Adolescent Counselling in Surrey, BC

Adolescence is a time of great emotional, physical, cognitive and social change. As childhood gives way to a new developmental stage, many unique pressures, challenges and complex dynamics within the adolescent and their greater social system occur. As adolescents strive to make sense of their internal world and the world around them, a developing sense of self and a need for autonomy often emerges. Adolescence can be a time of great vulnerability, within the adolescent and also in peer and social worlds. With the complexities of this developmental phase it is also often a time of change and challenge in family interaction and relationships.

With so many competing demands, changes and areas of potential challenge it is important that adolescents have an opportunity to feel supported and understood and to develop skills to successfully navigate their internal and external worlds.

• Are you concerned about the emotional well-being or behaviours of your teenager?
• Do you feel that your teenager’s behaviour or choices are putting them at risk?
• Does your teenager experience moods, behaviours or symptoms that you feel are outside the norm?
• Does your teenager experience mental health issues?
• Has the communication between you and your child broken down and the distance in your relationship is making staying connected difficult?
• Do you feel ineffective, frustrated, or helpless in dealing with your teenager?
• Could you benefit from improving your communication skills with your teenager? Do you need help talking with them about your concerns?

If you answer yes to any of the above or are concerned about the health and well-being of an adolescent that you care about please feel free to contact us.

When seeking a counsellor for an adolescent or an adolescent and their family it is essential to find someone that possesses substantial knowledge of adolescent development and issues and also the ability and experience to connect in a way that is meaningful and comfortable for a teenager. Without sufficient trust, rapport, respect and comfort an adolescent is unlikely to engage or commit to a therapeutic process. Some adolescents see the value in a supportive therapeutic relationship prior to attending and others are very resistant. It is the strength of the therapeutic relationship between an adolescent and the therapist that will facilitate the exploration of feelings, relationship dynamics and the social, familial and peer environment.

We have been working with adolescents and their families for over 15 years and have expertise and highly developed skills to connect with and support adolescents. Our team possess a strong background in adolescent mental health and well-being, which includes specialized clinical training, research and supervision, and consultation with other therapists working with adolescents.

When providing therapy to adolescents we take into account the individual needs, issues and circumstances of the adolescent as well as the social, familial and peer environments and relationships. We balance the adolescent’s need for autonomy, confidentiality and connection with the parent’s or caregiver’s need for greater insight into the issues their child is facing and how to be supportive. Focus on the dynamics, patterns of interaction and communication within the family are also often a focus of the counselling process. If and when it is appropriate and comfortable for the adolescent, sessions with parents and other significant support persons are often part of the therapeutic process.

Some common concerns that typically bring adolescents to counselling with us:

If you are concerned about the behaviour or emotional well-being of an adolescent that you care for please feel free to contact us to discuss how counselling and psychotherapy can help.

Parent-Adolescent Relationship Counselling

The experience of growing up is difficult for both the child and the adults supporting them. Many relationship changes occur, and often families feel unequipped to deal with the changes in relationship and development. In some cases, the focus of the counselling process is specifically the relationship between an adolescent and parents or caregivers. Many families benefit from the opportunity to have a safe therapeutic environment to explore the relationship dynamics, ways of interacting and communicating patterns that are occurring. The counselling process also allows for family members to learn new ways of listening and understanding each other. A focus on strengthening the parent-adolescent relationship and providing the foundation for greater connection often brings about many positive individual and family changes.

Adolescent Mental Health

Our team have a unique combination of skills and experience dealing with adolescent mental health issues. We have treated adolescents and their families for over a decade. Not all counsellors possess the training or skills to deal with mental health issues occurring in young people; and when dealing with such critical and complex issues, that background is essential.

We can provide mental health services to adolescents who experience:

• Eating Disorders
• Body Image Issues
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• Self-Harming Behaviour
• Oppositional Behaviour

Ready to make a change?

Contact us to explore the initial first step in reaching your goals.

Her team will speak to you directly to discuss your areas of concern and determine how we may be best able to assist you. Finding the right therapist to support you is essential and we will be very happy to speak with you at any time to discuss your circumstance and hopes for the counselling or psychotherapy process.

Please feel free to refer yourself or a family member directly. Outside agencies or individuals may also refer to the practice.