Therapy for Adolescents
Parenting a teen can be exhausting and challenging. Being a teen can be confusing and overwhelming. Adolescent psychologists can help you and your teenager navigate this phase of their life.
The READ Clinic is home to adolescent psychologists who are experienced in dealing with the issues faced by teenagers and adolescents. If you or your child have concerns, take the steps to talk to someone.
ADHD
ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and is likely to last into adulthood.
Teenagers with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviours (may act without thinking about what the result will be), or be overly active.
For more information about ADHD, visit the Healthdirect website (external link).
Anxiety & Stress
Worry is a normal part of life for people of all ages. But if you are concerned that your teenager is experiencing anxiety more acutely and their anxiety is getting in the way of them enjoying themselves to the full, then it may be worth talking to a psychologist.
Autistic Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviours or interests.
Behaviour Concerns
All teenagers push boundaries at one time or another. But when these behaviours become problematic and start impacting on your teenager’s social interactions, schooling or development, you may want to seek input from a psychologist.
Depression
It’s perfectly normal for your teenager to feel sad or experience the blues from time to time. However if the sadness becomes persistent or interferes with normal social activities, interests, schoolwork, or family life, it may be symptomatic of a depressive illness.
Trauma
Adolescents experience trauma as a result to being exposed to distressing events that often threaten their sense of safety and are beyond their capacity to cope. As adolescents don’t have the same coping resources that adults do, many more events can have a highly distressing impact.
Trauma can often impact the young person’s sense of feeling safe in the world, can impact their relationships, mood, behaviour, sleep and sense of self-worth.
Aggression
Aggression in teenagers can be a symptom of many different underlying issues. Talking to an adolescent psychologist can help to understand those issues and deal with the root cause of your adolescent’s aggressive behaviours.
Bullying & Peer Pressure
Bullying can have serious long term impacts for both the people who bully and those who are bullied.
For teenagers, online bullying is becoming an increasing problem.
Drug & Alcohol Use
The misuse of alcohol and other drugs can have a damaging impact on individuals, families and communities.
If you are worried about your teen’s relationship with alcohol or other drugs, seeking professional help including talking to a psychologist can help break the cycle.
Gaming & Technology Use
There is increasing evidence that too much gaming and screen time can have negative impacts on our children’s mental health. If you are concerned about the impacts of gaming on your teen’s social interactions, schooling and mental health, talking to a psychologist may help.
Learning Difficulties & Disorders
Learning difficulties are problems with reading, writing and maths. Learning disorders are specific, serious and ongoing problems with reading, writing and maths which are diagnosed by health professionals including psychologists. Dyslexia (problems with reading), dysgraphia (problems with writing) and dyscalculia (problems with maths) are all learning disorders.
Assessments are available to confirm these diagnoses.
Self-Esteem
Teenagers with low self-esteem may be withdrawn or shy, or find it difficult to have fun. They may not wish to try new things because they are worried about failing, or they may be more susceptible to bullying and peer pressure.
Social Relationships
Social skills help your child to form positive relationships, have conversations, develop body language, cooperate, share and interact with others.
Healthy relationships support good mental health, while social isolation and poor relationships can be risk factors for mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
Parenting Support
Parenting can be a tough gig! If you are feeling like you need a little more support to be the parent you want to be, a psychologist may be able to assist you.
Additional Information for Separated Families
At the READ Clinic we recognise the strain that can be placed on families, parents and children when parents are in the process of, or have completed separation, or have divorced. Assessment and therapy can be very helpful for children and parents adjusting to all the changes that can occur at these times.
Unfortunately, there are many times when therapy no longer provides a safe space for children but rather becomes another place for conflict to be maintained and where children are caught between two parents who can’t agree on what the children need or require.
To ensure your child’s time at the READ Clinic does not become an extension of other conflict, we have a “separated family” document that requires signing by both parents in order that we are sure that attendance is focused on the emotional health and safety of your children.
Download a copy of our Separated Family Policy (including Divorce Rules)
Adolescent Psychologists - Central Coast
To make your first appointment, please call us on 4363 6600.
