Individual Therapy For Adolescents

Individual Therapy For Adolescents

Determining when to take your adolescent to see a psychologist

Adolescents today face a variety of challenges which may place them under incredible stress, resulting in disturbed mental and emotional well-being.

There are many instances during adolescent years when stress levels will escalate:

  • Family issues, including divorce and sibling rivalry
  • Adjustment to changes - death
  • Behavioural problems, including self-harm
  • Anger management
  • Bullying
  • Depression and mood disorders
  • Self-image and self-esteem issues
  • Substance abuse
  • Trauma
  • Learning/academic difficulties - pressure to perform well in the classroom
  • Examination performance and studying skills stress
  • Close relationship – friendship and dating – pressures


Adolescents are not able to deal effectively with the adult world and it is important for parents to keep track of their child’s behaviour/mood during this important developmental stage. Parents must still provide a sound base, guidance and protection during this phase of life and adolescents, who, despite resistance, do need to feel that their parents care about them and are interested in their activities. Care is shown through interest and involvement and those parents who are involved in their teenagers’ lives generally enjoy a sustained and trusting relationship with them.


Signs that denote acute distress and require urgent intervention and attention:

  • Radical changes in moods
  • Sleeping difficulties
  • Self-harm or aggression towards others
  • Noticeable change in performance at school
  • Withdrawal
  • Extreme consciousness of body image
  • Extreme anxiety and obsessiveness with death or talk of suicide


Through therapy (e.g. cognitive-behaviour, hypnotherapy) the following benefits are realised:

  • Individuals learn how to express thoughts and fears in a constructive manner
  • A safe place is provided for emotional expression and problem solving
  • Acceptance of responsibility and effective decision making
  • Positive development of problem-solving and coping abilities
  • More conducive social skills
  • Increased levels of confidence and concentration
  • Positive emotional healing and development


For more information:

Support Group

Depression

Career Information and Guidance


Please Note


My area of services are in the Southern Suburbs and the greater Cape Town Metropole, including Somerset West and Helderberg area, South Africa.

My fees are based on medical aid rates but fees are negotiable and tailor made for every client in advance of rendering the required service.

Clients are permitted to terminate therapy at any stage. The same applies should a client wish to decline participation in, or withdraw from, any recommended intervention, assessment or event he or she is not entirely comfortable with.