Counselling for young people
Under 18s
Counselling can often be a helpful intervention for teenagers who are struggling, or who have concerns. Adolescence – years of change, full of challenges and opportunities - can be a strange time for many. While most of us worked it out in the end (!), the opportunity to talk, in depth, to a trusted adult who is outside one’s normal family and friendship circles can help with ‘putting it all together’.
Some teenagers wouldn’t, themselves, readily entertain the idea of meeting with a counsellor. Some of the work I’ve done with teenagers has begun with speaking with mums, dads or carers initially to reflect on how best to approach the subject. It’s also true that sometimes it's ourselves as parents that counselling can be helpful for. It can allow us to ‘let off steam’, to talk openly about our concerns; this can unlock the “coaching” potential that we ourselves may not yet know we have.
Some teenagers wouldn’t, themselves, readily entertain the idea of meeting with a counsellor. Some of the work I’ve done with teenagers has begun with speaking with mums, dads or carers initially to reflect on how best to approach the subject. It’s also true that sometimes it's ourselves as parents that counselling can be helpful for. It can allow us to ‘let off steam’, to talk openly about our concerns; this can unlock the “coaching” potential that we ourselves may not yet know we have.
18-25s
If you’re aged between 18 and 25 – or considering funding counselling for a family member who is between these ages – you’ll be aware that this can be a time of both
opportunity and
challenge.
(Anyone aged 18 or over is, of course, legally an adult. However, under-25s are often still financially dependent on parents or carers. I have seen under-25s both ‘under their own steam’ if working and earning, and
funded and sponsored by family if not yet financially independent).
Opportunities can include new horizons in terms of
education, work, relationships, social life and
travel.
Challenges can include
anxiety,
anger,
low mood, problems that can affect any of us at any stage. There are also questions of
identity,
life purpose,
friendship struggles,
romantic difficulties etc which may be of particular concern for us if we are in this age group.
I enjoy and am skilled at working with younger adults, having previously spent most of the last twenty years working in education. Since I started working as a private practitioner six years ago, a good proportion of my clients have been between the ages of 18 and 30.
I’m open to hearing from new prospective clients, whether you’re sure
counselling
is what you (or the family member you’re thinking of) need, or whether you’re in two minds about it. “Just wondering” type enquiries are fine, by the way.
There's further information available about my professional background
and the times and fees
page has information about current availability. Whether you’re sure that counselling is the way forward or whether you still have questions, I’m looking forward to hearing from you; please call or email.
© David Curl Counselling 2022