Young people face immense pressure day to day. There is lots to juggle; friends, family, school work and the ever present influence of social media. It can be difficult for teenagers to put words to what's troubling them, and sometimes they need some outside support. 

As a qualified adolescent therapist and former teacher, I am experienced at helping young people with issues of anxiety, stress, and low mood, whether caused by academic work or the school environment, the family situation, or personal issues.

Each young person is different, and I will discuss things with you to come up with a way forward. 

When things aren't going well

Have you noticed any recent changes in mood or behaviour in your adolescent child? Are you finding it difficult to reach them in order to find out what is troubling them? That's perfectly normal! Adolescents' brains are still developing, at a time when they're biologically wired to begin to separate and become more independent. 

Adolescence can be a turbulent and confusing time.

It may be the case that your teenager doesn't want to worry you with their problems. Or perhaps they aren't fully aware of what is going on for them in a way that feels possible to articulate. Instead, you may notice disruptions in eating or sleeping, they may struggle to concentrate on school work or become anxious, tearful, withdrawn or have angry outbursts.  

Sometimes, it can be easier for teenagers to talk about their emotional experience in confidence with someone outside of the family.

If you would like to find out more about how I could help your teenager navigate their difficulties, please get in touch and I will be happy to discuss possible solutions.
You can book a free 20-minute initial parent consultation here:






Specific challenges: giftedness, high sensitivity and introversion

Giftedness can bring very specific challenges for young people, both socially and academically, and can often lead to mental health issues without the right support.

Being on the gifted and talented register is a special educational need, yet adequate provision is not always being made for these students.

Exceptionally capable children often seem to manage well, but underneath the surface they may struggle to organise and process their emotional experience.

Managing their weekly timetable, workload and extra-curricular activities can become a constant strain that means that there is little time to switch off and relax.

Young people who are highly sensitive (HSP) may suffer from cognitive overload at school and fare less well in a noisy, crowded environment.

Similarly, if you have an introverted teenager, the fast-paced school environment with little opportunity for quiet, rest, and respite throughout the day can feel particularly challenging.

I have special expertise, as well as lived experience, in giftedness, high sensitivity and introversion, which means I can support adolescents who identify with all or any of these traits.