Adolescence can be a difficult time for some young people, with changes coming thick and fast, and sometimes little space to consider the impact of these changes. If the family has experienced additional difficulties, it can be particularly hard for adolescents to process those experiences alongside rapid social, emotional and physical development.
Adolescent psychotherapy aims to provide a safe, confidential space where adolescents can think about their experiences, using whatever form of communication they wish, including being mostly silent! Gradually, the young person can be helped to think about their concerns or the often complex reasons behind their behaviours or anxieties, as they travel the path of development towards adulthood, with all its possibilities.
Parents or carers are often going through their own adjustments as their children grow into teenagers and young adults. Understanding adolescent behaviour, whether it be withdrawal, anxiety, acting out or alterations in relationships, can be a hard task. Therapy with adolescents aims to give young people a space in which to explore their changing identity, while aiming to help parents to better understand their young person’s perspective.
