Mind calm for teens? – Naturally!
I have been a secondary school English teacher and Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator. As a therapist, one of my specialist areas is in working with teenagers between 13 years and 17 years who need help with stress, anxiety and exam confidence as well as other life issues. The teenage brain goes through vast changes […]
I have been a secondary school English teacher and Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator. As a therapist, one of my specialist areas is in working with teenagers between 13 years and 17 years who need help with stress, anxiety and exam confidence as well as other life issues.
The teenage brain goes through vast changes as it tries to come to terms with a flood of hormones and the pressure of social media, not to mention school pressures and the pressures to ‘fit in’. Dealing with everyday stress is hard enough for an adult brain, no wonder then that our teens can find the world an overwhelming place. When they are shown how simple techniques can help them to feel more in control of their world they can grow and develop in new ways with greater confidence.
Is it counselling?
No. My work is not in counselling, I focus more on finding strategies for young people that can work instantly – even just before an exam!
Some teenagers often don’t want to ‘talk’ about their issues at all, this is why my sessions work, they don’t need to ‘talk about the stuff’ in order for their brains to find solutions.
It can be helpful for teens to meet me with a parent or carer for a quick consultation before they decide to book in – It has to be right for them and they have to feel confident that I can help them.
Unconscious Mind loves comfort!
As a therapist, I am working with the unconscious part of the brain. I teach teens simple techniques about how to ‘switch off’ the brain before sleep, this can really help busy or overthinking brains to settle as part of a nighttime routine, vital for quality of sleep. A rested brain is less likely to react to stress triggers and more likely to be able to maintain focus when it matters in school or college.
Natural solution to everyday stress.
Relaxation therapies, mindfulness and hypnotherapy are natural ways to teach teenagers how to self- manage, reduce stress and increase emotional resilience. My sessions are organic, there is no requirement for a teenager to have to close their eyes – many do of course as relaxation can be wonderful but for very anxious teens, it can be good to know they can stay ‘awake’ and still learn the benefits of my calming techniques.