Therapy
Therapy for teenagers and young people
I have worked with teenagers and young people throughout my career, including before qualifying as a psychotherapist. I usually see the young person on their own, but also involve parents or carers where that is helpful and agreed with the young person.
When therapy may help
Young people come to therapy for many reasons. These include anxiety, depression and low mood, self-harm and suicidal thoughts, school stress and school difficulties, and difficult feelings that are hard to make sense of.
How sessions work
I usually see the young person on their own. When communication with parents or carers has become difficult, we can talk together about whether involving them would be helpful. We would agree this with the young person. Therapy is not something that can be forced.
Confidentiality & safeguarding
Confidentiality is offered to everyone. There are some exceptions, particularly around safeguarding for children and young people. I will talk this through clearly, and you are welcome to ask me about confidentiality or safeguarding at any time. You can also read the safeguarding & crisis support page.
The first session
A first session is usually 50 minutes. There is no commitment to continue afterwards. After I have met the young person, and potentially the parents, we can talk about the way forward, including whether and how parents or carers might be involved. There is no waiting room, so please arrive at the session time; parents are welcome to park nearby and wait.