The teenage years can bring a lot of change
Teenagers are working out who they are, where they fit and how they relate to the people around them, while also wanting more independence and still needing support.
You may have noticed your teenager becoming more withdrawn, spending more time alone or in their room, avoiding school or pulling away from family. Their emotions might seem to change quickly, with them withdrawing one moment and lashing out the next.
Perhaps they're struggling with friendships, social anxiety, bullying, body image or confidence. They may feel under pressure, worry about what other people think or feel as though they simply don't fit in.
As a parent, it can be difficult to know what is part of adolescence and when something more might be going on.
Trying to work out where you belong
Connection can feel incredibly important during the teenage years.
Friendships and peer relationships may become more central, while connection with parents can change. Your teenager may want more independence while still trying to work out how to handle their emotions, relationships and the expectations around them.
They might be questioning who they are, including their identity, gender or sexuality. They may be comparing themselves with other people, worrying about their appearance or feeling rejected or left out. For some neurodivergent teenagers, adolescence can also bring new challenges even when things had previously been managed reasonably well.
Underneath many of these experiences can be questions such as: Where do I fit? Who understands me? Where do I belong?
Sometimes what a teenager most needs is an independent person they can talk to who isn't their parent, teacher or friend.
A place where your teenager can be themselves
For teenagers, feeling comfortable with their counsellor really matters. They need to feel that they can talk openly and that I'm genuinely interested in their world, rather than feeling as though they're simply seeing someone their parent has chosen for them.
My approach is warm, genuine, patient and curious. I want teenagers to feel listened to and accepted, without feeling judged, criticised or told who they should be.
Counselling can help your teenager better understand how they're feeling, develop ways of coping when things become overwhelming and feel more able to express themselves. It can also support them as they navigate friendships, family expectations, changing relationships and increasing independence.
The aim is to help them build confidence, feel more comfortable in who they are and develop a greater sense of belonging and hope about where they're going.
And if you're unsure whether it's your teenager who needs counselling, whether you need support as their parent, or whether both may be helpful, that's something we can work out too.
