“One in seven young Australians experience a mental health condition.” BeyondBlue
The transition from child to teen and then teen to adult can be mentally and emotionally challenging for both the adolescent and those close to them.
Our Psychologists are here to help you navigate this time.
What happens in a Psychology session for a teenager?
Teenagers think, feel and behave differently than children or adults.
Sessions are usually structured in a different way to that of an adult psychology session. The actual flow of the consultation is the same, however, the therapist will usually ask questions that are relevant in a teens world, the sessions are conducted in a way that is engaging for the teen. Often when teens come to the clinic they may feel closed off or forced because of previous negative stigma surrounding mental health. We endeavour to help them feel safe and supported so they can freely speak.
Teenagers will still undergo the same evidence based therapeutic interventions such as CBT. However, the context, language and delivery will be more suited to a teenager and all therapeutic interventions are adapted accordingly. Building healthy relationships between the teen, the therapist and the family is critical.
We understand how important it is for the young person feels they are in a safe and trusted environment.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a therapeutic intervention that is used frequently for depression, anxiety and PTSD. It is a useful tool to help people change their unhelpful thinking habits, behaviours and feelings.
The goal is to bring about more positive and immediate changes in the teens life by influencing cognitions.
By getting to know and understand the teenager, the Psychologist can provide therapy that works on:
Behaviour therapy: the theory that behaviours are learned and can therefore be changed/restructured
Cognitive therapy: the theory that distressing emotions and maladaptive behaviours are caused by “out of balance” thinking processes. The Psychologist will help the teen to replace dysfunctional and negative thoughts with more positive and helpful thoughts. This is done on repetition over time. Thus then positively influencing behaviour.
A Psychologist at Integrated Minds Clinic can support:
- Stress management
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trauma
- Grief
- Adjustment disorders
- Autism
- ADHD
- Learning difficulties
- Sleep problems
- Social skills training (social anxiety)
- Fears and phobias
- OCD
- Parent training
- Anger management
- Bullying and cyberbullying
- Support from school pressure
Next steps
We would be humbled to help you. You do not need a referral from your doctor to book an appointment with us, however, doing so may attract a medicare rebate. Please contact us for more information about this.