The adolescent years should be a time of new found independence and confident exploration. However, for many teenagers navigating the challenges of adolescence and the transition to adulthood can be an intense and confusing phase of their developmental journey. As a result, anxiety is a common response which can be overwhelming and uncomfortable when experiencing symptoms of distress. It has been my experience that teenagers find it difficult to convey how they feel because they lack understanding of what they are experiencing. Anxiety can manifest differently for each teenager including a change in their behaviour, withdrawal from parents and siblings, avoiding social engagements and activities they used to enjoy because they fear judgement . Physical symptoms experienced by adolescents with anxiety are real such as, a racing heart, headaches, stomach pains, feeling sick, muscle tension, trouble sleeping.
During my many years of working with adolescents, I find that starting with psychoeducation really benefits their understanding of how their brain works, and gives them an insight in to their internal mechanisms. A certain amount of anxiety is healthy in that it can keep us focused and safe but too much anxiety can keep us in fight, flight, freeze mode. Unhealthy anxiety, can derail individuals from reaching their goals, place very high expectations on one self, look for perfectionism and escape their fears through avoidance.
Safe and Secure environment
Adolescent counselling offers teenagers a safe place to explore distressing thoughts and emotions and learn healthy coping skills and tools. In working with adolescents, I start by building a rapport with them as the therapeutic relationship is one of the most important aspects of therapy. It is imperative that the adolescent has that sense of safety and know what they say is in confidence, therefore, anything they choose to disclose in counselling can only be shared with their consent. Without this trust in the therapeutic process, progress will not be made. As with individual therapy, confidentiality will be broken in situations where there is a safety issue, which will be explained in the first session. Support during the sessions involves the therapist having an empathic ear and validating the adolescent’s feelings.
How therapy can help Adolescents
The adolescent years present a unique set of challenges, for teenagers and parents alike: Some of the struggles include:
Social Integration at school
Social Media
Bullying and Peer Pressure
Trauma
Mood swings
Isolation and withdrawal from the family unit
Puberty – Body Image
Anxiety – Social Anxiety / General Anxiety
Panic attacks
Stress
Sexual Orientation
Academic Achievement
Relationship Issues
Uncertainty about the future
Lacking in motivation
Procrastination
Unhealthy coping mechanisms
Emotional Regulation: The inability to manage one’s emotions appropriately in a range of situations can be very challenging for teenagers, especially teenagers with developmental disabilities, mood disorders, OCD, eating disorders, and addictions.
Self-Worth and Self-Compassion: Low self-worth in adolescents can lead to depression, self-harm and suicidal ideation. Therefore it is important to help them learn self-compassion and kindness which promotes a greater sense of self.
Coping Strategies
During my counselling sessions with adolescents I teach them healthy coping skills to navigate struggles they may be facing. These coping strategies will also equip them to manage a lifetime of personal challenges and triggers. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most popular evidenced based therapies, based on the idea that our thoughts and emotions are intrinsically linked to our behaviour. CBT can help adolescents identify negative thoughts and behaviour patterns and replace with more healthier and productive ones. CBT can be tailored to the unique developmental needs and concerns of each teenager as it is so individually driven. Other modalities that can be tailored to individual needs and personal circumstances include Psychoeducation, Collaborative Therapy Approach, Solution Focused Therapy and Mindfulness Techniques.
Parental Involvement
Sending your child to counselling is a way of letting them know that you see their distress and want to support them in whatever challenges they are facing. This is a difficult time for you the parent or caregiver as well, especially when your child won’t talk to you about what they are struggling with. Parents often talk to me about feeling a disconnection and are at a loss as to how to help their teenager. Teenagers also need your support but will still try to push the boundaries and may adapt unhelpful coping mechanisms to push through their distress. It is always my belief that my adolescent clients would benefit from their parents/caregivers attending some of the sessions. Whilst your child is my client I like to also support you the parent/carer, and my therapy room can be a great opportunity for me to facilitate rupture repair, problem solving and better communication. Please refer to my tab on Family Counselling.
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