Adolescent Therapy
Counselling for Teens in Halifax, Nova Scotia
The teen years can be a time of confusion, frustration, and stress (for both the teen and his/her parents) – this is quite normal. Parents must give some leeway to their teenage children to try news things, exert their growing independence, and yes, make mistakes. This is all part of growing up, learning, and developing an identity that is independent from one’s parents.
However, there are times when a “wait-and-see” attitude towards worrisome teenage behaviours may not be appropriate and when seeking professional assistance from Green Leaf Psychological in Halifax can be very helpful.
When Therapy Can Help
While some adolescent moodiness is to be expected, there may be cause for concern if there has been a significant deterioration in your teen’s mood that has persisted for weeks or months. Likewise, if your teen has lost interest in school, is experiencing anxiety or depression, has experienced a traumatic event, is dealing with grief or loss, is being bullied, or is struggling with low self-esteem or self-confidence, adolescent therapy can be very helpful.
In fact, when we work with adults who are struggling with depression, anxiety, self-esteem, or relationship issues, they very often report that their difficulties started during adolescence and they wished they would have received help much earlier.
Adolescent Therapy vs Child Therapy
Unlike child therapy, which typically involves focused play as a way for young children to express their emotions and communicate their concerns, adolescent therapy looks more like adult therapy – with a few key differences around confidentiality. Whereas a child therapist will often communicate progress and details of the session to parents, a therapist working with an older teen may not reveal as much information to family members as it may discourage the teen from discussing important issues during the session. How much information is shared with parents is something that would be discussed prior to beginning therapy.
Treatment Areas
Our psychologists and counsellors provide adolescent therapy for the areas of Halifax, Bedford, and Clayton Park for issues such as:
However, there are times when a “wait-and-see” attitude towards worrisome teenage behaviours may not be appropriate and when seeking professional assistance from Green Leaf Psychological in Halifax can be very helpful.
When Therapy Can Help
While some adolescent moodiness is to be expected, there may be cause for concern if there has been a significant deterioration in your teen’s mood that has persisted for weeks or months. Likewise, if your teen has lost interest in school, is experiencing anxiety or depression, has experienced a traumatic event, is dealing with grief or loss, is being bullied, or is struggling with low self-esteem or self-confidence, adolescent therapy can be very helpful.
In fact, when we work with adults who are struggling with depression, anxiety, self-esteem, or relationship issues, they very often report that their difficulties started during adolescence and they wished they would have received help much earlier.
Adolescent Therapy vs Child Therapy
Unlike child therapy, which typically involves focused play as a way for young children to express their emotions and communicate their concerns, adolescent therapy looks more like adult therapy – with a few key differences around confidentiality. Whereas a child therapist will often communicate progress and details of the session to parents, a therapist working with an older teen may not reveal as much information to family members as it may discourage the teen from discussing important issues during the session. How much information is shared with parents is something that would be discussed prior to beginning therapy.
Treatment Areas
Our psychologists and counsellors provide adolescent therapy for the areas of Halifax, Bedford, and Clayton Park for issues such as:
|
• Depression
• Anxiety • Sibling Issues • Parent - Child Conflict • Peer Relationships |
• Self-Esteem
• Self-Confidence • Anger Management • Emotional Regulation • Behavioural Problems |
• Grief / Loss
• Sexual Identity • Academic Issues • Bullying • Breakups |
• Body Image
• Divorce / Separation • Traumatic Events • Stress Management • Perfectionism |
If you are worried about your teen and live in the Halifax / Dartmouth area, please contact us – we would be happy to meet with you to discuss your situation and offer assistance to your child and/or your family.
Please use the contact form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible. You can also email us with any questions about adolescent therapy.
Please use the contact form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible. You can also email us with any questions about adolescent therapy.
