Teen and Parent Counselling in English

Adolescence

Adolescence is a period in which identity takes shape, the need for independence grows and emotions are felt intensely. Communication between parents and young people can become harder at this time. Counselling offers the young person a safe space to express themselves, and offers parents guidance on how to support them through this period.

Many of the changes of adolescence are a normal part of development. What matters is how much the change affects the young person’s daily life, school and relationships.

When to seek support

If the following last for more than a few weeks, or keep increasing, an assessment can be helpful:

• Shutting themselves in their room, clearly withdrawing from family and friends
• Frequent outbursts of anger, constant tension at home
• Not wanting to go to school, a sudden drop in grades
• Clear changes in sleep and eating patterns
• Intense anxiety before exams, physical complaints, freezing up
• Constant conflict over screen use

How I work

The process usually begins with a preliminary meeting with the parents. Individual sessions with the young person are then planned, with parent sessions at regular intervals.

In sessions with young people, trust comes before everything. For this reason the limits of confidentiality are explained clearly to both the young person and the parents in the first session. The content of sessions is not shared in detail; parents receive general information about the process and recommendations. Situations that concern the safety of the young person or someone else are the exception to this rule.

Guidance for parents

In parent sessions we focus on understanding what the young person needs during this period and on reviewing communication and boundaries at home. Topics that often come up:

• Talking with a teenager without it turning into an argument
• Setting consistent boundaries around screens, pocket money and going out
• Offering support rather than pressure during exam periods
• Bringing parents’ different approaches into line

Even if the young person does not want to take part, it is possible to start with parent guidance.

Exam and performance anxiety

During exam periods such as LGS and YKS, anxiety affects both the young person and the family. Sessions focus on understanding how anxiety works, developing skills for coping with it and building a study routine with realistic goals.

In person or online

Sessions take place in person in Istanbul or online. For matters that concern the whole family, see also Family Counselling.