Adolescent Therapy

Adolescence is a precarious time in which young people are navigating their own identity while being influenced by family, peer groups and youth subculture. During this time, adolescents are often at risk of becoming involved with high risk activities. These high risk behaviours, such as substance abuse and self harm, can be a cry for help, or a way of protesting something that feels unfair.

Counselling can help young people find healthier ways to express their needs and to feel validated and to provide a space for families to develop shared goals and protect their relationships with each other.

Benefits of therapy with adolescents

  • Increase behaviours that contribute to healthier lifestyles
  • Improve the relationship between adolescents and their families
  • Create effective problem-solving skills
  • Increase self-esteem
  • Increase motivation to change (e.g. quit using drugs)

Therapy with youth/adolescents is focused primarily on engagement and connection. Once a relationship is established therapy may include talking or more experiential therapeutic activities such as art, yoga, music, expressive movement and/or writing.

When to seek help

  • Your adolescent stops communicating with you;
  • Acts out with anger, violence, theft or lying
  • Uses drugs/alcohol
  • Skips school, drops out
  • Loses interest in positive activities

I can help to

  • Work towards a more positive self-image and feel good about yourself
  • Connect with your values, hopes and dreams
  • Break negative patterns and eliminate destructive anger
  • Make changes that matter to YOU
  • Reconnect with activities you used to enjoy
  • Reconnect with your loved ones

Taking the first step

Call me to assess whether therapy is right for your adolescent. I would be happy to consult with your young person directly on the phone if he/she has questions about counselling and what to expect.

Confidentiality: It is important to note that all client sessions are confidential even if a parent is paying. This helps to build trust between the adolescent and the therapist. If parents are very concerned about their child, based on the consent of my client, I will suggest a session with parent and child together.


If you are considering working with a Coach or Therapist, please feel free to contact me.

Free Initial Consultation: I would love to talk with you, get a sense of what you want to achieve through our work together, give you an experience of how it works, and answer any questions you might have. Then you can decide if this approach is right for you. Free Initial 20 minute phone consultation.

BOOK NOW