Counselling for Teenagers

Space to be yourself when life feels difficult

School, friendships, family life and growing expectations can bring a lot to manage. You might feel worried, low, angry, left out or unsure how to explain what is happening. Sometimes it seems easier to say that you are fine. Counselling can offer space to talk about your experience without needing to have everything worked out before you begin.

Counselling for teenagers means adapting the way we work to the young person, their stage of development and their circumstances. Your voice matters. I would aim to understand what is important to you and agree how we could work together. Before counselling begins, I will explain consent, parent or guardian involvement, privacy, clinical supervision and the circumstances in which information may need to be shared to protect someone or meet legal responsibilities.

For young people and families dealing with school pressure, Jigsaw’s podcast on managing exam stress offers an additional resource.

Colourful illustration of a young person talking with a supportive adult.

What we might explore

Finding ways to describe worries, strong feelings or experiences that are hard to share.
Understanding pressures around school, friendships, family relationships or belonging.
Exploring personal needs, confidence and possible ways to ask for support.

What sessions may involve

We might talk about something happening now or begin with what you want me to understand about you. Depending on your needs, a practical or creative activity may help you express yourself. We would discuss what feels comfortable and review how the work is going. If you are enquiring as a parent or guardian, we can also discuss how your involvement may support the young person.

If you are curious about practical ways of exploring worry, the CBT page describes one approach we can discuss for suitability.

Will my parents or guardians hear everything I say?

We will discuss and agree the arrangements for privacy and information sharing before we start. These include safeguarding and legal limits. I will explain them in language you can understand, so you can ask questions about what this means for you.

Start a conversation

Young people and parents or guardians are welcome to enquire about counselling and what happens next. I’m Alan Jones, a qualified counsellor. Learn more about me and my approach on the About Alan page.

Enquire about counselling Get to know Alan

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