- Trauma
- Siblings
- School
- Social Media
How we perceive your teenager and their counselling journey:
- 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.
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. As well as autonomy they have complete confidentiality, (please refer to my FAQ Confidentiality teenagers).
At our location at Uncommon in Fulham, we have facilities for both teenagers and Parents. Parents are welcome to wait close by in the café area while therapy takes place.
At our location at The House in Wimpole Street, W1 we have waiting room facilities and there are several coffee shops just across the street.
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, and I am always available to have a chat on the phone if you have any concerns but please do refer to my FAQ’s with regards to teenage confidentiality.
