Adolescent Psychotherapy
Adolescence is defined as the period of life from 12 to 18 years of age. During this time, a young person undergoes transformations on several levels—physical, emotional, and psychological. Sometimes these changes that happen in, around, and after puberty can cause difficulties for adolescents, often perceived as insurmountable and deeply challenging.
Common Challenges for Teenagers
Moving from primary to secondary school is a significant change that can leave young people feeling uncertain about their identity and sense of stability. For some, this change also means a new group of friends and social circles.
It’s normal to worry about feeling left out, peer pressure, navigating social media, and facing bullying in all its forms—whether online or offline. Negative thoughts about their bodies, feeling “different,” anxiety, and concerns about life and death also often come up.
These challenges tend to surface during particularly stressful times at school, such as:
- At the end of the second year and the start of the third year, with worries about the Junior Cert.
- Transition year, when friendships might change.
- Entering fifth year, with fears about the Leaving Cert.
- Sixth year, as exams approach.
Family and Social Pressures
For many teenagers, challenges often arise from family life, such as relationships with parents or siblings, rather than school experiences.Some teens might find that things they once accepted or didn’t think about—like their gender or sexual orientation—start to feel complicated. Others might face issues with drinking, drug use, or eating habits—things they might use to cope, but which can grow into bigger problems over time.
How Psychotherapy Can Help
Adolescent psychotherapy helps young people understand their difficulties and develop their thoughts, ideas, and voice. It aims to make them feel more comfortable with their minds and bodies. Depending on each person’s specific challenges, the therapist employs a gentle combination of methods to find what works best. Engaging in psychotherapy can be very beneficial for adolescents, often preventing more serious issues from developing as they grow into adulthood. Many young people find that just a few sessions with a caring psychotherapist can make a noticeable difference.
Professional Responsibility
N.B. As a psychotherapist, I am aware of and follow the Children First Guidelines 2017, as well as the duties and responsibilities imposed on mandated persons under the Children First Act 2015.
Contact me to schedule a complimentary 20-minute phone consultation.