Supporting Teenagers with Emotional Wellbeing, Confidence & Connection
Teenage years can feel like an emotional rollercoaster—for both young people and their parents. From school stress and social pressure to identity questions and mental health struggles, counselling can offer teenagers a safe, confidential space to be heard, supported, and understood.
I’m Julie, an experienced teen counsellor working with young people aged 9 and up. Whether your teen is neurotypical or neurodivergent, I tailor my approach to suit their individual needs and help them find their voice, confidence, and inner strength.
Anxiety – School. Social. General. Sibling.
Anger – which interferes with school/learning and family life and friendships.
Bereavement – Family. Friend. Pets.
Loss and Trauma – Bullying, domestic violence or trauma, suicidal or self-harming behaviours which impacts on the teenager’s life and daily functioning.
Low Self-Esteem – Teenager may have low confidence, be misunderstood and need help with communicating with friends and family and teachers.
Special Educational Needs or Additional Needs or Physical Disability or Illness – Supporting children and young people, young carers and siblings who are themselves or are caring for someone with special needs or disability.
Autism, Aspergers Syndrome, Downs Syndrome and many with mild to moderate learning difficulties.
What to Expect in Teen Counselling
Counselling is adapted to your teenager’s pace, personality, and processing style. I offer a relaxed, friendly environment where they can explore what’s going on—whether that’s anxiety, identity, friendships, family life, or simply needing space to talk things through.
Sessions are confidential (with safeguarding exceptions) and centred around building trust and emotional safety.
Counselling Techniques for Teenagers
No two teenagers are the same, so I offer a flexible mix of approaches. Your teen can choose what suits them best—from talking to creative or game-based sessions. Techniques include:
🌱Person-Centred Counselling
A gentle, non-judgemental approach that encourages teens to open up at their own pace and feel truly heard.
🎨 Creative & Expressive Therapy
Journaling, art, music, or drawing for teens who find it easier to express themselves non-verbally.
🧠 Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Helps teens understand and manage unhelpful thoughts, reduce anxiety, and build healthy coping habits.
🌈 Neuro-Affirming Approaches
I offer supportive, affirming counselling for autistic and ADHD teens, including:
Visual tools, sensory-friendly props, and movement breaks
Calming visuals, soft lighting, and low-stimulation settings
Use of clear, literal language and emotion regulation tools
Permission to stim, fidget, and communicate in their preferred way
Headphones, seating flexibility, and pacing options
🔍 Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
Focuses on strengths, possibilities, and small wins—ideal for teens who feel stuck.
🎲 Game & Play-Based Therapy
Therapeutic games, humour, and storytelling to explore emotions in an engaging, gentle way.
🧘 Mindfulness & Emotional Regulation
Grounding techniques, breathwork, and calm kits to support regulation during stress, meltdowns, or shutdowns.
📚 Psychoeducation
Simple, relatable explanations that help teens (and parents) understand emotional and behavioural patterns.
📝 Narrative Therapy
Supports teens to reflect on the “stories” they believe about themselves—and rewrite them in ways that foster resilience and self-worth.
How Counselling Can Help Your Teenager
I’ve supported hundreds of teenagers through tough times. Here are some of the most common reasons families seek support:
Anxiety & Stress – Coping with school pressure, social stress, and overthinking
Low Self-Esteem – Building confidence and reducing fear of judgment
Friendship or Peer Struggles – Navigating bullying, rejection, or loneliness
Family Tensions – Improving communication and reducing conflict at home
School Challenges – Support with school refusal, exam stress, and transitions
Emotional Wellbeing – Managing sadness, isolation, and mood changes
Self-Harm or Suicidal Thoughts – Providing a safe space for support and recovery strategies
Teen testimonial: "It was the best counselling I've done, and I'm happy to come again to see you."
Parental Support Included
While teen counselling sessions are private and confidential, I believe in supporting you too. I offer separate guidance to help parents:
Talk to their teen with confidence and calm
Reduce tension and emotional outbursts at home
Understand their teen’s needs and responses
Recognise signs of distress and respond helpfully
Learn strategies for supporting teens experiencing self-harm or suicidal thoughts
If safety concerns arise, I follow clear safeguarding protocols to ensure your child is safe and supported.
Why Choose Counselling with Julie?
Warm, friendly approach that helps teenagers feel relaxed and accepted
Specialist in supporting neurodiverse teenagers with autism, ADHD, sensory needs
Use of creative, practical, and person-centred techniques
Focus on emotional safety, resilience, and practical change
Inclusive, affirming, and non-judgemental space
Thinking About Counselling for Your Teen?
The most effective counselling happens when a teenager feels ready and willing to start. If you’re unsure, start with a gentle conversation to check how they feel about it.
📞 Call Julie on 07412 651 894 or
...to ask questions or book a free 15-minute phone consultation.
Let’s work together to help your teenager thrive—with emotional tools, confidence, and support they can carry into adulthood.
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