Teenage Years (12 to 19 years)
During this phase of life, a tremendous pace in development that is second only to that of infancy occurs. Besides coping with significant physical changes and sexual maturation, teenagers are faced with key developmental tasks including movement towards social and economic independence, development of identity, the acquisition of skills needed to carry out adult relationships and roles, and the capacity for abstract reasoning. The teenage years can be a time of both disorientation and discovery. The transitional period can bring up issues of independence and self-identity. While the teenage years can be a time of tremendous growth and potential, it is also a time of considerable risk during which social contexts exert powerful influences.
The following services are available for teenagers:
- Psychological treatments for mental health problems including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, body image issues, suicide ideation, and self-harm
- Psychological management of neurodevelopmental problems (e.g., autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, learning disorders, intellectual disability)
- Educational Assessment and Advice for learning and academic difficulties in secondary school
- Educational Coaching and Coaching for VCE students will help students to set and achieve specific study and exam goals. Our approach is carefully tailored to each student, helping them to identify relevant goals and devise effective strategies to achieve each one.
- Family counselling: parents are key supports during this time and parent involvement in treatment interventions can be very powerful and effective for improving the quality of communication in families with teenagers who are experiencing challenges.
