Teenage Experiences
Interview with young people's Counsellor, Carmel, on supporting teenagers in today's world
There are many reasons why a young person might want some extra help with whatever’s going on in their life.
Talking can make a big difference.
Counselling gives young people a space to talk about their thoughts and feelings, separate from parents, family, teachers and peers, without worrying about being judged or having to work through things alone.
If you’re looking for support for a young person in your family, or somebody you’re working with, we can help.
When young people come to us, they will see a counsellor who is trained and experienced in working with their age group so you can be reassured that they will be properly supported.
Our counsellors won’t tell them what to do, or talk down to them. The counsellor’s job is to listen in a safe space, letting the young person talk about their feelings openly and begin to understand them better.
We help young people with all sorts of things. Some are:
- Mental health including anxiety and depression
- Difficulty with relationships with family or friends
- Struggling to focus, pay attention or feeling ‘out of place’
- Issues at school such as feeling pressure and worries about the future
- Bullying, whether the young person is being bullied or is bullying others
- Not feeling confident, or being worried about who they are in the world
- Family changes such as parents separating or new additions to the family
- Existing within the social care system like adoption or fostering
- Coping with grief or loss if a loved one passes away
What kind of counselling do we offer?
Most of our counsellors are Integrative Therapists. This means that whilst our counsellors draw from many different approaches including; systemic, psychodynamic, person-centred, CBT and much more. They work with each individual as a whole person and adapt their approach accordingly.
Our children and young people’s counsellors have completed additional training to work with young people at different developmental stages. They’re also trained in a variety of techniques which can include things like; play therapy, art therapy and creative practices.
Our counsellors also have access to wide range of complementary expertise through our other TLC departments and services, including domestic abuse, separation support and community support. Staff often share professional skills, tools and techniques, of course respecting our high standards of confidentiality and anonymity at all times.
