Being a teenager has never been easy. But right now, young people in Ireland are facing pressures that previous generations simply didn’t encounter. The constant hum of social media, academic expectations, shifting friendships, family changes, and the ordinary confusion of figuring out who you are. Sometimes it all becomes too much.
If you’re a parent watching your teenager struggle, or a young person who feels overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Research published by RCSI in 2024 found that nearly 1 in 3 Irish adolescents now describe their mental health as “bad” or “very bad”. These aren’t just statistics. They represent real young people sitting in classrooms, scrolling through their phones at night, trying to make sense of difficult emotions.
Adolescent counselling offers something valuable: a safe, confidential space where teenagers can work through what’s happening in their lives with a trained professional who genuinely understands this challenging time.
What Teenage Therapy Actually Involves
Teen counselling isn’t about lying on a couch while someone takes notes. It’s a collaborative process where young people learn to understand their emotions, develop coping strategies, and build the skills they need to navigate life’s inevitable difficulties.
At Mind and Body Works, our therapists create a non-judgmental environment where adolescents can express themselves freely. Whether your teenager prefers talking, creative expression, or a more structured approach, therapy can be adapted to what works for them. Sessions typically last 50 minutes, and the pace moves according to what the young person needs.
Confidentiality matters enormously to teenagers. Our counsellors maintain strict privacy, though there are important limits. If a young person is at serious risk of harm to themselves or others, we have professional and legal obligations under child protection guidelines to act on those concerns. This is explained clearly from the outset, so everyone knows where they stand.
Why Choose Private Adolescent Therapy?
Private counselling offers certain advantages. You can typically be seen quickly, choose a therapist who feels like the right fit, and access ongoing support without the uncertainty of public service waiting lists.
We have locations in Dublin (Wicklow Street in Dublin 2, Dundrum and Donnybrook in Dublin 4), in Galway (Dominick Street and Woodquay), as well as online services available anywhere in Ireland. Our team includes accredited therapists registered with professional bodies like the IACP (Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and ICP (Irish Council for Psychotherapy).
When choosing a therapist for your teenager, qualifications matter. Look for practitioners who are accredited, experienced in working with young people, and someone your teenager feels comfortable with. The therapeutic relationship itself is often the most healing element of the work.
Getting Started: First Steps and Access Routes
If you’re considering therapy for your teenager, where do you begin?
For young people under 18, parental or guardian consent is typically required. We usually start with an initial session involving parents before the young person begins their individual work. This helps us understand the situation from multiple perspectives and ensures everyone is on the same page about what therapy will involve.
Your GP can be a helpful first port of call. They can discuss concerns, rule out any physical health factors, and make referrals if needed. However, you don’t need a GP referral to access private therapy. You can contact us directly to arrange an appointment.
For more severe mental health issues, CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) provides specialist support through the HSE. These services are free but require a GP referral. Be aware that waiting times can be significant. Recent figures showed over 4,200 young people on the CAMHS waiting list at the end of 2024.
Common Reasons Teenagers Seek Counselling
Young people come to therapy for all sorts of reasons. Some may arrive due to a life event or change; others may feel persistently low without being able to pinpoint why.
Anxiety and stress top the list. Exam pressure, social anxiety, worrying thoughts that won’t switch off. The RCSI research found that 42% of adolescents surveyed reported experiencing suicidal thoughts at some point, highlighting just how much young people are carrying beneath the surface.
Depression and low mood affect many teenagers, sometimes appearing as withdrawal, irritability, or loss of interest in things they used to enjoy. Low self-esteem can often accompany these feelings, creating a difficult cycle that’s hard to break on your own.
Relationship difficulties bring many young people to counselling. Friendship breakdowns, bullying, family conflict, parental separation, or romantic relationship problems can feel overwhelming when you’re still developing the emotional toolkit to manage them.
Self-harm and suicidal thoughts require particular care and expertise. If your teenager is hurting themselves or expressing thoughts about ending their life, professional support is essential. Our therapists have clinical experience working with young people in distress and can help navigate these frightening waters.
Other concerns include eating disorders, grief and bereavement, substance misuse, trauma, identity and sexuality exploration, and neurodiversity. Whatever the issue, therapy provides space to work through it.
How Therapy Helps Young People
Different therapeutic approaches suit different teenagers and different problems. At Mind and Body Works, our counsellors draw on various evidence-based methods.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps young people understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. It’s practical and goal-oriented, often involving homework between sessions. Many teenagers find this structured approach helpful for anxiety, depression, and behavioural issues.
Psychotherapy takes a deeper look at underlying patterns, relationships, and experiences that might be affecting how a young person feels and functions. It’s particularly useful for more persistent or complex difficulties.
Mindfulness-based approaches teach teenagers to manage difficult emotions and stay grounded when stress threatens to overwhelm them. These techniques can be transformative for anxious young people who feel constantly on edge.
Family therapy sometimes complements individual work, especially when family dynamics are contributing to a teenager’s difficulties. Family issues such as communication breakdowns, addiction in the family or separation can be explored in family therapy.
Taking the First Step
If your teenager is struggling, reaching out for help isn’t a sign of failure. Mental health support has become increasingly normalised in Ireland, and for good reason. Early intervention can prevent difficulties from becoming entrenched.
You don’t need to have all the answers before making contact. Our team can help you think through whether therapy is appropriate, what approach might suit your teenager, and how the process works practically.
Whether you’re in Dublin, Galway, or elsewhere in Ireland, support is available. Your teenager doesn’t have to face their challenges alone, and neither do you.
Ready to take the next step? Contact Mind and Body Works to arrange a confidential initial consultation. Call us or book online to find an appointment time that works for your family.