Alexis
Pagomenos
Psychology
Therapy for Teenagers
in Brisbane
Are You Worried About Your Teenager, But Not Sure How to Help?
Being a teenager isn't always easy. Between school, friendships, relationships, social pressures and figuring out who you are, there's a lot to navigate.
Sometimes, though, it can feel like your teenager is struggling more than you'd expect, and you're not quite sure what to do.
You might have noticed some changes in their behaviour or mood, or perhaps they've started expressing that they're not feeling okay.
Do you notice your teenager:
-
Spending more time alone, withdrawing from family or friends, or avoiding social situations?
-
Seeming more anxious, overwhelmed or worried about school, friendships or what other people think?
-
Struggling with low mood, motivation or losing interest in activities they used to enjoy?
-
Becoming more irritable, frustrated or emotional, sometimes over things that seem relatively small?
-
Being particularly hard on themselves, struggling with self-confidence or constantly comparing themselves to others?
Perhaps you've tried talking to them, offering advice or encouraging them to make changes, but nothing seems to be helping. You might feel worried, frustrated or unsure how to get through to them.
And if you're a teenager reading this yourself, perhaps you feel like nobody really understands what you're going through, or you just want somewhere you can talk openly without worrying about being judged.
What Can It Be Like When Your Teenager Is Struggling?
As a parent, it can be difficult watching your teenager struggle and feeling like you don't know how to help. You might notice they're spending more time in their room, avoiding family activities or becoming increasingly reluctant to go to school or see friends.
You might find yourself walking on eggshells, unsure whether to ask questions, offer advice or give them space. Conversations that used to feel easy might turn into arguments, or you might feel like you're constantly trying to encourage them to do things they no longer seem interested in.
For teenagers themselves, these experiences can feel equally difficult. They might be struggling with anxiety, self-doubt, loneliness or feeling like they don't fit in. Sometimes they don't even know how to explain what's wrong. They just know that things don't feel right.
You're Not Alone in This
It's common for teenagers to experience challenges with their mental health as they navigate adolescence.
Changes in friendships, school pressures, social expectations, family relationships and developing independence can all contribute to how teenagers think and feel. However, it can be difficult to know when something is more than just a challenging stage of growing up.
Seeking support doesn't mean you've failed as a parent, or that something is wrong with your teenager. Sometimes having someone outside the family to talk to can make a meaningful difference.
Your teenager doesn't have to work everything out on their own, and neither do you.
Teenagers Are Resilient
Adolescence is an important time for developing confidence, understanding yourself and learning how to navigate relationships and difficult experiences. When teenagers become stuck in unhelpful patterns of thinking, feeling or behaving, these experiences can start affecting their confidence, relationships and overall wellbeing.
The good news is that teenagers can learn different ways of responding to difficult thoughts and feelings. I aim to provide a warm, supportive and non-judgemental environment where teenagers can feel comfortable talking about what's going on in their lives.
Therapy can help teenagers better understand themselves, develop practical ways of managing difficult emotions, build confidence and learn how to navigate the challenges they're experiencing.
Importantly, therapy isn't about telling teenagers what they're doing wrong or trying to change who they are. It's about helping them develop the skills and confidence to manage life's challenges and feel more comfortable being themselves.
What Will Therapy for Teenagers look like?
Starting therapy can feel like a big step.
My aim is to create a space where we can normalise our negative, critical or judgmental thoughts, our worries, fears or insecurities and our nucomefortable emotions without any judgement or blame.
So that you can understand what is keeping you stuck, and use evidence-based strategies and professional support to help you work to change it.
The first session is an opportunity to understand what's been happening and what has brought your teenager to therapy.
Depending on their age and circumstances, we can arrange for parents to be involved in the initial conversation before allowing your teenager space to talk independently.
There's no expectation that they need to open up straight away. Building trust and helping them feel comfortable is an important part of the process.
We'll explore the challenges they're experiencing, whether that's anxiety, low mood, friendship difficulties, self-doubt, school pressures or navigating relationships. We'll also identify what they'd like to change and what is important to them.
Therapy can also help teenagers learn and practice new practical ways of managing difficult emotions, responding to unhelpful thinking patterns, navigating social situations and building confidence.
Progress might look like feeling more comfortable making friends, managing school-related stress, expressing emotions, developing healthier relationships or becoming more confident in themselves.
Therapy is individualised to your teenager. We'll work at a pace that feels manageable and focus on the things that matter most to them.
Parents can also be involved in the process where appropriate. We'll discuss how to support your teenager outside of sessions while respecting their need for privacy and independence. Confidentiality and its limits, including situations where safety concerns need to be addressed, will be discussed openly.
You May Have Some Concerns. That's Okay.
What if my teenager doesn't want to come to therapy?
It's understandable that your teenager might be hesitant, particularly if they've never spoken to a psychologist before. It can help to explain that therapy isn't about being in trouble or having something wrong with them. It's simply an opportunity to talk to someone who isn't a parent or teacher and get some support. Having a conversation together before booking can help make the idea feel less overwhelming.
What if my teenager doesn't open up or doesn't know what to say?
That's completely okay. Teenagers don't need to arrive knowing exactly what to talk about. Building a comfortable relationship takes time, and there's no pressure to share everything straight away. We'll work on developing trust and finding an approach that suits their personality and needs.
Will I know what's happening in my teenager's therapy sessions?
It's understandable that you want to know how your teenager is going, particularly when you're worried about them. It's important, though, that teenager has a space where they can speak openly and develop independence. We'll discuss confidentiality, privacy and how parents can be involved from the beginning. If there are concerns about their safety, you will always be informed immediately
What if my teenager is too busy with school and other commitments?
I understand that teenagers have busy schedules with school, extracurricular activities, friendships and family commitments. I do offer some sessions outside of school hours. I am always happy to discuss appointment options and find an arrangement that works as best as possible for your family.
Do I have to commit to ongoing therapy after reaching out?
Not at all! There's absolutely no pressure to book a session afterwards. Reaching out to our reception team is simply an opportunity for you to see whether we might be a good fit, and for you to understand how therapy could help.
How do I take the next step?
If you're worried about your teenager or they've expressed that they're struggling, reaching out can be a helpful first step.
You don't need to wait until things become overwhelming to reach out.
Contact us today. There's no pressure or obligation to book a therapy session afterwards.
Get In Touch
Ready to take the next step? I am ready when you are.
Contact Information
I work as part of the team at My Psych Clinic, in Eight Mile Plains.
Get in touch with our friendly reception team to book a session or answer any questions.
Level 1 Building 10/107 Miles Platting Rd, Eight Mile Plains QLD 4113
Please note that I am unable to respond to emergency or crisis situations. If you, or someone else, requires immediate emergency support, please contact emergency services on 000, Lifeline (24 hr service) on 13 11 14, Mental Health Access Line (24 hr service) on 1300 64 22 55, 13YARN - 13 92 76, or visit your nearest hospital emergency department.
