Psychotherapy for Youth 15+
Young adulthood is a difficult time in life of navigating transitions and ongoing change. Most experience, shifts in roles and responsibilities, sexual development, identity conflicts, and difficulties with peers, and academic or career challenges. Not to mention the unprecedented demands of today’s world can add a lot of pressure and strong feelings of uncertainty, which can be difficult to manage alone. Take the pandemic for instance, this forced a generation of young persons to adapt quickly to a virtual learning model and isolate from friends and family, missing out on significant developmental milestones.
Along with rapid physiological, sexual, cognitive, and emotional change, the onset of mental health conditions can emerge during this time, further complicating an already difficult time.
Some mental health challenges that emerge in adolescence include:
Learning challenges
Social Impairments
Identity Confusion
Eating Disorders
Self-esteem issues
Substance Abuse
Personality disorders
Psychotherapy is a holistic, evidence-based form of mental health care that can help children and families understand inner processes to change negative thinking, emotions, and behaviours. There are various psychotherapeutic approaches which involve different techniques. At times, a combination of approaches can be helpful, depending on individual needs or presenting issues, worldviews, and the contexts of their lived experiences. Psychotherapy can also be used in combination of medication treatment to optimize care; however, psychotherapists cannot conduct formal assessment to provide a diagnosis or prescribe medication. Below are some therapeutic approaches to address challenges that arise in young adulthood:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Focuses on inner processes to understand and accept emotional struggles to commit to moving forward in a positive way.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Helps improve mood and behaviour by exploring inner conflicts and harmful thought patterns. Individuals can gain a greater understanding of the interconnection between how we think, feel, and behave to replace negative thoughts and behaviours to better align with their views, values, and personal goals.
Family Therapy
Explores patterns of communication, interactions, and support. This can include the parent(s) and child or adolescent, siblings, and grandparents.
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
Addresses chronic suicidality and high risk or self-harming behaviours. This approach encourages accountability and helps examine conflict resolution and intense negative emotions. This can involve a combination of individual and group sessions and is often effective for managing symptoms of borderline personality disorder.
Person Centred Talk Therapy
Provides a warm, empathetic, non-judgemental, and safe space to discuss negative experiences and self-explore personal thoughts and feelings, to identify with strengths and develop healthier views and coping strategies.
Starting therapy in young adulthood can support an individuals’ confidence to make decisions and develop healthy ways of thinking and coping with distress. Provided the right treatment, young adults will learn skills to be empowered and manage their own mental health challenges to go on to live meaningful lives.
Being a parent is hard enough, and you do not have to do this alone. At YYZ Talks, we have a team of compassionate and knowledgeable psychotherapists that are ready to support you and your child’s mental wellness. Contact us today for a free consultation with Anny, our experienced Youth Social Worker & Psychotherapist to learn more about the services we offer and start therapy today!