When no one gets it
Adolescent Consultations
Are We Asking Too Much?
We ask a lot of adolescents.
To figure out who they are, where they belong, and how to build a meaningful future —
all while navigating school, friendships, family dynamics, social pressure, and a world that feels more uncertain than ever.
We call these years a time of discovery.
But more often, they’re a time of pressure, expectation, and resistance.
Adolescents are expected to become the best version of themselves —
but it’s often a version defined by others.
They’re told what’s right, what’s smart, what’s realistic.
They’re reminded how much is at stake, and urged to choose a path now —
as if there’s only one, and it must be the right one.
Hobbies are dismissed. Interests are second-guessed.
And slowly, the space to explore who they really are begins to disappear.
Everyone’s watching.
But few are really seeing them.
Many adolescents feel alone in their thoughts.
Misunderstood by the people around them.
Caught between being told what to do and expected to make wise, adult decisions.
At the same time, parents often feel overwhelmed.
They want to support their child, to protect them from the world, from making painful mistakes, from losing their way.
They know how hard life can be. And they want to make it easier.
But sometimes, in trying to help, they lose connection.
It’s hard. For both sides.
Adolescents want to explore, to try, to fail, to figure out who they are on their own terms.
Parents want to guide, to support, to hold on — even when letting go might be the harder but necessary path.
That’s where I come in.
I’m not another adult telling adolescents who to be.
I’m here to help them figure that out for themselves —
in a space that’s grounded, honest, and truly their own.
Your first session is free.
No pressure. No risk.
Maybe it helps — maybe it’s a start.
A Space For Adolescents
Over the past few years I had the opportunity to work closely with adolescents — not just in short sessions, but in settings where they lived for months at a time. In schools, in hospitals, and in institutions, I’ve had the privilege of seeing the world through their eyes — what they care about, how they connect, and what shuts them down.
I’ve worked with adolescents who had every reason to be guarded — who had been let down, misunderstood, or simply stopped expecting adults to really listen. Still, again and again, we found connection. That ability to build trust — gently and respectfully — is at the heart of what I do.
If you want to know more about why I do this work, you can read my personal story.
What We Can Work On Together
Emotion dysregulation and impulsivity
Anxiety and Depression
School-related challenges or disengagement
Difficulties in peer or family relationships
Video game use and online life
A sense of purposelessness, low motivation, or feeling lost
Low self-esteem or self-worth
Identity exploration and questions around belonging
Substance use or experimentation with drugs and alcohol
Risky behaviours and difficulty assessing consequences
Sleep difficulties, eating challenges, or other stress-related symptoms
Grief, separation, or adjusting to life changes
This list isn’t exhaustive. If something feels hard or confusing — emotionally, mentally, or socially — you’re welcome to bring it here.
The first session is free and doesn’t have to include a parent. Some adolescents prefer to meet one-on-one, others feel more comfortable starting together with a parent — both are absolutely fine.
It’s a chance to meet me, ask questions, and get a sense of whether this feels like the right fit., so we can both see whether I’m the right person to help.
Working With Families - When It’s Helpful
Adolescents don’t live in a vacuum — they live in families. And those relationships matter.
Whenever possible — and if the adolescent is open to it — I collaborate with families to support healthier communication, deeper understanding, and stronger connection. Sometimes that means joint sessions or check-ins. Sometimes it means offering support to parents around how to respond with more clarity and care.
That said, it’s important to know that this space belongs to your child. They decides what feels right.
If they want to begin with individual sessions, that’s where we start. They need a space where they can feel safe, heard, and fully themselves — without pressure or fear of being misunderstood.
Confidentiality is essential to that safety. I will never share what a young person tells me without their consent — unless there is a serious risk of harm to themselves or others. And even then, they’ll be part of the conversation.
Research is clear: the quality of the relationship between psychologist and adolescent is one of the strongest predictors of treatment success.
For Parents Who May Feel Unsure
I also want to say this to the parents:
Seeking support doesn’t mean you’ve failed, or that something is wrong with your child.
Your concern — your willingness to act — shows how much you care. And your skepticism is welcome here too. It means you are committed to your child’s well-being.
For Adolescents Who May Feel Unsure
Each adolescent is different — and so is the way we work together. Some adolescents want structure, others need space. Some feel ready to talk, others take time to open up. However you show up, that’s okay.
We shape the process together.
Your questions, needs, and preferences matter. This is your space — and it should feel safe, respectful, and useful to you.
Sessions typically last 50 minutes and can take place weekly or biweekly. If you (or your parents) have any questions before getting started, feel free to reach out at info@acceptitude.eu.
If you're curious about how I structure my sessions and why, you can also read more about my individual process.