Adolescents

Psychotherapy with adolescents

Psychotherapy with adolescents usually happens with more separation from the parents, as adolescence is a time of transition into adulthood and independence, so initial meetings are often with the young person and parents, or sometimes without the parents at all.

Confidentiality

A confidential approach is employed, with the proviso that any serious concerns for the safety and well being of the young person would be discussed with them, and then contact with a responsible adult in the young person’s life would be sought in order to keep them safe.

Examples of problems in children and adolescents successfully treated with psychotherapy include:

• Depression and anxiety
• Anger and self harm
• Some substance misuse issues
• Some eating disorder issues
• Mutism
• Gender identity difficulties
• Communication problems such as ASD
• Attachment difficulties
• Coming to terms with traumatic events
• Bereavements