Adolescent and Family Therapy

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Adolescent and Family Therapy

Are you seeking an adolescent psychologist for your teenager?

Do you worry about your adolescent’s development or mood?
Do they avoid things that are considered normal for their age?
Does stress, anxiety or depression affect their ability to cope?

Are you noticing unusual habits or behaviours that concern you?
Is there a concern in how your family is communicating?

Booking form

(02) 9683 1444

Why adolescent counselling?

Why seek counselling for my adolescent?

The high school years present an entirely new set of goals and issues for development. During this time the adolescent brain is undergoing a transformation. There are changes and growth in structure and chemistry. This can lead to some difficult years which young people need support to navigate.

The decision to attend counselling is a big step for a teenager

There are concerns about what it means to need help, and the stigma associated. A large percentage of teenagers need help with something during these important years.

What is changing in a teenager’s world?

They are experiencing the season of intense changes:

hormonal changes
physical changes
brain changes
friends change in this time
study demands increase
attraction and relationships begin to happen
sexuality is developing
worry about performance and careers emerge
parents may divorce in these years
grandparents may pass away in these years

The biggest changes are in the prefrontal cortex and endocrine system:

The prefrontal cortex is responsible for:

moral thoughts
decision making
social behaviour
problem solving

The endocrine system is responsible for:

increased levels of sex hormones; testosterone and oestrogen
increased adrenaline
changes in physiology
changes in brain chemistry and structure
increased levels of sleep hormones

How do these changes affect adolescents?

During this development, they can make impulsive decisions. These decisions can have negative affects on their relationships, safety and well-being. At the same time, their social and educational settings are expanding. The demands they find imposed on them can lead to stress and emotional reactions. These are some tough years to face.

Serious mental health issues can develop at this time

Between the ages of 16-25 is when the more debilitating mental health issues begin to show. Some teenagers may find themselves in the throes of a depressive disorder such as Bipolar Disorder. Or they may have an early onset of psychosis where they have an episode of delusions or paranoia. This can be a scary time, and could be made worse by drug and alcohol use.

Common issues teenagers seek counselling for:

social anxiety
school issues
performance anxiety in relation to grades
social issues such as bullying
relationship issues
developing social identity
peer pressure
developing communication skills
developing problem solving skills
anger management strategies

Teenagers need help finding positive coping skills.

With all these changes, they might adopt unhelpful coping skills:

alcohol or drug abuse
risk taking behaviours
sexualised behaviour
withdrawing
sleeping a lot

Therapy for adolescents can help to overcome these issues before they become patterns in their lives.

Conditions we offer support for

Our adolescent counsellors and psychologists can offer support for the following issues:

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
anxiety disorders
assertiveness training
behavioural issues
Conduct Disorder
depression disorders
developmental difficulties
discipline issues
eating disorders
learning difficulties
life skills development
Opposition Defiant Disorder (ODD)
self-harm
social difficulties
specific learning difficulties such as reading difficulties

Why family therapy?

The above mentioned issues may be dealt with in an individual, one on one modality. Or they may be best treated using a family therapy model. This is where other members of the family may take part in the sessions.

Family therapy sessions focus on:

relationship building
attachment building
routine setting
improving communication
educating family members

Our adolescent psychologists and counsellors may invite:

the whole family to sessions
the individual’s siblings
a parent
both parents
a step parent
or a combination of the above

The child or young person will be allowed to have a say in who participates in the family therapy session.

Family therapy covers a range of issues

anger management
separation and divorce, and the impact on family members
building better relationships
child protection
communication issues
conflict resolution
decision making and negotiation
emotional abuse
extended family and boundaries
family mediation
family court & legal reporting issues
parenting plans

Family therapy enables family members to:

express and explore difficult thoughts and emotions
understand each other’s experiences and views
appreciate each other’s needs, and build on strengths
make useful changes in their relationships and their lives

Adolescence is like having only enough light to see the step directly in front of you.
― Sarah Addison Allen

Common questions about adolescent and family therapy

Does my teenager need therapy?

There is a resounding question for parents of teenagers. That question is: “Is what I’m worried about a ‘normal’ teenage thing? Will the grow out of this? Is this a worry?”.

As a general rule, the question you can ask is: “Is the issue I’m concerned about having an impact on their life? their ability to perform? or their mental health?”.

If so, it is a good idea to have a check in with your doctor, or one of our adolescent therapists.

How long does therapy take?

This is dependant on the nature of the referring issue. All appointments are usually an hour long. Some family therapy sessions can go for a longer time such as 1.5 hours or 2 hours per session.

Most situational issues may take up to 6-10 sessions to be resolved. Other issues may feel resolved after 3-6 sessions. For more longer term stress such as HCS year or mood disorders, you may benefit from ongoing sessions. For example, support for for up to a year or more.

Your counsellor will discuss expected timeframes with you.

Is individual therapy or family therapy needed?

The answer to this will depend on the nature of the issues you are seeking help for. These factors are in relation to the following questions:

Is this an issue around my teenager’s emotional or developmental needs?
Is the issue affecting the whole family or more than one member?
Is there relationship or communication factors to consider?
Is the adolescent particularly worried, shamed or embarrassed by the issue?
Do they value privacy and confidentiality?

These questions will help to determine whether individual therapy is needed or whether family therapy would be more beneficial. Call to discuss this further with our intake counsellor.

What about relationship or marriage counselling?

The challenges of parenting and disciplining a teenager can place a strain on relationships. Couples may find themselves having different opinions about how to manage these challenges. Many couples recognise the importance of being on the same team and setting good examples for their children.

Our marriage counsellors can provide support and help during these stressful times. A strong couple relationship is one of the best gifts that you can give your teenager.

Easy booking process

Ring for a free consultation

Discover the ease of booking an appointment with us. Our experienced Practice Managers will guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have during a free 15-minute consultation.

Choose a therapist

Our Practice Managers will explain your options and guide you in making an informed decision about which therapist is best suited to your needs.

Choose a time

Choose a convenient time, including after hours. We offer both in-person and telehealth meetings. Generous concessions are available for those facing financial difficulties.

Cross to a better life

Ring us for a free phone consultation.

Booking form

(02) 9683 1444

Are you seeking an adolescent psychologist for your teenager?

Do you worry about your adolescent’s development or mood?

Do they avoid things that are considered normal for their age?

Does stress, anxiety or depression affect their ability to cope?

Are you noticing unusual habits or behaviours that concern you?

Is there a concern in how your family is communicating?

Why adolescent counselling?

Why seek counselling for my adolescent?

The decision to attend counselling is a big step for a teenager

What is changing in a teenager’s world?

The biggest changes are in the prefrontal cortex and endocrine system:

How do these changes affect adolescents?

Serious mental health issues can develop at this time

Common issues teenagers seek counselling for:

Teenagers need help finding positive coping skills.

Conditions we offer support for

Why family therapy?

Family therapy covers a range of issues

Family therapy enables family members to:

Common questions about adolescent and family therapy

Does my teenager need therapy?

How long does therapy take?

Is individual therapy or family therapy needed?

What about relationship or marriage counselling?

Easy booking process

Ring for a free consultation

Choose a therapist

Choose a time

Cross to a better life

Ring us for a free phone consultation.

(02) 9683 1444

enquiries@bridgescounselling.com.au

Bridges Counselling Parramatta

Bridges Counselling Hills District

Monday – Friday 10 AM – 5 PM