For Teens

Being a teenager can feel overwhelming. School pressure, friendships, identity, emotions, and family expectations can all collide at once. At iflow Psychology in Gladesville, our registered psychologists provide a safe, confidential space where teens can talk openly, learn practical skills, and better understand themselves.

We support teenagers with anxiety, stress, mood changes, social challenges, family issues, and major life transitions. Sessions are available in-person or via secure telehealth across NSW.

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What We Cover

This page includes guidance to help teenagers understand:

When it’s the right time to reach out for support
What actually happens in therapy
How confidentiality works
What to expect in sessions
How psychologists can help with stress, anxiety, school challenges, friendships, identity, emotional regulation, and family conflict
How telehealth works for teens
What parents need to know (link to the For Parents page for cross-navigation)

When To Seek Support?

It’s not always easy to know when to ask for help. Reach out if you’re noticing:

persistent stress, overwhelm, sadness, or irritability
changes to sleep, appetite, or energy
difficulty concentrating or keeping up with school
anxiety, panic, or avoidance of certain situations
friendship problems or feeling alone
pressure around identity, relationships, or body image
increased conflict at home
a desire to talk to someone neutral and supportive

Seeking support isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s a healthy step toward understanding yourself and feeling more in control.

What to Expect from Therapy

You don’t need to know exactly what to say. Your psychologist will:

get to know you and understand what’s been happening
help you express worries, emotions, and goals
teach practical tools for coping with stress, anxiety, anger, and difficult thoughts
support you through school pressures, family conflict, friendships, and life transitions
work at your pace, without judgment

Therapy is a space designed for you — where you can talk freely and feel supported.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality helps you feel safe to speak openly. Psychologists won’t tell parents everything you say.

They will share information only when:

someone is at risk of harm
you agree to involve a parent or caregiver
more support or referrals are needed

In most cases, your privacy is respected — and you’re included in decisions about what information is shared.

How to Support Yourself

Everyone needs support sometimes — especially during stressful or confusing stages of life. There are many small, practical things you can do to look after your emotional wellbeing, build confidence, and make therapy more effective.

Here are some ways to support yourself throughout the process:

Be honest with yourself.
You don’t need to have everything figured out. Noticing how you feel — even if the feelings are messy or unclear — is a strong starting point.
Take things at your own pace.
There’s no pressure to open up all at once. It’s okay to share a little at a time until you feel more comfortable.
Use the strategies you learn in therapy.
Tools like breathing techniques, grounding exercises, journaling, or problem-solving skills often take practice. Small, consistent efforts add up.
Create small routines that help you feel settled.
Regular sleep, movement, and breaks from social media can make a noticeable difference in stress, mood, and energy.
Talk to a trusted adult when you need support.
This could be a parent, caregiver, teacher, coach, or relative — anyone who listens without judgment.
Reach out early when things start feeling too heavy.
You don’t need to wait for a crisis. Asking for help when challenges first appear is a strong and healthy step.
Notice what makes you feel better or worse.
Pay attention to patterns — activities, people, or environments that support your wellbeing, and those that drain it.
Give yourself credit.
Even booking an appointment, turning up, or trying a new strategy shows courage and effort. Recognise the small wins.

Supporting yourself during therapy helps you build confidence, strengthens emotional skills, and makes the process more meaningful and effective.

Some sessions may involve only you and your psychologist. In these sessions, you can:

discuss whatever is on your mind
explore emotions and challenges
work on coping skills
plan goals or next steps

These sessions help build confidence, independence, and self-understanding.

Telehealth for Teens

Telehealth can be a comfortable way for teens to access support, especially during busy school weeks.

Benefits include:

no travel required
sessions from home or a private space
reduced anxiety for those who prefer quieter environments
helpful for regional or rural teens

Telehealth sessions follow the same standards as sessions in person.

Understanding Teenage Development

Adolescence is a time of rapid brain development, changing identity, and shifting social worlds. Strong emotions, uncertainty, and relationship challenges are normal—but they can also feel overwhelming. A psychologist can help you understand what you’re experiencing, build resilience, and strengthen your ability to cope with stress, relationships, and life transitions.

FAQs

What if I feel nervous about coming?

It’s totally understandable to feel uncertain or nervous before starting therapy. Most young people feel more comfortable after the first session once they understand what to expect. You can tell your psychologist if you’re feeling anxious — they will take things at your pace and make sure you feel safe and supported.

How long does therapy take?

There is no set number of sessions. Some teens attend for a short time to learn strategies, while others come for longer to work through more complex challenges. You and your psychologist will review progress together and adjust the approach as needed.

What if I don’t know what’s wrong?

That’s completely normal. Many teenagers come to therapy unsure about what they’re feeling. Your psychologist will help you sort through your thoughts and emotions and understand what might be contributing to your stress or difficulties.

Can I bring a parent or friend with me?

Yes. Some teens choose to have a parent or support person attend the beginning of their first session. Others prefer to meet alone. You can choose what feels most comfortable, and your psychologist will support your decision.

Can sessions be online?

Yes. Many teenagers prefer telehealth because it feels more comfortable and flexible. Online sessions follow the same evidence-based approaches as in-person appointments and can be a great option when travelling to Gladesville or greater Sydney is difficult.

Do I need a GP referral?

You can see a psychologist without a referral, but a GP referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) may allow you to access Medicare rebates for eligible sessions. You can speak with your GP about whether a referral is appropriate.

How do I know if seeing a psychologist could help?

Speaking with a psychologist may be helpful if you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, sad, angry, stuck, or disconnected from friends or family. It’s also useful if you’re having trouble sleeping, managing school pressure, navigating friendships, or dealing with changes at home. Therapy gives you tools to understand and manage your thoughts and emotions more effectively.

Do I have to talk about things I don’t want to?

No. You are in control of what you share. Your psychologist may gently explore what’s difficult, but you won’t be pushed to talk about anything before you feel ready. You can also ask to pause or change the topic at any time.

Will my parents find out what I talk about?

Most of what you share stays private. Your psychologist can’t tell your parents everything you say, unless there is a significant concern about your safety or someone else’s safety. We can share general themes and ways your parents can support you, but your personal conversations remain confidential unless a risk issue arises.

What happens in a session with a psychologist?

Sessions give you a safe and confidential space to talk about whatever is worrying you. Your psychologist may ask questions to understand what’s going on and help you develop practical ways to cope with stress, anxiety, friendships, school pressures, or other concerns. You don’t need to prepare anything or know what to say — the psychologist will guide the conversation.

Recommended Services

Teen Counselling
Anxiety Therapy
Depression Support
Stress & School Pressure
Family or Parent Counselling
Trauma Counselling (optional based on scope)

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Our psychologists provide confidential, supportive therapy for teenagers in Gladesville and via secure telehealth across NSW. If you’re ready to get started, we’re here to help.