Adolescence is one of the most important and challenging stages of human development and presents unique challenges, for teenagers and parents. During these pivotal years, young people face many physical, psychological, identity and relationship changes while parents adjust to their child individualizing, testing boundaries and parental authority. Often, young teenagers struggle with social integration, unusual mood swings, and social and academic anxiety while dealing with the onset of puberty. This makes adolescence a confusing, confronting and often distressing time for teenagers. Body image, anxiety, self-esteem, and identity issues are common amongst this age group as is family conflict.
Older teenagers frequently engage in risk-taking behaviours, such as experimenting with smoking and illicit substances, and sexualized behaviour while individualizing from the safe family unit. These behaviours can result in health risks, interpersonal conflict, and undesirable social behaviour and choices. Family conflict is also a common feature of this stage of adolescent development, often contributing to poorer mental health and additional risks factors. Emotional distress may manifest externally for your teenager (anger, aggression, and family conflict), or your adolescent may internalise their emotions (anxiety, depression, and family withdrawal).
If your adolescent is exhibiting concerning behaviours or mental health deterioration its best to intervene early and obtain professional help as soon as possible.
It is crucial that teenagers are encouraged and supported in the right ways and in the right direction in their efforts to mature and make their way in the world successfully.
Blossom Consulting therapists are highly experienced in working with teenagers and their families to help teenagers be safe, feel heard and good about themselves, learn to make good decisions, and engage in mutually respectful relationships. Our psychologists also assist family members to identify ways to approach this time of development in ways that encourages positive relationships, personal growth, and psycho-social development. Every session and all information communicated to your Psychologist is confidential unless we are concerned about someone being at risk of harm, or if there is a legal obligation for us to disclose information. We talk with teenagers about privacy and about the importance of sharing information with parents.
We see teenagers for issues such as:
- Social Anxiety and OCD
- Panic attacks and panic disorder
- Social skills and relationship problems, interpersonal conflict
- Relationship issues
- Depression
- Sleep problems and insomnia
- Problems with school: exam stress and learning difficulties
- Bullying
- Body image issues, eating disorders: Anorexia, Bulimia, binge eating and body image concerns
- Sexuality and Gender Identity Concerns
- Managing medical conditions such as Chronic Fatigue, Diabetes and injury or illness
- Anger management
- Academic difficulties
- Behavioural concerns
- Bullying (online and at school)
- Electronic addiction and drug and alcohol concerns
- Family conflict
- Grief and loss
- School refusal and disengagement
- Self-harm and suicidal ideation
- Self-esteem issues
- Social isolation
- Stress