Supporting a teenager often means supporting the people around them too.

Parents and caregivers may feel worried, frustrated or unsure about how best to respond when their teenager is struggling. They may also find that approaches that worked when their child was younger no longer seem effective.

Where appropriate, I can work alongside parents and caregivers to help them better understand what their teenager may be experiencing and explore ways of responding that support communication, emotional regulation and connection.

Sometimes the most helpful place to begin is with the parent.

A teenager doesn't need to arrive at therapy knowing exactly what is wrong or even knowing whether they want to talk about it.

Sometimes the first step is simply finding a way of being together that feels comfortable.

Whether that means sitting and talking, walking beside the canal, playing a game, doing something creative or having a hot chocolate, the aim is to create enough safety and connection for the young person to begin to understand what they are experiencing.

It starts with finding a way that works for them.

When your teenager is struggling, it can be difficult to know what to do.

Parents often tell me that they feel disconnected from their child or are worried because their teenager no longer talks to them about what they are experiencing. You may find yourself wanting to help while also feeling unsure about when to step in, what to say or how much space to give them.

This can be a difficult balance.

While the young person is my client, I also recognise the important role that parents and caregivers play in their wellbeing. Where appropriate, I may involve parents or caregivers in aspects of the therapeutic process and offer guidance around communication, boundaries and supporting their teenager at home.

This does not mean taking away the young person's privacy. Instead, the aim is to create a supportive network around them while respecting their developing independence.

Sometimes therapy can also provide an opportunity to work on communication, problem-solving and repairing relationship difficulties between teenagers and their parents or caregivers.

If family work becomes appropriate, we can explore this together. You can also find more information on my Family Counselling page.

Your Teenager Doesn't Have to Have the Answers

Your teenager doesn't need to arrive at therapy knowing exactly what is wrong or what they need help with.

Sometimes they may simply know that they are struggling.

The first step is creating a relationship where they feel safe enough to begin talking, at their own pace.

From there, we can work together to understand what is happening, develop practical tools and help them build greater confidence in managing both the challenges they are facing now and those that may come in the future.

The goal isn't to change who they are. It is to help them understand themselves, feel more confident in who they are, and develop the tools to navigate life with greater resilience.

Taking the First Step

If you're a parent or caregiver concerned about your teenager, reaching out for support can be difficult.

You don't need to have all the answers before making contact. We can begin by talking about your concerns and considering whether adolescent therapy might be appropriate.

If your teenager is ready to engage, we can then begin creating a therapeutic space that feels safe and comfortable for them.

Get in Touch