Counselling for Children and Teenagers
Common issues faced by children
and teenagers
As children and teenagers navigate the complexities of growing up, they can encounter a variety of emotional, social, and mental health challenges. From school pressures to identity struggles, these experiences can sometimes become overwhelming.
Some of the most common issues seen in counselling include:
Anxiety and stress: Academic pressures, social expectations, and family conflicts can contribute to feelings of overwhelming stress or anxiety.
Depression: Feelings of sadness, low energy, or hopelessness can sometimes emerge, especially during adolescence.
Self-esteem issues: Struggling with body image, peer pressure, or bullying can affect a young person's confidence and self-worth.
Behavioural problems: Acting out, difficulty managing emotions, or defiance can be signs that a child is struggling internally.
Family changes: Divorce, bereavement, or moving homes can disrupt a child's sense of stability and cause emotional distress.
Social challenges: Navigating friendships, peer groups, or feelings of exclusion can be particularly difficult for teenagers.
Identity and self-expression: Adolescents may struggle with their sense of identity, including concerns around sexuality, gender, or fitting in with social norms.
Self-harm and/or thoughts of suicide: Some young people turn to self-harm as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions, and in more serious cases, they may have thoughts of suicide. These are critical issues that require immediate attention and professional support.
How can counselling help?
Counselling for children and teenagers offers a safe, supportive space for them to explore their emotions, develop coping skills, and build resilience, helping them thrive both now and in the future. Through age-appropriate techniques in creative therapies or talk therapy, we can help them explore their emotions and difficulties in ways that feel comfortable and safe.
Counselling can support children and teenagers in the following ways:
Help them develop coping skills, equipping them with ways on how to manage emotions such as anger, anxiety, or sadness
Build self-esteem by addressing issues around body image, bullying, and peer pressure
Address self-harm and suicidal thoughts by working with young people to understand the root causes of these feelings and do develop healthier ways of coping with distress
Improve communication by encouraging children and teenagers to express their feelings openly
Support emotional regulation by helping them learn how to manage intense emotions and respond to stress in healthier ways
Reach out to us today
At Stillness for the Heart, we offer counselling and therapy for children and young people aged 9 and above. While individual counselling is key for a child’s or teenager’s progress, parents or trusted adults in their lives play an essential role in their emotional well-being. We often work closely with the child/teenager as well as safe and trusted figures in their lives, providing guidance on how they can best support them outside of therapy sessions. We may also collaborate with other professionals, such as psychiatrists or specialists, to ensure the child or teenager receives holistic support. If needed, we can refer for further assessment or additional care to provide comprehensive treatment.
Reach out to us today.
