“Adolescents are not monsters, they are just people trying to learn how to make it among the adults in the world, who are probably not so sure themselves.” – Virginia Satir
As children grow through the various phases of childhood and adolescence, they are constantly in the process of developing new social skills and emotional intelligence, required to lead a healthy, happy life. When a child or adolescents’ ability to thrive and be happy is disrupted by a certain set of circumstances, emotions or behaviours, they may benefit from seeing a psychologist.
In adolescent psychotherapy, it is important that the therapist and the client build a relationship of trust where the adolescent feels safe and is willing to openly share their emotions and thoughts. The need for psychotherapy is determined based on various factors including the adolescents current problems, history, ability to co-operate with treatment and the interventions most likely to be effective.
Karmen has a passion for adolescents and a special interest in adolescent psychotherapy. She draws from various theoretical frameworks to tailor the therapeutic process to meet the individual needs of the adolescent. Psychotherapy can help adolescents through various circumstances including:
- Trauma
- Anxiety, burnout and stress related issues
- Anger and behavioural problems
- Peer pressure / not “fitting in”
- Abuse
- Exam stress and other scholastic difficulties
- Identity issues
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Feelings of inadequacy, failure or emptiness
- Relational problems with peers, siblings, parents and others
- Coping and adjusting to parents separation, divorce or remarriage
- Stepfamily integration
- Substance abuse or dependence
- Grief and bereavement
- Gender and sexuality issues