Adolescent Counselling

Adolescence is a time of change, growth, and increasing independence. While it can be an exciting stage of life, it can also feel confusing, overwhelming, or emotionally intense. Counselling offers teenagers a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space to talk about what’s going on for them and to feel heard and supported.

I offer teen counselling in a calm and respectful way, working at the young person’s pace. Sessions aim to support emotional understanding, confidence, and coping, while recognising that every teenager’s experience is unique.

When counselling may be helpful

Teenagers attend counselling for many different reasons, including:

• Anxiety, stress, or feeling overwhelmed

• Low mood or emotional difficulties

• Challenges with confidence or self-esteem

• Friendship, family, or relationship difficulties

• School or exam-related stress

• Grief, loss, or significant life changes

You don’t need to have everything clearly defined for counselling to be helpful — sometimes it’s enough to know that something doesn’t feel right.

What teens can expect from counselling

Counselling provides:

• A confidential space to talk openly

• Support in understanding thoughts and feelings

• Help developing healthy coping strategies

• A chance to build confidence and emotional awareness

• No pressure to talk about anything before they’re ready

Session structure & format

• Initial session (parent(s) & teen): 75 minutes — €80

• Ongoing teen sessions: 50 minutes — €50

• Payment: Sessions are paid in advance

In-person sessions are preferred, particularly at the beginning, as this supports engagement and connection. Online sessions may be offered where attending in person is not possible.

I generally recommend committing to six sessions initially, after which we can review how things are going and decide together on next steps.

Working with Parents

Parental involvement is an important part of adolescent counselling and plays a valuable role in supporting a young person’s wellbeing. Counselling works best when parents and guardians feel informed and involved, while also respecting the teenager’s need for privacy, autonomy, and trust.

The first session is attended by the parent(s)/guardian(s) and the teen together. This initial session lasts approximately 75 minutes and provides an opportunity to explore the concerns that have led to seeking counselling, discuss relevant background information, and outline how the counselling process works. It also allows time to answer questions and agree on expectations from the outset.

While parents are an important part of the process, the primary focus of counselling is the wellbeing of the teenager. Ongoing sessions are typically held one-to-one with the client, creating a safe and confidential space where they can speak openly and at their own pace. This sense of safety is central to building trust and supporting meaningful therapeutic work.

Parental involvement beyond the initial session is discussed and agreed collaboratively. This may include review sessions, check-ins, or shared conversations where appropriate, always with the teenager’s needs and consent kept central. Confidentiality and its limits are explained clearly at the beginning of counselling, so that everyone understands how information is managed and how safety is prioritised.

This approach aims to support the young person while also recognising the important role parents and guardians play in their life.