Psychology for Youth
When should you seek help for your young person?
Psychologists who work with youth need to be respectful of a young person’s privacy and individual goals. However, the support of carers and teachers is often still immensely helpful. So, Kirsty will aim to include and advise parents or teachers wherever possible. She uses therapies and strategies that are shown by research to be effective for this age group, while also designing treatment according to the needs of the young person and family.
Many young people want independent help, but some will be ambivalent or resistant. Here’s some suggestions for knowing when it’s the right time to seek help:
- If something is interfering with the young person’s friendships, learning, home life, behaviour or self-esteem
- If they are not developing social, life, academic, or independence skills as normally expected
- If they are frequently distressed, sad, angry, anxious or self-harming
- If parents, carers or teachers are unsure how to help a young person
- If the 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 also very 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.
Kirsty can help youth 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
- Young people can be more open to advice from an independent, trusted adult outside their family
- Learning 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.
- Promote resilience to difficult life events.
- Identifying and intervening on 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.
Dr Kirsty Hildebrandt
I am specifically trained in Child, Adolescent and Family
Clinical Psychology. I have over 25 years of experience working with youth
and their parents. I am approachable and skilled in developing working
relationships with young people.