SERVICES

Adolescent therapy

Why is adolescent therapy so essential?

Teenagers are continuously developing social skills and building upon their emotional intelligence. This continuous growth, mindfulness and interactivity lead to happy and healthy lifestyles. Some adolescents, however, may display emotions or behaviour that can impact their wellbeing. By seeing a psychologist, you will be able to communicate with your child more effectively and allow them to open up about issues at school or conflicts with friends. Some children are less inclined to talk about their lives, but therapy is a way for them to let go of their inhibitions and freely speak out about their problems.

At this stage, their sexual identity, independence and relationships define their development.

What are some of the issues adolescents face?

Due to the advanced technological era we live in, children have become more reliant on social media and therefore do not pick up on social cues as easily anymore. The way teenagers interact with their peers via text messaging services, GIFs and emojis have changed the way they communicate, process information and develop as a whole. The way the world has transitioned in terms of technology speeding up before a young child’s brain has fully developed contributes to a majority of adolescent issues today.

Depression is a major concern among parents as teenagers are likely to become depressed for various reasons, including their struggle to fit into a group and not being accepted for who they are. Their need to be accepted is fuelled by experimentation as well.

Other problems teenagers struggle with include:

• Issues of growth and development
• Mental illness
• Peer pressure
• High expectations from parents
• Micronutrient deficiencies
• Anxiety
• Mood disorders
• Bullying
• Pressure from social media
• Substance abuse
• Tragedy in the famil
• Eating disorders (most common in girls)