Adolescents
Ages 13-18 years
The adolescent years are a period of preparation for adulthood, with a number of key developmental stages. These include physical changes, as well as changes to thought processes and emotions (cognitive and emotional changes), sense of identity and values (psychological changes), relationships (social changes), and realistic aspirations for the future. Our adolescent services support and assist young people to prepare for adulthood.
A young person’s experiences during this phase of development can play an important role in making the transition into adulthood both positive and successful. Our services focus on the strengths and attributes of each young person. We work with the individual, their family, and friends, to recognize and positively reinforce their skills, capacity, and experiences. We encourage individuals to develop skills that will help them improve their quality of life, develop positive relationships, have choices, and participate in their community.
Counselling can support their transition from primary to high school and high school to further study or independent living and give them a good start for a happy and healthy life.
We can help teenagers and young adults with:
Social skills and relationships
Resilience and independence
Daily living skills
Assistive technology and modified environments
Emotional regulation
Communication
Mobility and movement
Self-care
How we work
We believe that young people depend on their families, schools, peers and communities to develop the skills and confidence to make the successful transition to adulthood. Positive experiences and relationships go a long way in assisting young people to make the necessary adjustments to manage this important development stage and build resilience when dealing with the inevitable pressures and frustrations of being a teenager.
Our adolescent services recognize that each young person is unique and the rate and pace of physical, emotional and social development will vary. Our services are tailored to each individual and take account of the family and social contexts of each young person. We work in partnership with individuals, families and communities and we provide information, support and education to equip the young person with the specific skills, resources and networks that they need to be confident in adulthood.
Our adolescent services, whether they be school-based, community-based, or in the home, all work together to assist each young person to develop their own identity and be strong independent thinkers and contributors in adulthood.