Adolescence is a time of many changes. No matter what our backgrounds, home lives, or social lives are like, these changes can be unsettling in different ways to different people. Although some young adults may fly through their teen years with relatively few issues, others are bound to find this stage more overwhelming.
But it’s not just a challenging time for teens. The transition into adulthood entails a lot of exploration and experimentation, which is often nerve-racking for a young person’s family. In today’s quickly changing world, it can be difficult to relate to their experiences, and with the desire for independence leading them to withdraw, it might feel impossible to guide them.
To ensure the natural risk-taking behaviour of youth remains healthy and educational rather than self-destructive, adolescent counselling can be a life-saver.
If your teenager has become uncommunicative, this could be a normal attempt to distance themselves from the family unit and explore their individuality. But for some adolescents, social withdrawal can signify a difficulty in coping with the onset of puberty. This stage of physical and emotional change is usually tumultuous enough, but with the added exposure of social media, young teens today face many unique challenges when it comes to their self-esteem.
Some signs to look out for in younger teens may include:
For older teens, increased independence can sometimes make these signs more alarming, leading to issues like:
Although we may think of adolescence as stereotypically problematic, if we fail to take these problems seriously now, the result could mean behavioural disorders, anxiety depression, and other mental health issues in the long term.
While research tells us that an unprecedented amount of modern teens are suffering with mental health issues, the percentage who report receiving adequate support is very low. This suggests that many young people are attempting to cope on their own, despite limited life experience and problem-solving skills.
But thankfully, the same research shows that early intervention works. Not only does it promote healthier, happier behaviour in teens, it also equips them with the tools they need to make better life choices in the future.
Adolescent counselling aims to improve the lives of teens in areas like:
Counselling sessions can be one-on-one with yourself, one-on-one with your teenager, or joint sessions as needed. This will depend on individual circumstances, such as your family dynamics, and the specific concerns of your teen. They can be once-off, or continue for as long as your teen requires them.
Though a range of methods exist to tackle emotional, behavioural, or other concerns, most will begin with an open conversation in order to get a clear overview of your teen’s situation. After this, your counsellor will work with you and your teen to discover possible solutions and implement achievable goals. They may use talking, role play exercises, or even art therapy to encourage a more positive mindset, along with safe, respectful behaviour.
It is not unusual for adolescents to refuse counselling, but this is often due to misunderstandings about the process. With reassurance that everything discussed during their sessions is 100% confidential, teens can feel comfortable and safe to express concerns that they would rather not bring up with a family member. And for worried parents, it’s comforting to know that they will still be notified if there are any direct threats to their teenager’s safety.
If an adolescent is totally averse to therapy, the next best way to reach them is via counselling for parents.
SHYNE Wellness in Melbourne’s Bayside area offers both child and adolescent counselling, along with parenting counselling, and much more.
For effective, evidence based approaches to any of the concerns faced by parents and adolescents during this time, you can count on the experienced professionals at SHYNE Wellness. These life coaches and counsellors come highly qualified and highly recommended, with certifications in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, addiction and many other issues common in adolescence.
Even if your teen seems unreachable, with SHYNE Wellness, you’re bound to find an approach that works for them. With services covering many different styles of counselling from spiritual practises to neuroscience, you can provide the support they need in a way that suits their unique personality.
If you have enquiries about adolescent counselling in Melbourne, simply phone 0417 616 406 or email info@shynewellness.com.au to book an appointment. Learn how founder Poli Zoungas and SHYNE Wellness can help to make your teen’s life as peaceful and positive as possible!
The reality is we all have feelings and emotions and we all need healthy outlets to explore, understand, express and grow from these feelings and emotions.
Poli can help you start this process.
Poli is a multi-talented and committed Counsellor and Life Coach who is sincerely passionate about supporting her clients through their issues. Poli is a member of the Australian Counselling Association and International Coaching Federation and has assisted clients worldwide. She specialises in working with adolescents, couples, adults and families. Poli provides practical support that a client can use immediately to help them move forward in life.
Poli is a very warm, understanding and patient Counsellor and Life Coach who truly enjoys seeing her clients achieve success in their life. She listens compassionately and guides the client using forward thinking techniques that help them create a better future for themselves. Her extensive educational training gives her the ability to listen and coach clients through their problems in a way in which they feel empowered and inspired.
Poli offers a wide range of expertise in areas such as couples, relationship, marriage and family counselling and life coaching. Her skill set also includes communication, goal setting, anxiety, depression, stress, mental health, mindfulness, life balance, motivation, confidence, advice, healing, trauma, well-being, mentoring, self-development, and mindset strategies. Poli is a certified Counsellor, Emotionally Focused Therapist, a certified Master Life Coach, a certified NLP Master Practitioner, Archetype Coach, a Reiki Master, and is proficient in mindfulness meditation, A.C.T therapy, Palmistry, and Face Reading. Poli is affiliated with and registered under the International Coach Federation and the Australian Counselling Association.
If you’re unable to schedule an appointment and are feeling overwhelmed and would like immediate counselling and support, please call (0417 616 406).
Rebecca Kennedy | |
With such a broad unique skill set you can’t be in safer hands. Poli is so warm and approachable you feel at ease right from the outset. I highly recommend Poli, she genuinely cares about her clients and is invested in helping you achieve a positive outcome. She is a wonder! |
Julie O’Brien | |
Poli is truly a gifted and extraordinary visionary. Her humble character truly is an outstanding quality. Poli has a unique approach of being able to pinpoint the problem quickly and lead the individual to clarity and deep awareness. My personal experience has been enlightening and enabled me to shift through deep emotional blocks quickly. I rarely use the word Guru, yet in this case I would describe Poli as an enlightened Guru of soul blueprints, who truly is servants heart for those seeking deep insights and emotional healing. |
Liv | |
I have really appreciated Poli’s guidance over the last few months which has allowed me to make positive changes in my life and mindset. She intuitively knows when to say the right thing and also to challenge you in a kind and respectful manner. I would highly recommend her to anyone that is looking to make changes toward living a more authentic life. |
Tünel Hulusi | |
The moment you meet Poli, you feel her warmth and energy around you like a big hug. Poli has played an integral role in helping me navigate this thing we call “life”… her guidance brings logic and comfort to the ebbs and flows of our journey and there is no one else I’d want as my beacon of light through it all. From the very bottom of my heart, with infinite gratitude, always- T x |
Rachael | |
I have been searching for years for a genuine counsellor that has the knowledge and expertise that Poli has. She is as genuine as they come, tells it as is it and has the knowledge to back it up while still remaining caring and compassionate. I feel very lucky to have been supported by Poli at a time when it made a world of difference. I feel like I owe her so much. Thank you for everything Poli, your support has meant more than you will ever know. We need more people like this in the world. |
Ruby Robertson | |
After years of talking therapy, with not many results, Poli was recommended to me. She has an ability to empathise like no professional I have met, which did finally produce results. |
Emily Orcullo | |
I had the opportunity to do peer coaching with Poli and she truly comes with a wealth of experience in this space. She is a highly intuitive coach, she can draw out what is underlying behind the problem. Thank you, Poli! |
Prince Dib | |
Poli’s unwavering support and guidance has been a blessing through difficult times and she has been paramount in the growth in so many places in my life. Thank you Poli! |
Bron.e | |
Poli’s extensive knowledge, experience, care and compassion are the gifts she brings to every session where she gently guides me to explore and question things that are challenging me or holding me back. For me, each session builds on the last and I feel so privileged to have found Poli to help me become the best version of myself. I can’t thank you enough Poli for everything you do and all that you are. 🌻 |
Laudie Lambert | |
I have known Poli for many years and without a doubt, she has helped me in my darkest hours!
She is warm, caring and very in tune with what triggers anxiety and panic attacks, and to this day, cannot thank her enough! I highly recommend Poli and am positive you will be more than satisfied with your consultation and communication with her! Laudie Lambert |
Tini Ch | |
Poli is a very skilled and compassionate professional who has allowed me to speak freely, without judgement. She is helping me understand the root cause of my actions and reactions. Poli has given me a safe place to examine my feelings and behaviours and her counsel and advice is invaluable. Thank you Poli. |
yael kollan | |
Poli is very rare in her field. She has the ability to analyze the situation and know exactly what is going on. Through her extensive clinical experience, she allows the patient to observe himself sincerely. Poli has the ability to change your life! Highly recommended!!! |
Sim Stevens | |
Poli is an extraordinary woman with an amazing ability to read people and their needs. The way in which Poli communicates with people is calming and reassuring, while always encouraging you to live your best life with new and wonderful skills. 🙂 |
Bevan East | |
I’ve been a patient here for a few years, particularly of the psychology department with Poli. To say I have found it extremely beneficial is an understatement. I have developed skills and an understanding of myself that is difficult to describe. But has had a monumental impact on my life. Starting out with high levels of anxiety and depression, my ability to control my emotions and harness abilities more effectively has seen positive aspects in my social life, relationships, work life and studies. I would recommend this clinic to anyone who wants to solve their problems, improve their life and or more effectively and efficiently communicate. |