psychology for teenagers
Our Psychologists are highly experienced and expertly trained in working with teenagers and their parents. We are approachable and skilled in developing working relationships with young people.
Psychologists who work with adolescents need to be respectful of a young person’s privacy and individual goals. However, we believe that the support of carers and teachers is essential to the growth of teenagers. So, we aim to include and advise parents or teachers wherever possible.
We use therapies and strategies that are shown by research to be effective for this age group. But we also design assessment and treatment according to the needs of the young person and family.
When should you seek help for your Teenager?
Many young people want to get independent help, but some will be ambivalent or resistant. Here’s some suggestions for knowing when it is the right time to seek help:
- If you think something is interfering with your teenager’s friendships, learning, home life, behaviour or self-esteem.
- If you think your adolescent is not developing social, life, academic or developmental skills as normally expected.
- If your teen is frequently distressed, sad, angry, anxious or self-harming.
- If you are unsure how to help your teen.
- If you think your young person would benefit from an independent adult to speak privately to.
Speak to your young person’s teacher or head of year, GP, and your friends and family to see what they think.
Remember earlier is often better! Many mental health issues develop early in life. Research shows that getting in early can stop issues becoming lifelong problems or at least minimise them. Treatment may be relatively brief and easy if issues are picked up early. It is important to investigate and address learning problems or study skills as early as possible in high school if you suspect your teen is having difficulties.
We Can Help Your Teenager With:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Phobias
- Generalised anxiety
- Social anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Self-harm
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Tic Disorders
- Trauma
- Parenting assistance
- Parenting teens with special needs
- Relationship, social and family issues
- Carers and families of children with mental or physical illness
- Bullying
- Friendship Issues
- Coping with separation and divorce
- Behavioural problems
- School refusal
- Self-esteem
- Bereavement and loss
- Health-related issues and pain management
- Learning and development
- Specific Learning Disorders (e.g., Dysgraphia, Dyslexia etc)
- ADHD
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- NDIS Self-Managing or NDIS Plan-Managing clients
- Body image and eating issues
Benefits of seeing a psychologist
There are many advantages of your teenager seeing a psychologist.
- Many teens are more open to advice from an independent, trusted adult outside their family.
- They can learn lifelong skills for managing feelings, behaviour and coping through difficult times.
- The adolescent years often involve significant challenges to developing good self-esteem, positive identity, good relationships, and a future life or career path. Psychologists can help young people in these areas.
- Psychologists can promote resilience to difficult life events.
- Our Psychologists for teens can help identify and treat learning problems and developmental issues. It is important to do this as early as possible in high school years.
All parents know that raising young people can be challenging and stressful. Family life with teens is sometimes full of conflict. Your teen’s psychologist can provide guidance about how to help your young person, do your best for them, and look after yourself while parenting.
Not sure what to expect when you bring your child or teen to therapy? Download our Fact Sheet for some useful tips.
Make an appointment
Ready to make an appointment, or have any questions? Call us on 0468 637 413 and we can help.
