Psychology for teens
How can Insightful Minds help adolescents?
Adolescence is a time of intense change, often
accompanied by heightened and distressing emotion.
During this period, young people experience a range of profound changes in their physical, social, emotional, cognitive and neurobiological development. Not surprisingly, this age group has the highest prevalence of mental health disorders across the life span, with one in four young people dealing with a mental health disorder.
Addressing emerging mental health concerns during this time is essential for young people to learn how to effectively manage life stressors, and transition smoothly into adulthood.
At Insightful Minds we understand that young people often have difficulty attending and engaging in therapy. We recognise the need for rapport building, confidentiality and shared decision making to ensure the best possible outcomes.
We aim to provide clinical intervention and support to young people, in a non-judgemental and developmentally appropriate manner, based on years of clinical experience with this age group.
We know the positive life long changes that can occur from assisting young people to develop a better understanding of themselves and their emotions, in order to make rewarding life choices.
How do I know if my teenager needs to see a psychologist?
It can be difficult to know whether your teenager needs to see a psychologist. Severe anxiety may easily be overlooked as common nervousness around school life. While most people can benefit from therapy, there are some situations where it is especially needed.
When it comes to adolescents, some of the common reasons a psychologist might be a good choice include:
· Excessive signs of stress
· Body image issues
· Trouble with relationships
· School and study issues
· Suicidal thinking or self harming behaviour
· Signs of depression
· Getting stuck in worries or experiencing symptoms of panic
· Struggles with emotional regulation
· Sleep difficulties
· Disordered eating
For further information about how and when your adolescent might benefit from seeing one of our psychologists, read our article: Is your Teen Struggling? How a Psychologist can Help Them Navigate the Turbulence of Adolescence
It can be quite difficult to figure out what is troubling your young person and how to best support them. To discuss this with us further or make an appointment, please contact Insightful Minds on 0411 854 694 or contact us here to discuss your concerns. We hold extensive experience and knowledge in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health issues that young people often present with.
As part of our holistic approach to therapy, and with the permission of the young person, we try to include family members and/or parents. When deemed appropriate or necessary, we may also work with associated schools and other educational/ work-place settings.
Support for parenting during adolescence
Parenting through the adolescent period can be challenging, particularly if your teen is experiencing mental health difficulties.
Common challenges reported by parents include; their teen spending too much time alone in their room, frequent and escalating conflict, or displays of heighten emotions or challenging behaviour from their adolescent. It can be quite difficult to figure out what is troubling your young person and how to best support them.
At Insightful Minds, we provide support and assistance to parents of young people. We encourage an open exchange of information, and provide psychoeducation and coaching about adolescent mental health presentations, and how families talk to, care about and connect with each other. We support parents to take time to look after themselves so they can look after their young person, and parent in an emotionally responsive manner that is consistent with their values, rather than ours.