Adolescence can be an exciting and challenging time for development as teens begin to cultivate an independent sense of themselves. It’s a time of highs and lows with peaks and valleys of emotional experiences. At this age young people begin to cultivate passionate interests and peer friendships and relationships outside of the family. It can be an exciting time for young people to develop a sense of themselves. But it can also be a challenging time where young people experience worry, anxiety, low mood, impulsivity, self-consciousness or low self-esteem as they try and navigate the reins of life.
Many elements contribute to these emotional peaks and valleys in adolescence, such as accelerated biological and developmental changes, the environments we find ourselves in and the support network we have around us and other life events. In short many events are happening often at the one-time which have an impact on how we manage our emotions, our sense of ourselves and our relationships with others.
You may be a young person or a parent or career trying to navigate all of these changes, for parents you may find that you are in conflict with your teen or worrying about their wellbeing or mental health. You may notice your relationship with your teen has deteriorated with less positive interactions, it may be a battle to encourage your teen to attend school. You may be trying to navigate balancing healthy boundaries and increased independence with your teen.
For teens you may notice that you are irritable, angry or emotional more than usual, you may feel confused, worried or anxious. Maybe you feel withdrawn from friends or family. Maybe you find it hard to make friends or maintain relationships. Maybe you find it hard to express how you are feeling or manage your emotions or make positive decisions. You may be experimenting with drugs or alcohol which has become problematic. You may have lost interest in hobbies and activities you used to love, you may notice you are spending excessive time online or gaming which has affected your mood or sleep.
For over 12 years I have worked with teens and young adults within a residential setting who have navigated the foster care system. I have a particular interest and expertise working with adolescents and with support I believe this can be an exciting time where young people grow and develop.
Art Psychotherapy offers a gentle creative process where young people can use image making to explore and make sense of their emotions and experiences. I offer young people a private and confidential space to explore the parts of growing up that are both challenging and exciting. Through the therapeutic relationship young people will have an opportunity to learn how to communicate challenges they are experiencing and gain confidence in problem solving and managing these challenges.
Together we will explore and identify positive coping strategies and resources which will help you deal with the problems you are experiencing. The National Study of Youth Mental Health in Ireland 2012 and 2019 tells us that having one good adult listening, empathising and supporting us through adolescence enhances a young persons resilience and mental wellness.