Teenage Counselling
The teenage years can bring significant changes in emotions, relationships, school, identity and expectations. Teenage counselling provides a safe and supportive space for young people to talk through what they are experiencing, develop greater self-awareness and build practical strategies for managing challenges.
At Calming Paws Therapy, counselling is tailored to each young person's individual needs, personality, strengths and circumstances. I take the time to build a trusting therapeutic relationship and work collaboratively with each teenager at their own pace.
Who is teenage counselling for?
Teenagers can experience challenges that are difficult to navigate on their own. They may be managing increasing school expectations, friendship or relationship difficulties, worries about the future, changes at home, or simply trying to understand themselves and their emotions.
Teenage counselling may be helpful for young people experiencing anxiety or feeling overwhelmed, difficulties managing or expressing emotions, low confidence or self-esteem, friendship or relationship difficulties, school or study pressures, changes in family circumstances, or difficulties with motivation and coping. It can also provide a safe and supportive space for young people who feel stuck or simply want someone outside their usual circle to talk to.
What concerns can teenage counselling support?
Teenage therapy can support a range of emotional, social, school and wellbeing concerns, including anxiety and worries, emotional regulation, low confidence and self-esteem, friendship and relationship difficulties, school-related challenges, family changes, significant life transitions and difficulties coping with everyday pressures.
Counselling can also provide support when a young person is experiencing changes in their identity, relationships or sense of self, or when emotions and circumstances are beginning to affect their wellbeing or engagement at home or school. The focus is on understanding the individual young person and helping them develop practical skills and strategies that are relevant to their life.
My counselling approach
My approach is young-person-centred, strengths-based and collaborative. I recognise that teenagers are developing greater independence and want to feel respected, heard and involved in decisions about their own support. I work alongside each young person to understand their experiences, strengths, relationships and the environments in which they live and learn.
What can parents expect?
Before counselling begins, we will discuss your teenager's individual needs, current concerns and what you hope counselling will support. This provides an opportunity to understand the broader circumstances and consider whether counselling is an appropriate support.
Teenagers are encouraged to have an active role in their counselling. Parent involvement will vary depending on the young person's age, needs and circumstances. Where appropriate, parents may receive general feedback and practical suggestions to support their teenager while respecting their privacy and confidentiality.
Teenage Counselling FAQ’s
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Teenage counselling is designed for young people in their adolescent years. Each young person's developmental stage, individual needs and circumstances are considered when determining whether counselling is appropriate.
Counselling with teenagers is not simply about sitting across from someone and talking. Sessions are guided by the young person and what feels comfortable and helpful for them. Depending on their interests and needs, sessions may incorporate Winnie, games, creative activities such as drawing and art, or craft, alongside conversation. These approaches can help young people feel more comfortable expressing themselves, exploring their experiences and working through challenges in a way that feels natural to them.
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Where appropriate, Winnie may be incorporated into a counselling session. Her involvement is always optional and guided by the young person's comfort, preferences and therapeutic needs.
Research on dog-assisted counselling suggests that for adolescents and young people there are reductions in post-traumatic stress symptoms, as well as improved attendance and engagement in therapy. Initial sessions typically begin with an introduction to Winnie, including learning about her and how to interact with not only her, but all dogs safely and respectfully. Her presence is intended to support the therapeutic process.
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It can be challenging when your teenager shuts down, especially when you can see they are struggling and you want to help. Try to let them know you are there for them without putting pressure on them to talk. Sometimes, just spending time together can help without the expectation of having a conversation. Let them know you are happy to listen whenever they are ready, while giving them the space they need.
Sometimes, teenagers find it easier to talk to someone outside the family. Counselling can provide a space where they can work through what’s going on for them at their own pace, without feeling they need to have everything figured out. You don’t need to push them into talking, but gently letting them know that counselling is an option can be a good place to start.
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Sometimes it can be hard to know whether a young person would benefit from counselling. You might notice changes in mood or behaviour, they may seem withdrawn, or struggling with friendships, school, anxiety or managing their emotions. You might just have a sense that something is not quite right, even if they aren't talking about what's going on. Counselling can give teenagers a space to talk things through, explore what's happening for them and work out ways to manage things they are finding difficult.
It's also important that your teenager has some willingness approach counselling with some openness. They don't need to be completely comfortable with the idea or know exactly what they want to talk about, but it helps if they autonomy in the decision. If they're unsure, you can talk with them about what counselling involves and what it might offer them. You don’t need to wait until things get worse to seek support, and it’s important that your teenager feels comfortable with the approach.
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It can be difficult to know how to respond when your teenager seems angry or frustrated a lot of the time. Sometimes, anger is a way of expressing feelings that are harder to put into words, such as stress, worry, sadness or feeling misunderstood. Teenagers are also navigating a lot of changes, friendships, school pressures and growing expectations, which can sometimes feel overwhelming. While anger is a normal emotion, frequent or intense outbursts may be a sign that your teenager is finding things difficult and needs some support.
Counselling can help teenagers better understand their emotions, explore what might be contributing to their anger and find ways to manage difficult feelings. This isn't about stopping them from feeling angry, but helping them understand what's happening and respond in ways that work better for them.
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Calming Paws Therapy provides teenage counselling in Highett, Melbourne's Bayside area, supporting young people and families from surrounding suburbs including Hampton, Moorabbin and Brighton.
