A professional service where you feel safe to voice your concerns and be heard
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 psychological 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:
Anxious behaviour, such as persistent avoidance of school or social outings.
A fixation on body image, hateful self-talk, or changing relationships with food.
A decline in academic performance.
For older teens, increased independence can sometimes make these signs more alarming, leading to issues like:
Antisocial behaviour, including aggression, violence, and theft.
Irresponsible experimentation with illicit substances.
Unsafe behaviour such as reckless driving, drink driving, or unprotected sex.
Eating disorders or self-harm.
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:
Academic stress or disengagement
Coping with peer pressure and (online/offline) bullying
Management of emotions like depression or anger
Body image, self-esteem issues, and eating disorders
Family and relationship problems
Drug and alcohol misuse
Navigation of gender, identity, and sexuality
Recovering from self-harm and suicidal ideation
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!
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.
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.
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.
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. 🌻
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 have seen many professionals, before being introduced to Poli, without any success for my anxiety, but after a few sessions, I am much more in control with my problems!
I highly recommend Poli and am positive you will be more than satisfied with your consultation and communication with her!
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!!!
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. 🙂
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