Need a place to talk?
Being a teenager can be tough, and sometimes it can feel like there is no-one to talk to or who understands.
Feeling down, worried, stressed and angry are all normal human emotions, but when they continue for a long period of time, they may be part of a mental health problem. Mental health problems can have a huge impact on daily life and may influence everything from relationships to performance at school and self- image.
There are some signs which suggest either yourself or the young person in your life might need a space to talk to a professional, these include:
Feeling down, worried, stressed and angry are all normal human emotions, but when they continue for a long period of time, they may be part of a mental health problem. Mental health problems can have a huge impact on daily life and may influence everything from relationships to performance at school and self- image.
There are some signs which suggest either yourself or the young person in your life might need a space to talk to a professional, these include:
- Feeling down or sad for no clear reason
- Finding yourself constantly worrying and unable to calm down
- Finding it harder to concentrate in class or remember things
- No longer enjoying things you used to enjoy
- Finding yourself easily annoyed by others, more conflict with family and friends
- Changes in your performance at school
- Just not feeling "quite right", like things have changed
- Engaging in behaviour which is riskier than usual e.g. drugs or drinking too much alcohol
- Changes to appetite and sleep
- Having strange thoughts which may or may not be distressing to you, but which are unusual
How does a Psychologist work with teens?
We understand that sometimes teenagers don't wish to be involved with therapy, but may be coming at the advice of another person, such as their parents or school counsellor. We recognise how difficult this is and work hard to ensure the young person feels listened to and understood. A psychologist's job is to help the young person improve their life and learn to handle problems better. Sessions are most useful when you have an idea about how you would like things to be different, and we work together.
Are parents always involved with sessions?
Parents and caregivers are an important source of guidance and support, however naturally their involvement in sessions differs depending on the wish of the individual. We will always encourage parents to be involved, but do respect the wishes of the young person and will work to negotiate with each client about how much they wish to share with their parent/s.
Remember when speaking to a psychologist what you say is confidential, which means nothing said can be passed on to other people without permission. One exception to this is if we are worried about a young person's safety or the safety of someone else. If this is the case we must, by law, take action to keep everyone safe. We will always discuss this in depth with you at our initial session and if appropriate will speak with you about the concerns if they arise.
Remember when speaking to a psychologist what you say is confidential, which means nothing said can be passed on to other people without permission. One exception to this is if we are worried about a young person's safety or the safety of someone else. If this is the case we must, by law, take action to keep everyone safe. We will always discuss this in depth with you at our initial session and if appropriate will speak with you about the concerns if they arise.
0400-741-577 . 1/60 Earlwood Avenue, Earlwood NSW . info@herenowpsychology.com.au
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