ethical guidelines of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

I use various techniques with the individual depending on the client’s age, stage of development and issues.

Confidentiality is taken very seriously and will only be broken if I believe that the teenager or another person / other people are in danger of serious harm.

Teenagers today face a number of challenges. It is estimated that less than a third of children under 18 with a mental health problem receive any help. Typical problems range from ever-rising exam pressures to internet bullying. We see growing numbers of teenagers suffering from depression, stress-related conditions, low self-esteem, drug and alcohol abuse, eating disorders, and relational difficulties. 

Some typical signs of Psychological Problems in Adolescents:

• Decline in school performance regardless of how hard they are working
• Withdrawal from friends, family, usual activities or hobbies
• Sleep problems (insomnia, sleeplessness or nightmares)
• Hyperactivity or irritability
• Anger or aggression or ‘acting out’
• Continual resistant or hostile behaviour (such as towards those in authority)
• Refusal to go to school
• Frequent and excessive anxiety or worry
• Depression, thoughts of death or suicidal feelings or tendencies
• Lying, cheating, or stealing
• Destructive behaviours such as vandalism or self-harm
• Threatening self or others
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Acting out sexually
• Numerous physical complaints

How can Therapy for Teenagers help?

• Gives teenagers the chance to talk about all issues in a safe environment
• Helps them gain confidence in self-expression as a teenager
• Improves their communication levels through practice and with therapist feedback
• Helps them learn to recognise strengths and weaknesses
• Teaches them ways of overcoming worries, pressures and negative behaviours.