What Are Child and Adolescent Issues
Adolescence is considered a period of major transition with regard to physical, social, sexual and intellectual spheres which may be stressful for the individual. Like childhood, it is a major developmental phase with unique challenges that often need support and guidance.
My Different Approach Your Child or Teen
I believe every child and teenager is gifted. The process of therapy is to unlock the gift intrinsic to that child or teen’s nature and bring them into awareness of their own strength.
It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.
Common reasons adolescents/teens go into counselling
There is a myriad of reasons why adolescents go into counselling: Anxiety, depression, eating disorders, learning difficulties, mood disorders, gender identity disorders. Stress can come from family life, school life, peer group life, social media pressure and more.
I would like to help your child thrive.
As parents, we all want our children to thrive, mentally, physically, and emotionally. My goal is to uncover the unique conditions for growth that will enable your child to thrive. My aim is to get to know your child’s personality – the innate temperament they are born with – their strengths and weaknesses, gifts, talents and challenges. I work with your child to find creative solutions to dealing with challenges that feel insurmountable to them. I believe that continuous effort – not strength or intelligence – is the key to unlocking your child’s potential.
Range of My Experiences With Helping Adolescents
I help adolescents successfully navigate through issues such as eating disorders, depression, grief, anxiety and mood disorders, relationship problems, learning disorders, peer-related issues, grief, loss and bereavement, family problems, substance use, anger and temperament issues and bullying.
At what point is an intervention required with teens
An intervention is required when the teen is in obvious distress, causing harm to themselves or others or struggling to cope with daily tasks. An indicator of this is when the distress has caused a deterioration in functioning be it at school, in relationships or day to day tasks.
Will my therapist tell my parents what I talk about in therapy?
As the primary client, you decide what gets told to your parents and what does not get told. The exception is if there is harm being done to yourself or others, in which case confidentiality is breached.
Why would I see an adolescent therapist?
You would see an adolescent therapist to help you with the issues that you are facing – be it on an emotional level, physical level or social level. Often we think we have to walk a journey alone but this couldn’t be further from the truth. A therapist is there to help you see a problem from a different perspective and break it into manageable chunks that enable you to deal with them.
What kind of issues do you address with kids and adolescents?
There is no limit to the kinds of issues addressed with kids and adolescents from eating disorders, depression, grief, anxiety and mood disorders, relationship problems, learning disorders, peer-related issues, grief, loss and bereavement, family problems, substance use, anger and temperament issues and bullying.
Do I need to attend with my child or adolescent?
I prefer to see the child or adolescent alone first, however, if your child or adolescent would like you to come along for the first session this is also fine.
What will happen when I go in to meet with the therapist for the first time?
We will introduce ourselves, talk about what has brought you to therapy, get a sense of your needs and expectations from the therapeutic process and unpack the process going forward.
How long does teen therapy take?
Sessions are 50 minutes long and depending on the progress made can be anything from a number of weeks to a number of months. Many people prefer to stay in therapy for years while others benefit from short-term treatment.
My teen does not want to come to therapy?
Willingness is an important part of therapy and it is often very difficult to bring your child to therapy if they are resistant to the process. However, if you can get them through the door to see the benefit that could arise out of therapy this is the first step!
Are my child’s issues they are struggling with normal?
Issues faced by adolescents and children are often normal, however, coping mechanisms are not. What therapy aims to do is teach children and adolescents healthy coping mechanisms that will benefit them throughout the rest of their lives.
Will my medical aid pay for counselling services?
I am a cash-based practice only.