adolescent psychotherapy & Counselling

Being a teenager is challenging, particularly as it reflects a period of transitioning from being dependent on their parents to meet their needs, to taking more responsibility and relying more on themselves or their friends. It also marks a time of increased identity formation and learning how navigate social and intimate relationships. As a parent, it can be a difficult time too. For some parents, it can be hard to give teenagers more control and decision-making power, while also balancing keeping them safe. For others, it can be hard to motivate teenagers to stop being dependent and begin taking more responsibility. Either way, the relationship between teenagers and their family, as well as friends, can certainly be strained at times, particularly in this highly digitally connected world.

Our approach to working with teenagers is first and foremost about making a connection. We know how difficult it can be to even get to a therapy session, let alone start talking about things that are uncomfortable. Since tackling problems head-on can be really hard, we provide space for adolescents to express themselves in ways that are comfortable to them. While we mostly use talk-based therapies, some teenagers like the option of using various other mediums to explore their challenges (e.g., art and sand therapy).

We also work holistically and recognise that adolescents are part of a wider network of friends, family, school, sports groups, etc. What we talk about in a session can affect their ways of thinking and behaving with others and we always keep these networks in mind during sessions to make sure that healthy and positive relationships are maintained. In many cases, we also recommended that parents come in for a session, so we can discuss the ways they can best support their young person while they are in therapy.

In our therapy practice we draw on a range of methodologies, such as: cognitive behaviour therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, solution-focused therapy, transactional analysis and psychodynamic psychotherapy, imago relationship therapy, attachment theory, and the mind-body connection. These methods are suited to a range of different behavioural, emotional, and psychosocial issues, including:

• Addictive or compulsive behaviours

• Anxiety, stress, and phobias

• Depression, loss or bereavement, and trauma

• Eating disorders and difficulties with food

• Issues relating to identity or sense of self

• Self-esteem issues

• Social relationship difficulties

Through working with a range of therapeutic techniques, we bring ourselves into each session in an authentic, compassionate, and playful way to work with a variety of different issues that adolescents experience. Our approach focuses on developing each young person’s unique strengths and increasing meaningful connection within the family.

We also offer animal-assisted therapy sessions with Bailey. To find out more or to book an appointment with Corrina or Lee, please send us an email at info@positiverelationships.co.nz or call (03) 421 1926 and leave a detailed message.

For more information about our services, click here.