Teenager Counselling in London

Once a child reaches age 16 in the UK they can agree to (or refuse) any treatment or therapy. A 16-year-old child can go to therapy alone and expect confidentiality.

Counselling for teenagers uses all the same principles as adult therapy. It is based on developing a relationship of trust and openness, using active listening, reflecting back, and asking questions. The idea is to open up new perspectives, as well as help your teen focus on their strengths. And depending on the approach the counsellor is using, sessions might include practical exercises to help your teen deal with their thoughts and emotions.

Compared with adult therapy, teenager counselling draws more on strategies from developmental psychology. It helps teenagers understand how their identity is is taking shape aside from their family and peers, and which values they will lead their life from.

It's natural to worry you might be overreacting, especially if your teen's struggles don't seem "bad enough" compared to others. A lot of children and teenagers have counselling for a variety of reasons - not only in crisis situations. Seeking help early is a proactive step which can prevent small problems from spiralling out of control. If your gut feeling is that they're hurting or stuck, seeking an expert second opinion can't be wrong.

Starting the conversation can be tricky. Teens may feel unsure about therapy and they might worry what it will be like or what others will think. Choose a calm, private moment together to introduce the idea. Be clear that you're not angry or judging them - you simply care and want them to feel better.

Emphasise that therapy is one option to try. If your teen is resistant, listen to their concerns and reassure them. You can suggest trying just a couple of sessions and remind them that many young people find it helpful (it's not a punishment or a sign that something is "wrong" with them.)

If you can take your teen to private therapy, it may help to let your child know that you can find another counsellor, if they try therapy and don't feel that their first therapist is the right fit. A first session guarantee covers teenager therapy at Harley Therapy for this purpose - you can arrange to have an appointment with another expert from the team at our expense if your teen does not feel that their first therapist is right for them.

Finding a good fit is important. The therapist needs to have the relevant qualifications, as well as experience in and knowledge of teenage challenges. You might ask your GP for recommendations, or seek help from your child's school or do your own research, checking that the counsellor is registered with a professional body (like BACP or UKCP), and learn about their approach.

Don't be afraid to contact a therapist to ask how they work and to check their qualifications and level of experience. The right therapist should make your child feel safe, heard, and understood. Take your child's preferences on board when making the selection. 

At Harley Therapy, we have a number of therapists who specialise in working with adolescents and should your teenager not find their first session was the right fit for their needs, they can have another session with an alternative therapist at our expense.

Selecting the right type of therapy for your teenager can seem daunting given the variety of options available, each suited to different needs and preferences. Some of the main approaches include:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Often recommended for teens struggling with anxiety or negative thought patterns, CBT can help your teenager to recognise and challenge unhelpful thoughts while developing practical coping strategies.

• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): This therapy focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and communication skills, which can be beneficial for teens experiencing social issues or depression linked to their interactions with others.

• Creative Arts Therapies: These include art, music, and drama therapy and can be particularly engaging for teens who may find it difficult to express their feelings directly through conversation. These therapies provide a creative outlet for expression and emotional exploration.

The key to knowing whether a therapy is right for your child, is that your teen feels comfortable with their therapist so that they can fully engage with the process. At Harley Therapy our expert concierge service is offered by a supportive team who can suggest therapists suited to your teen's unique circumstances.