Understanding Young People

Young people are complicated. 

I work with young people from 16-25 years and understand how the adolescent brain undergoes significant changes that can affect behaviour, decision-making and emotional regulation. Many young people experience periods of manageable anxiety but sometimes this can slip into symptoms of sadness.

It can sometimes feel that everyone is talking about looking after your mental health without really understanding what it can feel like to suddenly have recurring fears and worries about everyday life. I often support young people who find it impossible to concentrate and focus, struggle with sleep, worry about their body image, avoid anything new, lose interest in social activities and withdraw from friends. 

What areas of life can these feelings impact:

Relationships: Family dynamics, friendships and relationships.

Academic and social pressure: Exam stress, fear of failure.

Identity exploration: Sexuality, gender identity, and personal values.

Social media: Compare and despair. Feelings of inadequacy, jealousy and overwhelm.

Life transitions: Going to university, leaving home, 

Coping with traumatic events: Illness, parental divorce or bereavement.

Mood swings: feeling irritable and tearful.

Seeking help.

When a young adult comes to psychotherapeutic counselling it may be the first time they have had an open conversation about their mental health and I understand it can take time to establish a relationship of trust. There is no judgement and the session is a confidential space. I don't offer advice or attempt to 'fix' a problem but listen and we work together to explore what may be happening in your internal world. In time, this self-awareness and insight can relieve negative thoughts and feelings and empower a young person's resilience.