A supportive space for young people to make sense of their feelings, relationships and experiences, and to feel more confident in who they are.

Adolescence can bring enormous change. Teenagers may be trying to understand themselves while also managing school pressures, friendships, family relationships, social expectations and uncertainty about the future. At times, feelings can become difficult to name or manage, and it may feel easier to withdraw, become overwhelmed or keep everything inside.

I work with teenagers experiencing a range of difficulties, including:

• anxiety, stress and emotional overwhelm

• low self-esteem and self-criticism

• questions about identity and belonging

• school pressure and difficulties with motivation

• friendship problems, rejection or loneliness

• family conflict and changes at home

• difficulties understanding or regulating emotions

• feeling different, misunderstood or disconnected

• major transitions, loss or change

Therapy offers a confidential space away from the pressures of school, family and friendships. I aim to help each young person feel heard without judgement, while giving them time to understand what they are feeling and what may be contributing to it.

The work may involve exploring recurring patterns, making sense of difficult emotions, noticing how experiences are felt in the body, and developing more supportive ways of responding to stress, conflict and uncertainty. I adapt the way I work to the age, personality and needs of each young person rather than expecting them to engage in one particular way.

Some teenagers find it easy to talk, while others may need more time or may communicate through examples, images, metaphor or discussion of everyday situations. There is no pressure to arrive knowing exactly what to say.

Parents and confidentiality

For therapy to feel useful, teenagers need to know that what they share will be treated with care and confidentiality. I will explain clearly at the beginning of the work what confidentiality means and the limited circumstances in which I may need to share information because of a serious concern about safety.

Depending on the young person’s age and circumstances, I may meet with a parent or carer as part of the initial process. I will also discuss how parents can be appropriately involved without taking away the young person’s sense that therapy is their own space.

The aim is to support the young person while also recognising the importance of the family and wider relationships around them.