Today’s adolescents face pressures from many outlets and platforms.  Whether it is the desire to be socially accepted by peers, bullied on social media platforms, or meeting parental demand for academic achievement, these are all sources of stress.  Unhealthy stress can resort in disorders such as anxiety, disruptive behavior, or even depression.

Our teenage years are almost unavoidably turbulent. We transition from the carefree days of childhood to the roles and responsibilities of adulthood; there are hormones and physical changes; increasing social pressure; and existential concerns about post-school life start to take centre stage.

The severity of these struggles and how we deal with them will be different for everyone. Some will weather the storm of adolescence and thrive; for others, it can be a truly dark period of prolonged suffering or difficulties.

Suffice to say, it’s not unusual to seek teenage counselling in Melbourne to help navigate these uncertain times.

What is Teen Counselling ?

Teen counselling provides a personalised process that helps teenagers deal with personal issues, as well as external factors outside of their control. A specialised counsellor can help your teen understand his or her thoughts and emotions, and to develop a plan to handle issues in a healthy way.

This intervention can help break the communication barrier that parents might be experiencing with teens dealing with a crisis or coping with a disorder.  Teenagers tend to open the lines of communication more in individual counselling sessions.  Participating in a family or group session can also be beneficial for the teen and parent. Specifically, it will remind the teenager of the support system readily available to him or her.

How does teenage counselling in Melbourne work?

It’s typical for me to first talk to a parent who has concerns about their child. I’ll try to find out as much as I can about their circumstances — what the problems appear to be, how things have changed over time.

I will then arrange an appointment with the teenager themselves. I’m happy to do this with the parent present, or if they consent and feel it would be preferable, I can talk directly to the teen alone.

A direct approach I find is best. It’s usually easier for a teenager to talk to a stranger about their issues, than be in front of their parents. I do my best to keep the parent informed about progress during the treatment, but parents must understand that there is still strict confidentiality between myself and the teen.

The actual counselling therapies I provide are the same as those with an adult. I take an holistic approach to psychotherapy that combines a variety of treatment modalities, from CBT to somatic therapy and others in-between. This way I’m able to provide a service that is just as unique as your teen’s situation and complex feelings.

The key difference when providing teenage counselling services is to understand how to get a teenager to a point they’re receptive to the therapy. It requires a great deal of patience, understanding, and experience — and I am proud to be able to offer exactly this to the people of Melbourne!

How can a teenage therapist in Melbourne help?

Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental illnesses in Australia, and they can both begin surprisingly early in childhood. Many parents are surprised to find that their “moody teen” is actually suffering from clinical depression, and requires help!

On top of that, there are a host of other mood disorders and self-identity issues — such as sexuality, self-esteem, gender identity — that can hit quite heavily in adolescence.

Through my counselling services, I can help teenagers navigate the minefield of adolescents to come out the other side mentally, emotionally, and physically prepared for adult life’s challenges. By giving them the tools and processes to cope with their life now, they will be better prepared for whatever else may come their way.

My youth counselling in Melbourne is designed to help teenagers address complex issues such as drugs, sexuality, peer pressure, changing family dynamics, and balancing school-work-life. Common areas where I can help adolescents include:

• Increase self-worth
• Developing social skills and strengthening existing social contacts
• Aid in interpersonal communication skills
• Give them the tools and strength to respond to peer pressure safely and effectively
• Help maintain or improve relationships with family members
• LGBTQ+ counselling for children who are discovering their orientation and self-identity
• Tools and processes for anxiety and depression
• Learning how to safely and effectively process confusing and powerful emotions
• Learn to find direction and purpose, or even to make peace with not yet knowing exactly where they want to be in the future

Do you need a teenage therapist in Melbourne?

Mood and behavioural changes are normal during teenage years, and are often not something to get too concerned over. Yes, they will need patience, understanding, and guidance from you. But you don’t need to bring your child to therapy the second they start talking back!

Unfortunately, sometimes the changes are extreme, or lead to disruption or degradation of relationships and mental health. Sometimes mental health issues and serious mood disorders start to develop.

If you’re worried you might need a youth therapist, here are some of the signs you can look out for. If you see one or more of these, consider seeking a counsellor:

• Mood and behaviour changes following a death or major illness in a family member or peer group.
• Deterioration in the family unit
• Significant decrease in academic performance
• If you discover there is chronic bullying occurring at school, or even in their workplace
• Shifts in eating and sleeping habits
• Your teen showing signs of depression such as low mood, disrupted sleep, irritability, or inability to enjoy things they previously loved
• Highly emotional or erratic behaviour

Be aware of your child’s behaviour as they enter their teenage years, and keep an eye out for any signs of dramatic changes. Try to engage with your child regularly, and be as active a part of their lives as you can.

If you think your child should see a teenage therapist in Melbourne, please, do not hesitate to contact me. I offer exceptionally flexible hours, and even provide online counselling for teenagers who may not feel comfortable in an unfamiliar environment.

What to Expect from a Teenage Counselling therapist?

Teen counselling can help adolescents address a wide range of issues.  It can help those with a mental health diagnosis as well as those without a diagnosis.  Specialised teen counsellors can explore evidence and research-based practices to help your teen gain a keen level of self-awareness involving their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.

• Has your teen recently experienced the loss of a family member or friend?
• Has your teen’s behaviour recently changed, or grades suddenly declined?
• Has your teen recently experienced separation from a parent due to divorce?

These are examples of stressors that can enable unhealthy behaviour patterns or cause acute mood disorders or emotional disturbances. Counselling can help your teen handle these stressors in a healthy way.

Take the step towards getting your teen back to a healthy place where they can start enjoying life again.