Adolescence is one of the most important stages of human development. During the teenage years, young people face many physical, psychological, identity and relationship changes on their journey to adulthood. While adolescence is often stereotyped as a difficult and tumultuous time, it is important to remember that many adolescents move through this developmental stage of life respectfully and peacefully. Life Supports adolescent counselling services help teenagers and their families to identify ways to approach this time in a way that encourages their psycho-social development. Counselling helps teenagers to be safe, feel good about themselves, and engage in respectful relationships.
The teenage years should be a time of newfound independence and confident exploration: yet for many adolescents, the experience of growing up is a confusing phase of isolation, worry and fear. The 2015 Australian Child and Adolescent Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing reports that 1 in 10 adolescents have experienced mental health issues in the past year, whilst 1 in 13 children aged 12 to 17 have seriously contemplated suicide. Of all the Australian kids who reported mental health concerns last year, less than 5% had received appropriate therapeutic support.
These figures are deeply concerning. Yet there is a strong evidence base that early intervention counselling during adolescence can support and enhance mental wellbeing, self-esteem and social resilience. Teaching teenagers coping strategies (such as behavioural change and mindfulness techniques) equips them with a skill set strong enough to withstand a lifetime of personal challenges. Life Supports specialist teen counselling can help ensure that your teenager’s journey to adulthood is a safe, respectful and rewarding experience.
A crucial stage of individuation involves teenagers experimenting with new social roles, behaviours and situations. This exploration is integral to establishing their adult identity, distinct from their childhood self. Decades of research suggest that the dramatic hormonal changes and rapid brain development that occur throughout adolescence commonly result in lowered impulse control, coupled with heightened risk-taking behaviours. Problematic behaviour may manifest externally (anger, aggression and family conflict), or your adolescent may internalise their feelings about transitioning into adulthood (anxiety, depression and family withdrawal).
Counselling for adolescents is an invaluable opportunity that helps adolescents make sense of themselves, their behaviours and interactions with others during this critical time of development.
As teenagers start to explore their adult identity, they commonly experience high levels of anxiety, doubt and self-consciousness. Adolescents are discovering who they are, trying to find ways to be comfortable with their newfound status as young adults, and figuring out how they fit in with their rapidly changing social environments.
While this can be an exciting and liberating time, it can also create high levels of anxiety and distress. It is crucial that teenagers are encouraged and supported in their efforts to mature and take their place in the world of adults. Counselling can also be extremely beneficial if your teenager is struggling to manage their emotions at this time.
The adolescent years present a unique set of challenges, for teenagers and parents alike. Young teenagers often struggle with social integration at school – current estimates suggest that Australian children are regularly bullied at school. Unusual mood swings and withdrawal from the family unit may be the first signs that something is wrong.
Additionally, the onset of puberty can be a confusing and distressing time. Body image, anxiety and self-esteem issues are common amongst this age group.
Older teenagers frequently engage in risk-taking behaviours, such as experimenting with smoking and illicit substances. These behaviours can result in health risks, interpersonal conflict and undesirable social behaviour, such as: mental health issues, aggression and violence, drink driving, unsafe/unwanted sex and unplanned pregnancy. Car accidents and suicide are the two leading causes of death amongst adolescent Australians. If your adolescent is exhibiting concerning behaviours, it’s very important that they receive encouragement and help to successfully rise to the challenges of adolescence.
Teen counselling is practical and solutions-focused. Your Life Supports counsellor will:
We often hear from parents and carers who know that there is something troubling their teenager, but their teen is resistant to seeing a counsellor. The most common reason adolescents don’t want to attend counselling is concern about privacy – particularly if they’re grappling with issues and behaviours that they don’t feel comfortable discussing with other family members. It is crucial that your teenager knows that their relationship with their Life Supports counsellor is completely confidential, and anything they choose to disclose in counselling may only be shared with their consent.
Of course, if there are issues your teenager is dealing with that you as a parent can help support them in addressing, your teenager’s counsellor or psychologist will notify you as such. Reassuringly, all practitioners are legally mandated to disclose any factors that may impact an adolescent’s personal safety, or put those around them at risk.
Talking to your teenager about this will hopefully allay any fears they have about counselling. However, if they still refuse to come, we highly recommend that you consider specialist parenting counselling. Your Life Supports parenting counsellor or psychologist will help you identify ways to look after yourself - especially if there is distressing family conflict - whilst also providing you with effective strategies for parenting your teenager.
Essential skills include modelling (and encouraging!) desirable social behaviours for your teenager, and adopting appropriate verbal and physical responses whenever your teen is exhibiting unsafe or disrespectful behaviour.
Life Supports adolescent counsellors and psychologists will help your teenager to feel happy, secure and confident within themselves and your family dynamic. Many of our adolescent counsellors are also trained as family therapists - Life Supports family counselling is an excellent therapeutic option, especially if you’re wanting to address issues as a family unit.
At Life Supports, we meet adolescents at their developmental level, implementing effective strategies to help them cope with the challenges of growing up and finding their place within their family, their social circles, and society at large.
Our adolescent specialists are highly experienced in working with teenagers and their families to facilitate understanding of the unique issues they bring to counselling. Setting achievable goals – encouraging safe behaviours and respectful relationships by implementing effective strategies – is the key to a positive and successful transition through adolescence.
For appointments or enquiries, please call 1300 735 030 or leave us an email via our contact page.
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Recognising whether your teenager needs counselling can be a challenge, especially as the teenage experience is a time of intense physical and psychological development.
Some key indicators that your teenager may be struggling include:
Major life events such as illness, family breakdown or the death of a loved one can be catalysts for psychological struggle in your teenager. When these events occur, seeking the support of a therapist can be valuable in helping them navigate an emotionally challenging time for your teenager.
It is important to take the time to talk to your teenager and encourage open communication about what they are feeling and experiencing. Giving your teen the option to speak with a counsellor allows them to express themselves more freely without worrying about parental judgement, upset, or disappointment.
Counselling can help with a broad range of issues affecting teens. Some examples include relationship difficulties (family or peers), body-image or disorderly eating problems, bullying, self-esteem issues, anxiety, depression, drug and alcohol concerns, family conflict, sexuality and identity concerns, and school or academic stress.
Entering a counselling office may feel daunting and uncomfortable for your teenager. Our therapists aim to provide a nonjudgmental space for teens to feel safe and comfortable discussing particular feelings and experiences that are troubling them, whether that be challenges at home, at school or amongst friendships. Overall, your teen should expect to leave therapy sessions feeling more in control, understood, and supported as they navigate their adolescent experiences.
Parents may choose to attend the first session or several sessions with their teenager. However, in most cases, a therapist will encourage the child to attend on their own. This allows them to speak openly without fear of repercussions or judgment from their parents. A therapist can often be the one to break the communication barrier that usually interferes with the parent-child relationship. It is important that your teen is given the opportunity to express their thoughts and ideas without a parent present in the room.