Our children can be our biggest mirrors, triggers and challenges. They can also be our biggest source of joy. Finding the parental balancing act is never easy, especially when it comes to navigating the teenage years. Anyone who has a teenager (myself included) is probably familiar with the term conflict. There are many pivotal elements and misunderstandings within our own unique relationship with our teens that if recognised, would not only reduce conflict, but also strengthen the relationship, even, if it seems right now, there hardly isn’t one left.

 

Arguments and defiance, rebellion of rules from your teen is not in itself a bad thing however, the manner in which we choose to resolve these disagreements is what ultimately determines the outcome. This can pave the way for your teen building anxiety, anger, depression, experiencing isolation and serious attachment issues within their own personal relationships by our parenting style. Either by being too harsh, too lacking in boundaries or too overly forgiving and permissive. The struggle is being able to relinquish control while still enforcing strong, healthy boundaries.

 

Raising any adolescent is a lesson in understanding, negotiation and patience and while every parent feels overwhelmed at times, often the neutral voice outside can bring a new perspective to the situation for you both. This is the time; right now to make sure these dynamics are addressed, acknowledged and given the attention necessary to help our teens grow in love and life.

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Our teens are not only facing major emotional upheaval and an influx of hormones, with doubts and fears about everything, but they are also searching for belonging, they are in conflict of understanding who they are as individuals while at the same time trying to fit into society. Finding inner peace when the world is throwing so much at them, especially during this day and age of social media, is not easy. Teen depression and isolation right now is escalating, so please, if your teen is struggling, reach out. They are not alone, you are not alone.

 

Once the anger and frustration is addressed, the opportunity to learn and see one another as individuals allows for a new understanding. I offer an objective voice of non-judgment where I simply hold space for the coming together of you and your teen in a calm, neutral space. Although I am extremely empathetic and gentle, as we progress, I become quite direct in my approach, especially when conflict is in a dead space. I believe the shifts and changes need to sometimes be quite sudden to see positive, immediate shifts in the dynamic.

 

I will meet and interview you first and then your teen separately, the third session brings us all together. These sessions are 45min and are grouped in 3 sessions at a time.

 

I also offer individual counselling directly with your teen only (if it is preferred) after an initial intake interview with you. Every 3 sessions, the parents or parent and I will have a catch-up session to discuss progress if required.