Does my teen need therapy?

Adolescence is an important and often difficult stage in a person's life. It is generally a phase in which teens explore their identity and who they are, outside of their family system. This means that teens are often very interested in their peers and will test boundaries in an attempt to distinguish themselves as individuals who are both part of a family system and unique individuals. Biological changes, new life experiences and social pressures combine to form a complex stage of life which is vital in affecting how they will manage and cope with future life stages. Frequently, teenagers lack the internal and/or external support needed for them to effectively cope with the pressures around them. Further complexities in family dynamics or particular community expectations can add to this pressure. As a counselling psychologist, Dan hopes to assist teens with a vast range of difficulties such as depression, anxiety, adjustment difficulties, trauma and loss, life challenges, career concerns and other challenges which may occur at this stage of life. If your teen is struggling with the internal and external pressures of life, it may be useful to explore the possibility of therapy with Dan.

Common signs of mental health difficulties in adolescence

Change of sleeping patterns
Loss of self-esteem
Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
Decline in academic performance
Weight loss/gain
Aggressiveness and excess anger
Feelings of guilt
Changes in concentration or task completion
Thoughts of suicide
Excessive levels of worry
Persistent feelings of sadness

Unlock Potential

The therapy that Dan offers aims at developing:

Insight
Awareness
Emotional regulation
Self exploration
A space for healing
A space for growth and change

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What is teen therapy?

Therapy is aimed at providing a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space where teenagers can share their experiences, be heard and explore possible solutions to some of the difficulties they may face. Emotional, social and academic difficulties may be compounded with family systems and an urge to explore identity. Although parents often long to share such conversations with their children, this stage of life often finds teenagers trying to define themselves outside of the family setting. Therapy provides a safe space for teenagers to speak about certain things which may feel off-limits with their parents. As a licensed psychologist, Dan is able to bring evidence based techniques and tools in order to tailor treatment to the unique challenges of each teen. Dan works with teenagers who are fifteen years and older.

In order to promote the process of therapy, it is important that therapy is a confidential space. Thus, although there may be some collaboration with, and certain information may be shared with the parent/guardian (with the consent of the teen), the confidential boundary will be held in order to best assist the client. This boundary drastically improves the therapy and the ability of teens to feel that the space can be used to explore what they would like. The only time that information may be shared without consent is in order to keep the client safe, if the teen may be in danger of harming himself/herself or others.

The therapy that Dan offers aims at developing an understanding of one’s self so as to create deep and enduring changes in one’s life. Therapy is driven at times by the client and at others by the therapist in an attempt to gain insight, awareness and acceptance. However, we are complex beings and therapy differs, based on the needs of each person. Dan believes that the primary road to healing and growth occurs through the relationship that develops between a person and their therapist.