Parenting a teenager can sometimes feel like navigating unfamiliar territory.

A young person may become withdrawn, irritable, anxious or overwhelmed, while parents are left wondering whether what they are seeing is part of normal adolescence or something that needs further support.

Parent presentations can explore topics such as:

• Understanding the teenage brain and emotional development
• Anxiety, stress and emotional overwhelm
• Recognising when a young person may be struggling
• School anxiety and school avoidance
• Emotional regulation
• Self-esteem and confidence
• Perfectionism and fear of failure
• Social media and its impact on wellbeing
• Friendships, peer pressure and belonging
• Communication between parents and teenagers
• Supporting a neurodivergent teenager
• Understanding ADHD and executive functioning
• When and how to seek additional support

The emphasis is on helping parents develop greater understanding and practical ways of responding, while recognising that every young person is different.

Presentations can also be developed specifically for students and adapted to different age groups.

Understanding Your Emotions

Helping young people understand emotions, stress responses and emotional regulation, and recognising that difficult emotions are not something they simply need to “get rid of”.

Anxiety & Managing Overwhelm

Exploring what anxiety is, how it can affect the mind and body, and practical strategies that can help young people manage stress and overwhelming feelings.

Self-Worth, Confidence & Perfectionism

Looking at self-criticism, comparison, fear of failure and the pressure to appear as though everything is okay.

Friendships, Belonging & Loneliness

Exploring friendship difficulties, feeling different or left out, social pressures and the importance of finding connection and supportive relationships.

Social Media & Emotional Wellbeing

Considering how social media can influence comparison, confidence, identity, relationships and our understanding of what other people's lives are really like.

Neurodiversity & Understanding Yourself

Helping students develop a greater understanding of neurodiversity, individual differences, ADHD, autism, executive functioning and the importance of recognising different ways of thinking and experiencing the world.

I can also offer sessions for teachers and school staff who would like to develop their understanding of emotional wellbeing and the challenges some young people may be experiencing.

Topics can include:

• Recognising signs of anxiety and emotional distress
• Understanding emotional regulation
• Supporting students experiencing overwhelm
• School avoidance and difficulties with attendance
• Neurodiversity and the classroom environment
• ADHD and executive functioning
• Understanding behaviour beneath the surface
• Supporting students experiencing low self-esteem
• Responding to emotional dysregulation
• Creating a more supportive environment for neurodivergent students
• Knowing when a student may need additional support

These sessions can be adapted to the particular needs of the school and the students it supports.

I don't believe presentations about emotional wellbeing should simply involve someone standing at the front of a room and talking for an hour.

Where appropriate, sessions can include discussion, reflection, practical exercises, questions and opportunities to consider how the material relates to everyday experiences.

Presentations can be tailored according to:

• Age and developmental stage
• Primary or secondary school
• Student, parent or staff audience
• Particular concerns within the school community
• Length and format of the session
• Whether the school is looking for a single presentation or a series of workshops

I can also work with schools to develop a programme around a particular theme or area of concern.

My approach to school presentations is informed by many years of working with children, adolescents and families, as well as my experience within school and community settings.

Earlier in my career, I worked directly with young people in educational settings and was contracted by Foróige to support students across primary and secondary school environments.

My background in psychology, CBT, neurodiversity-informed practice and psychotherapy also informs the way I approach emotional wellbeing.

I am particularly interested in helping adults look beyond behaviour and ask:

“What might this young person be experiencing underneath what we are seeing?”

Understanding what is happening beneath the surface can sometimes change the way we respond.

The aim of these presentations is not to suggest that every difficulty requires therapy.

It is about creating greater awareness, reducing stigma and helping young people and the adults around them recognise when something may not be right.

Sometimes having the right conversation at the right time can make a significant difference.

If your school is interested in a presentation, workshop or tailored programme around adolescent emotional wellbeing, neurodiversity or supporting young people, I would be happy to discuss your needs.

→ Get in Touch to Discuss a School Presentation or Workshop