Adolescence is a time of rapid emotional, social, and psychological change. Many young people feel pressure to keep up, fit in, and cope quietly - even when things feel overwhelming inside. Therapy can offer a steady, confidential space where they are listened to, taken seriously, and supported to make sense of what they’re experiencing.
I work with young people aged 13–17 who may be struggling with anxiety, low mood, friendship or family difficulties, identity questions, self-esteem, or the impact of life changes. Sessions are carefully paced and shaped around the young person, helping them feel safe enough to talk in their own way, at their own pace.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and non-judgmental. I aim to build trust first - because meaningful change happens when a young person feels understood rather than analysed or pushed.
If you’re between 13 and 17 and you’ve found your way here, you might be feeling anxious, low, confused, overwhelmed - or just not quite yourself. You don’t need to have an obvious reason to come to therapy, and you don’t need to be in crisis.
Therapy is simply a space where you can talk openly with someone who is there to listen, not judge or tell you what to do. You can go at your own pace. You can say as much or as little as you want. There’s no pressure to explain things perfectly.
Some young people use therapy to talk about feelings they can’t share anywhere else. Others use it to make sense of friendships, family, school pressure, identity, or changes happening in their lives. However it looks for you, you won’t be rushed or pushed.
The most important thing is that we can work together, and you feel as if I am someone you can talk to.
Young people come to therapy for many different reasons. These can include:
Anxiety, worry, panic, or feeling constantly on edge
Low mood, sadness, numbness, or loss of motivation
Friendship issues, bullying, or feeling excluded
Family changes such as separation, illness, or loss
Academic pressure, exams, or school avoidance
Identity questions, self-worth, and self-criticism
Feeling misunderstood, overwhelmed, or ‘different’
You don’t need to be “good at talking” to come to therapy. You don’t need the right words, and you don’t need to know exactly what’s wrong.
This is your space. I see you as the expert on your own life - not me. That means we go at your pace, and we focus on what feels important to you.
Some sessions might be mostly talking. Others might include using examples, images, metaphors, or creative ways of thinking things through. There’s no pressure to do anything that doesn’t feel comfortable. We’ll work however it feels easiest for you.
Sometimes, we might gently look at how past experiences or relationships are still affecting how things feel now. This isn’t about blaming anyone - it’s about understanding patterns so things make more sense. We’ll only explore this if it feels okay to you, and I’ll always explain what we’re doing and why.
What you say in sessions is private. I’ll explain confidentiality clearly at the start, including the few situations where I might need to share information to keep you safe. Your privacy matters, and so does your well-being, and part of my job is to look after both of these things.
It can be hard to know when to seek therapy for a young person. You may notice changes in mood, behaviour, sleep, or communication - or you may simply sense that they’re struggling more than they’re letting on. Sometimes there isn’t a clear “reason”, just a feeling that something isn’t quite right. The arguments are becoming too much.
For some parents and carers, it can also feel upsetting or uncomfortable to think that their child wants to talk to a therapist rather than to them. This reaction is completely understandable. It can stir feelings of worry, self-doubt, or even a sense of being shut out.
What’s important to know is that this is a normal and healthy part of adolescent development. As young people move through their teenage years, they naturally begin to separate psychologically from their parents and seek privacy, independence, and spaces that feel emotionally neutral. Wanting to talk to someone outside the family does not mean they don’t trust you, don’t value you, or that you’ve done anything wrong.
Therapy offers young people a confidential, non-judgemental space where they can explore thoughts and feelings they may not yet feel able to share at home - often because they want to protect their parents, avoid worry, or simply don’t have the words yet. Many young people find that having this space actually helps them communicate more openly elsewhere over time.
I aim to work respectfully and transparently with parents and carers, while also protecting the young person’s therapeutic space. Boundaries and confidentiality are explained clearly from the outset, including the limits around safeguarding. Where appropriate, we can discuss how parental involvement will work in a way that supports both your child’s well-being and your peace of mind.
Not necessarily. Many young people come to therapy because they’re feeling overwhelmed, confused, or under pressure - not because there is a crisis. Therapy can be a supportive space to make sense of feelings early, rather than waiting until things feel unmanageable. This is a tough time for most adolescents to grow through.
No! In fact, quite the opposite. Seeking support shows care, awareness, and a willingness to put your child’s emotional well-being first. Adolescence is a complex developmental stage, and even the most supportive families can’t meet every emotional need alone.
This can be hard to sit with, but it’s very common. As young people grow, they naturally seek independence and privacy. A therapist is a neutral, non-family adult, which can make it easier to talk freely without worrying about upsetting anyone. This doesn’t mean they don’t trust or value you.
Sessions are confidential, and this is important for building trust. However, safeguarding always comes first. If there are concerns about your child’s safety or well-being, these will be shared appropriately. We can also discuss, in advance, how communication will work so expectations feel clear and contained.
In the past, when a young person has requested it, I have facilitated a session for the client and a parent, if and only if it would be helpful.
Often, the most helpful things are simple: being available, listening without pushing for details, and reassuring them that they don’t have to protect you from their feelings. Letting therapy be their space can be a powerful form of support.
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