Collaborative, strengths-based psychological support for navigating the emotional and social complexities of adolescence.
Adolescence is a time of immense change—physically, socially and emotionally. Teenagers are developing their identity, independence and sense of belonging, often while managing academic demands, changing friendships and an increasingly complex digital life.
It is also a stage when emotional struggles may become more apparent. A teenager might feel anxious, low, overwhelmed, misunderstood or stuck. They may withdraw, experience difficulties at school or find themselves in increasing conflict with the people around them. Others simply want someone neutral to talk to outside their family.
Teen mental health support provides a confidential and respectful space for young people to make sense of what they are experiencing and develop ways of coping that feel authentic and sustainable.
Workshop Psychology provides in-home psychological support for teenagers across Hobsons Bay, Moonee Valley, Brimbank, Maribyrnong and Wyndham.
Areas of support
Teenagers and their families seek psychological support for many different reasons, including:
- • anxiety, depression or stress
- • identity, confidence and self-esteem
- • friendships, peer relationships and school adjustment
- • academic or performance pressure
- • family communication, boundaries and conflict
- • adjusting to relocation, separation, grief or other significant life changes
There does not need to be a diagnosis or a single clearly defined problem. Sometimes support begins with a general sense—from the teenager, their parents or both—that something has changed or become harder to manage.
Understanding what is happening
Difficulties during adolescence rarely have a single cause.
A teenager's wellbeing is shaped by their individual temperament and development, as well as their relationships, family circumstances, friendships, school environment, life experiences and the demands they are facing.
Looking at this broader picture can provide a more useful understanding than focusing only on individual symptoms or behaviours. It can help distinguish between the ordinary difficulties of adolescence and concerns that may benefit from additional support.
The approach depends on the young person, their circumstances and what they would like to be different.
Working with teenagers and parents
Every teenager responds differently to the idea of seeing a psychologist.
Some arrive wanting to talk. Others are uncertain, reluctant or attending mainly because a parent is concerned. There is no expectation that a teenager will immediately feel comfortable discussing personal matters.
My first priority is to understand how the young person sees the situation and what, if anything, they would find helpful. Developing a respectful working relationship gives us a foundation from which to explore concerns and consider possible ways forward.
Parents remain important in a teenager's life and may be involved in different ways—an initial discussion, joining part of an appointment, a separate parent session, or family conversations where appropriate. The balance depends on the teenager's age, the nature of the concern and what is likely to be most helpful. For parents, part of the work may involve finding ways to remain connected while allowing an appropriate level of privacy and independence.
A collaborative and evidence-informed approach
My approach is collaborative and strengths-based, drawing on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and systemic approaches.
Depending on the situation, sessions may involve:
- • understanding emotions and patterns of thinking
- • considering how different situations and relationships affect wellbeing
- • developing practical ways to manage stress or strong emotions
- • approaching problems or decisions more effectively
- • strengthening communication and important relationships
- • recognising personal strengths and existing sources of support
- • helping parents and teenagers understand one another's perspectives
The intention is not to apply a standard program or treat the teenager as a problem to be fixed. It is to develop a clearer understanding of what they are experiencing and identify forms of support that are practical, respectful and suited to their circumstances.
The broader aim is to help young people feel more grounded and capable, with both greater understanding and useful tools for navigating adolescence and what comes next.
Support for younger children
While I have previously worked individually with children under twelve, I generally find that parenting support or family therapy provides a more effective and cost-effective starting point for this age group.
Younger children's wellbeing is closely connected to their family relationships and everyday environment. Working with parents or the family can often create more meaningful and sustained change than relying primarily on individual appointments with the child.
I may sometimes work individually with a younger child as one part of parenting support or family therapy. If you are unsure which service would be most appropriate, you are welcome to enquire.
Fees and appointments
Teen mental health appointments are $250 for a 60-minute session.
The fee includes the home visit, with no additional travel charge.
Appointments are available across:
- • Hobsons Bay
- • Moonee Valley
- • Brimbank
- • Maribyrnong
- • Wyndham
Please include your suburb or postcode in your enquiry so I can confirm availability in your area.
A Medicare rebate may be available where a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral have been provided by a GP.
Frequently asked questions
Does my teenager need to want therapy?
Teenagers vary considerably in how they feel about seeing a psychologist. Some are keen to attend, while others feel uncertain or believe that their parents are more concerned than they are.
Initial uncertainty does not necessarily prevent therapy from being useful. However, a teenager needs to have some meaningful choice and involvement in the process. If they are strongly opposed to attending, beginning with parenting support may be more constructive.
Should a parent attend the first appointment?
This will depend on the teenager's age, preferences and the reason for seeking support. A parent may attend some or all of the first appointment, or I may speak with the parent and teenager separately. We can decide on an appropriate arrangement before the appointment.
Will what my teenager says remain confidential?
Confidentiality is an important part of psychological support and helps teenagers speak openly. Parents also have an important role in supporting their teenager. How information will be handled—and what parents can expect to be told—will be discussed early so that the boundaries are clear for everyone.
Confidentiality may need to be limited when there are serious concerns about safety or where disclosure is otherwise required by law.
Can parents be involved in the therapy?
Yes. Depending on the circumstances, support may involve individual appointments with the teenager, discussions with parents, joint sessions or a combination of these approaches. Parent involvement will be considered in consultation with the teenager and guided by what is likely to support the work.
Why offer teen psychology at home?
A familiar environment can feel less formal and more comfortable than a clinic, particularly for teenagers who are uncertain about attending therapy. Home visits also reduce the practical demands of travelling to appointments and make it easier to involve parents where appropriate. A reasonably private and comfortable space is needed for the appointment.
How many appointments will my teenager need?
This varies according to the concern, the teenager's goals and how the work develops. Some young people benefit from a small number of focused appointments; others need support over a longer period. We will review whether the appointments remain useful rather than assuming a fixed course of therapy.
Ready to enquire?
When enquiring, it is helpful to include:
- • your suburb or postcode
- • the teenager's age
- • a brief description of what support is being sought
- • whether the enquiry is coming from the teenager, a parent or both
- • your general availability
I will respond to discuss whether teen mental health support appears appropriate and the next step.