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Adolescent Counselling Bayside
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Adolescent Counselling Bayside
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.
What are the signs an adolescent could benefit from counselling?
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.
How does counselling improve the lives of adolescents?
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
How does adolescent counselling work?
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.
How SHYNE Wellness can help
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!
Getting the help you need doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
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.
- Explore mixed feelings
- Achieve clarity and acknowledgement
- Learn effective communication strategies
- Alleviate distress
- Support more positive thinking
- Inspire effective problem-solving
- Improve relationships
- Boost self-confidence and self-esteem
- Explore the balance between personal goals and relationship priorities
Poli Zoungas
Counsellor and Life Coach
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.
