Adolescent Counselling

Adolescence: an exploratory time

Adolescence shapes the future thinking in individual development. It is a time during teen years that youth begin to take the helm for the first time in many experiences across the human developmental spectrum. Comparisons and evaluations are made on many levels whether it be spiritual, emotional, physical, individuality, material, bonding, emulation, just to mention a few. These aspects become more refined as the journey through new found independence to adulthood continues.  A majority of adolescents pass through this uncertain developmental stage of life courteously, calmly and effortlessly; whereas others, for different reasons, may find the transition to adulthood more unfamiliar and unsettling.

Adolescent counselling assists young people and their families to pass through this chapter in a manner that promotes steady growth and acceptance of these new experiences and adjustments on many of these levels, to aid the development of self esteem in safe environments during which time discerning choices in relationships are also respected and valued.

Specialist adolescent counselling for:

• anger management
• anxiety
• behavioural concerns
• body image issues
• bullying (online and at school)
• depression
• addiction or misuse concerns
• eating disorders
• self-esteem issues
• sex and sexuality

• family conflict
• grief and loss
• interpersonal conflict
• relationship issues
• school refusal and disengagement
• self-harm and suicidal ideation
• sleep issues
• social isolation
• stress
• haphazard risk taking or addiction issues

2015 Mission Australia Youth Survey

• Alcohol and drugs were found to be an increasing concern
• Young people continue to report that coping with stress and school/study problems are top issues of concern
• Just over one in ten respondents indicated that they saw family responsibilities and physical or mental health as barriers to achieving their study/work goals.

These figures should be of concern to the adult community and as adults we need to be mindful that there is undeniable evidence that early intervention counselling through adolescence, can support and develop mental wellbeing, self-respect and psychosocial buoyancy. Training teenagers with coping strategies equips them to have experience to withstand a lifetime of confronting issues and techniques which can then be passed on to generations to come.

Look for the following signs and symptoms that can indicate teen depression:

• Persistent mood changes, especially irritability or sadness
• Feeling hopeless, helpless or worthless
• Increased anger, fighting and self-destructive behaviour
• Loss of interest in normal activities
• Withdrawal from friends
• Increase or decrease in sleep or appetite
• Excessive or uncontrollable crying
• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
• Preoccupation with thoughts of death
• Drop in academic performance

Youth reluctance to counselling

The most familiar reason young people are reluctant to attend counselling is the apprehension about privacy, especially if they are being challenged by issues that they want to keep private from family members and friends. It is critical that teenagers be aware of the privacy laws associated with counselling and any discussions during sessions cannot be divulged without their permission. Obviously, if there are issues where, as a parent, one can help support their teenager, they will be notified accordingly. Reassuringly, clinicians are legally mandated to disclose any factors that may impact an adolescent’s safety, or put those around them at risk.

Unhappiness affects every one in a family environment

Adolescent counselling will help your teenager to feel happy again, and feel safe and certain within themselves and your family dynamic. A general counsellor is also a trained family therapist family counselling and Parenting is another exceptional therapeutic option, particularly if there is a need to address issues as a family unit.