For Adolescents – Lifespan Psychology Centre

Adolescents

Most children face struggles as they adapt to physical, emotional and social changes during adolescence.

Psychological treatment during this developmental period needs to remain flexible to adapt to the unique and highly individualised context that each adolescent experiences.

Adolescents can be thoughts of in two groups:

Those who still depend heavily on their parents and family (often younger)

More dependent adolescents will be offered an approach to assessment and treatment that involves the whole family system. This will include:

A detailed assessment, which usually involves meeting with parents, the adolescent, and/or the whole family. If therapy is indicated for the adolescent, then this and other options will be discussed with them and with their parents.
An adolescent focused therapy involves one-on-one sessions with the teen to strengthen their age-appropriate capacities for behavioural activation, attention, emotional regulation, and making sense of themselves and others. Often a large component of this is helping the adolescent to navigate what goes on in their mind, body and challenges in social relationships.

Parental involvement remains essential in this form of adolescent therapy. Parent sessions build emotional sensitivity and confidence in the task of parenting and help parents to adapt to the changing needs of their teenager.

Family sessions are occasionally used to improve communication and relationships between family members.

Those who are more independent and prefer to face their challenges without parental involvement (often older)

For more independent adolescents, a less parent-integrated service is offered. Parents still need to be involved because they may be responsible for transport and certainly for payment.

However, parent sessions will be less frequent and will typically be offered by a different therapist to the one who sees the adolescent themselves. This allows the adolescent their own private space to explore the issues they are facing.

What we Offer

Psychological therapy services

Psychiatric assessment for adolescents

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We honour the full diversity of human experience. We are committed to providing care that is neuroaffirming, culture-affirming, and gender- and sexuality-affirming, recognising that well-being is deeply shaped by identity, community, and lived experience. We respect and celebrate differences in neurodivergence, race, culture, language, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Our therapists work from frameworks that centre curiosity, compassion, and collaboration, rather than pathologising difference. We aim to create a therapeutic space where people can bring their whole selves—where the ways you think, feel, relate, and express yourself are met with understanding and genuine respect. We acknowledge the histories and systems that shape each person’s story, and we actively engage in reflective and ongoing learning to ensure our work remains inclusive and responsive. Our goal is to foster relationships that empower individuals, couples, and families to explore growth, authenticity, and connection—within themselves and within their communities.