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Adolescents

These are difficult times for teenagers to navigate, and to have a space where they can come and unpack all the complications of life is invaluable for them. It is often difficult for teenagers to express themselves directly, but with the help of Transpersonal tools teenagers not only find a means to express themselves but also to discover aspects of themselves that they were unaware of.  Together we explore different ways of navigating through all the aspects of life that they are grappling with.  They begin to understand the impact that their behaviours have on others and learn ways to better manage their emotions. As they begin to understand themselves more deeply they also discover the wonderful treasures and resources within themselves that they have been unaware of. 

Behavioural Issues

Adolescence is one of the most challenging periods of our lives. We are trying to stabilise ourselves with one foot in childhood and the other in young adulthood. This often creates issues with others as well as struggles within ourselves. We are trying to navigate all the changes within ourselves as well as those of school,  family and our social world. This manifests in different ways such as anger and defiance, or depression and withdrawal. 

The therapeutic relationship is very important. It can be a life-changing experience for a teenager simply to feel truly heard and supported without judgement or expectation.  Sandplay engages teenagers and allows them to see themselves as they are, not as they believe themselves to be! It helps then to work through issues and enables them to integrate and balance the opposing forces within.

Trauma

Current traumas, or trauma that we carry from childhood, will impact heavily on us in adolescence. However, even though trauma profoundly influences our lives we often cover it up or hide it deeply within us. Sandplay is a safe and non-confrontational way to uncover our traumas, integrate them and, with the non-judgemental support of the therapist, heal from them.

The psyche will only express what it is able to deal with at a given time. It works at its own speed, and Transpersonal therapy respects this. It recognises the depth and many layers of a person, it acknowledges the soul of a person, and allows for the gentle unfolding of traumatic experiences. 

Self-development

In the land of technology and social media that our teenagers inhabit it is rare for most of them to have time alone unplugged. It is even rarer for them to reflect on their life and tune-in to their inner world. Transpersonal therapy allows teenagers to use their imagination and, at the same time, better understand themselves. It gives them an opportunity to discover who they are and why. It allows them to uncover their behaviours: the ones that hinder and the ones that enrich. It helps them to become more aware, in a conscious way rather than a self-conscious way. The Transpersonal allows young people to realise that the exterior world is only one dimension of a greater reality. Having knowledge of themselves and the ability to tune-in to themselves will allow them to grow into inwardly rich, well-nourished adults.

What to expect...

A consultation with a parent is usually the first step. It is important for me to understand your concerns and to obtain some developmental history and insight into your teenager's behaviours and difficulties. 

A session for adolescents generally runs for 40-45 minutes, depending on the individual. I suggest an initial program of three sessions. Some teenagers can be very resistant to therapy and it may take a few sessions for them to begin to develop trust and gain a deeper understanding of their needs. After the initial program we will meet for a follow-up consultation to discuss whether we think more sessions  would be beneficial and the approach that we should take. Often parents meet with me for individual sessions to work through their own issues with their children and to learn better ways to deal with particular problems and behaviours.

If you have any further questions please contact me. 

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