‘Young people’ includes the stages of adolescence and early adulthood, roughly between 12-25 years. This is an incredibly dynamic time of development as new forms of independence are sought.

Drawing from extensive experience with adolescents and young adults, we are familiar with the struggles they and their families are facing, including:

EMOTIONAL CHANGES

  • Loss of enjoyment of usual activities
  • Loss of concentration
  • Poor self-esteem
  • Constant worry or fear
  • Body image and self-esteem

BEHAVIOURAL CHANGES

  • Withdrawal from friends and family
  • Hyperactivity
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Significant changes in appetite
  • Anger and aggression

UNSAFE BEHAVIOURS

  • Substance use (drugs and alcohol)
  • Suicidal thoughts / threats
  • Self-harming
  • Police cautions / involvement with the law
  • Unsafe sexual activity

Family and Relationships

  • Family conflict or violence
  • Family separation and divorce
  • Step and blended family adjustments
  • Death or other significant loss
  • Adjustment to changes in family circumstance

Social Exclusion

  • Bullying
  • Sexuality
  • Isolation / relocation
  • Cultural / religious minority
  • Discrimination from others

SCHOOL DISENGAGEMENT

  • Decline in academic performance
  • Frequent truancy
  • Suspensions or risk of school expulsion
  • Early school leaver or at risk of leaving school

Mental Health

  • Depression and/or Anxiety
  • Attention Deficit Disorder
  • Adjustment Disorder
  • Personality Disorders
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

TRAUMA

  • Physical or emotional abuse
  • Physical or emotional neglect
  • Sexual abuse or sexual assault
  • Parental substance use or mental illness
  • Life-threatening illness or event