The teenage 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 can be very helpful.
Physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development changes can create a wide range of challenges for young people. Our psychologists approaches these challenges through a holistic lens, taking into account the adolescent's psychological needs as well as the wider social, emotional, and environmental influences.
We work with young clients to improve their emotional, social, and cognitive development, while also promoting self-awareness, respect for others, personal responsibility, and independence.
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 can be very helpful.
Physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development changes can create a wide range of challenges for young people. Our psychologists approaches these challenges through a holistic lens, taking into account the adolescent's psychological needs as well as the wider social, emotional, and environmental influences.
We work with young clients to improve their emotional, social, and cognitive development, while also promoting self-awareness, respect for others, personal responsibility, and independence.
When Counselling 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 child'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 junior high / high school and they wished they would have received help much earlier.
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 junior high / high school and they wished they would have received help much earlier.
Adolescent Counselling 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, teen therapy looks more like adult therapy – with a few key differences around confidentiality.
Whereas a child psychologist will often communicate progress and details of the session to parents, a psychologist working with an older teen may not reveal as much information to family members as it may discourage the youth from discussing important issues during the session.
How much information is shared with parents is something that would be discussed prior to beginning treatment.
Whereas a child psychologist will often communicate progress and details of the session to parents, a psychologist working with an older teen may not reveal as much information to family members as it may discourage the youth from discussing important issues during the session.
How much information is shared with parents is something that would be discussed prior to beginning treatment.
Treatment Areas
Our psychologists and counsellors provide support for youth 13 - 17 years old 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 |
Let's Get Started.
Let's Get Started.
If you are worried about your teenager and live in Nova Scotia, please contact us – our psychologists would be happy 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 counselling.
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 counselling.
Green Leaf Psychological Services, Inc.
Psychologists Helping Kids and Teenagers in Halifax, Nova Scotia