Anxiety & Stress
Teen Anxiety & Stress Support in Perth &
by Telehealth
Being a teenager comes with many changes – expectations at school are different, friendships might change, physical and emotional development is super charged, and independence and identity is growing. With several of these changes happening at the same time, teens can sometimes feel overwhelmed, stressed or anxious about how to cope. At Combined Minds Psychology, we provide practical, supportive psychology for teens experiencing difficulties with the stress that is sometimes attached to school, relationships and everyday life.
Common concerns for teenagers
Parents are often the first to notice changes in their teen’s behaviour, such as:
Withdrawal or disinterest in spending time with family or friends
Reluctance to participate in their usual activities
Irritability and fluctuating emotions
Difficulties with friendships
Low confidence or self-esteem
Increased use of technology, often gaming
Sleep difficulties
Changes in motivation
Difficulties with attending or engaging with school
Perfectionism or fear of making mistakes
Challenges adjusting to changes at home, school or in relationships
Changed eating habits
Difficulty coping with everyday things, including seeming anxious, overwhelmed or stressed.
When should I seek support?
Sometimes it can be difficult to know whether changes in your teen are simply part of growing up, or whether they may benefit from some additional support. It’s worthwhile remembering you don't need to wait until things feel serious or severe to seek support, and in many cases, early support from your GP, school psychologist or a private psychologist can minimise the escalation of challenges.
If changes in mood, behaviour or functioning persist, become more noticeable, or begin to affect school, friendships, family relationships, sleep or everyday activities, it may be worth seeking support.
How psychology can help
SOur support can give teens an opportunity to better notice and understand what they are experiencing, and develop practical strategies for coping. Depending on their individual needs, our sessions with your teen may involve helping them to:
Understand stress, anxiety and emotional responses
Recognise and communicate their emotions
Develop practical coping strategies
Manage worries and difficult thoughts
Build confidence and self-esteem
Improve emotional regulation
Develop problem-solving and decision-making skills
Navigate friendships and social challenges
Manage school or exam-related pressure
Develop a positive mindset to be their best
Feel more confident handling everyday challenges.
The focus is on developing skills that can be used outside the therapy room and in the situations that matter to them.
Our approach
It’s not uncommon for teenagers to be uncertain about seeing a psychologist, particularly if they feel that someone else has decided they need help. We start with a parent session to chat about your observations and concerns, and explore ways you might help your teen independently. If the circumstances suggest further support is needed, we can help with ways of introducing the idea of support without making your teenager feel pressured.
When we meet your teen, the aim is to build a positive, supportive space where they feel heard and understood. Sessions are tailored to their age, personality and needs, and are practical and collaborative, with a focus on working with strengths and building real-life skills. This might mean talking through situations that are perhaps worrying or challenging your teen, and practising ways of responding with the goal of building emotional awareness and developing coping strategies.
Parents remain an important part of the process. For some families, one or both parents and teens attend all sessions together, and for others, a parent or both parents might attend every so often, or not at all. We discuss the approach that is likely to be most helpful for your situation, and provide parents with feedback and guidance along the way, whilst also respecting your teen’s growing independence.
Do I need a referral?
A referral isn’t needed, though if you’ve sought initial support from your GP, you may have been given a mental health treatment plan and referral, making some sessions eligible for a Medicare rebate.
If you are concerned about your teenager and would like to talk through whether support could be helpful, you are welcome to get in touch.
