Adolescent Counselling

Adolescence can be a time of significant emotional, social and developmental change. Young people may experience anxiety, low self-esteem, friendship difficulties, emotional overwhelm, family conflict, school pressures or uncertainty about who they are and where they fit in. Adolescent counselling provides a safe, respectful space where teenagers can talk openly, feel understood and develop healthier ways of managing the challenges they are experiencing.

At Interpersonal Therapy, counselling for adolescents is person-centred, trauma-informed and evidence-based, with therapy adapted to each young person's developmental stage, personality and individual needs. My approach focuses on understanding what has happened to a young person and what they may be communicating through their emotions or behaviour, rather than asking what is "wrong" with them. Building trust and a genuine therapeutic relationship is an important part of helping teenagers feel safe enough to engage in therapy.

Phone: 0402 998 830

✉️ interpersonaltherapy.sw@gmail.com

Supporting teenagers through life's challenges

Adolescent counselling can support young people experiencing:

• Anxiety, worry and overthinking

• Low mood or depression

• Low self-esteem and confidence

• Friendship and peer difficulties

• School stress and pressure

• Family or relationship difficulties

• Emotional regulation and overwhelm

• Grief and significant life changes

• Trauma and distressing experiences

• Difficulties with identity, belonging or self-worth

• Neurodivergent experiences and emotional challenges

Therapy provides an opportunity for adolescents to better understand their emotions, recognise patterns that may be affecting them and develop practical strategies for coping with difficult situations.

A counselling approach that respects young people

Teenagers need to feel heard rather than judged. I work collaboratively with adolescents, allowing them to have a voice in their therapy while maintaining appropriate communication with parents and caregivers where this is clinically appropriate.

Depending on the young person's needs, counselling may incorporate approaches including person-centred therapy, trauma-informed counselling, cognitive and behavioural strategies, emotional regulation skills and EMDR therapy.

Where EMDR is appropriate, it can be adapted for adolescents to help process distressing experiences, trauma and memories that may continue to affect how they feel about themselves or respond to situations in the present.

Adolescent counselling in the Sutherland Shire

Interpersonal Therapy provides adolescent counselling in Caringbah and the Sutherland Shire, with Telehealth appointments also available for young people and families across Australia.

If your teenager is struggling emotionally, you don't need to wait until things become overwhelming before seeking support. Counselling can provide a safe place to slow things down, make sense of what is happening and help your young person move forward with greater confidence and resilience.

Phone: 0402 998 830

✉️ interpersonaltherapy.sw@gmail.com