Elpida Spyridonos
Psychotherapy for Preteens & Adolescents
A safe and supportive space where young people can better understand themselves, put into words what they may struggle to share, and build the confidence and skills they need as they grow into adulthood.
Adolescence is not simply a time of difficulty. It is a period of profound development, when identity, autonomy, relationships, and a young person’s sense of self are developing.
Adolescence as an Important Developmental Period
Pre-adolescence and adolescence are among the most significant developmental periods of life. Over the course of just a few years, young people navigate profound biological, cognitive, emotional, and social changes, while gradually developing their sense of identity and their relationship with themselves and others.
When Difficulties Begin to Affect Everyday Life
There are times, however, when anxiety, intense emotional fluctuations, withdrawal, conflict, or difficulties in relationships begin to significantly affect an adolescent’s everyday life, functioning, and overall well-being.
In such cases, seeking support early can help adolescents better understand and address these difficulties before they become more established over time.
The Challenges of Adolescence
The growing desire for independence, changes in friendships, first romantic relationships, increasing academic demands, and the need to belong while also developing a sense of individuality are all natural parts of adolescence.
Most of these challenges are a normal part of this developmental process and do not necessarily indicate that there is a problem.
The Role of Therapy
Psychotherapy can provide a safe and supportive space where adolescents can express what they may find difficult to share, develop a better understanding of themselves, and explore new ways of coping with the challenges they face.
At the same time, it can foster self-awareness, autonomy, resilience, and skills that can support them as they move into adulthood.
My Approach to Therapy
Behind Every Behavior Is a Story
Every behavior has a story, and every difficulty has its own meaning. Behind anxiety, intense reactions, withdrawal, conflict, or difficulties at school, there is often a young person trying to make sense of significant developmental changes, intense emotions, or experiences they may still struggle to understand and put into words.
A Safe Space for Self-Understanding and Growth
Therapy is not simply about reducing symptoms. It is about understanding what may lie behind the difficulties an adolescent is experiencing, recognizing their needs, strengths, and existing resources, and supporting them in developing greater resilience, autonomy, and self-confidence.
Therapy is tailored to the individual needs of each adolescent, taking into account their age and personality. It provides a safe space where they can feel heard and understood. Over time, this can help them develop a stronger sense of self, express themselves more openly and authentically, and build more meaningful relationships with others.
When Therapy May Be Helpful
Every adolescent experiences the challenges of everyday life differently, and therapy is tailored to their individual needs. The following areas highlight some of the common difficulties where therapy can offer meaningful support.
Anxiety & Emotional Regulation
Some adolescents experience anxiety, intense emotional distress, or difficulty managing what they are feeling. This can begin to affect their everyday lives, school, relationships, or confidence in themselves.
Through therapy, adolescents can develop a better understanding of their emotions, learn skills to manage them more effectively, and develop a greater sense of emotional security and confidence in themselves.
Self-Esteem, Identity & Self-Image
Comparisons with peers, experiences at school, in relationships, or on social media can influence an adolescent’s self-esteem and the way they see themselves. Through therapy, they can develop a more stable sense of self, recognise their strengths, and build greater self-esteem and confidence in themselves.
Relationships, Friendships & Social Life
Friendships, the need for acceptance, and first romantic relationships take on particular importance during adolescence. Conflict, rejection, loneliness, or difficulties with communication can have a significant impact on how adolescents see themselves and relate to others.
Through therapy, adolescents can gain a better understanding of these experiences, feel more confident expressing their needs, and develop healthier and more effective ways of connecting with others.
Family, Boundaries & Communication
The growing need for independence during adolescence can sometimes bring conflict, misunderstandings, or difficulties in communication within the family. Despite these tensions, relationships with parents continue to be an important point of reference for adolescents.
The aim is to help adolescents feel more secure in expressing their needs and emotions, develop more effective ways of communicating, and gradually foster greater mutual understanding within the family.
School Life
Academic demands, exams, difficulties adjusting, experiences of bullying, or school refusal can have a significant impact on an adolescent’s everyday life and their relationship with school.
The aim is to help adolescents develop greater confidence in their abilities, find more effective ways of coping with school-related challenges, and feel more secure in their everyday school life.
Changes & Transitions
The transition to secondary school, changing schools, moving to a new home, parental separation or divorce, bereavement, or other significant life changes can bring intense emotions and difficulties with adjustment.
Support focuses on helping adolescents understand and process these experiences, gradually find a new sense of balance, and navigate change with greater confidence and a stronger sense of security.
Behavior & Emotional Expression
Intense reactions, anger outbursts, withdrawal, or difficulty expressing emotions can often be ways in which an adolescent tries to communicate what they may find difficult to put into words.
The aim is to help adolescents develop a better understanding of what they are experiencing, recognise their needs, and develop more effective ways of expressing themselves and regulating their emotions.
Neurodevelopmental & Learning Difficulties
ADHD, learning difficulties, and other neurodevelopmental conditions can affect not only an adolescent’s school life, but also their self-esteem, relationships, and everyday functioning.
The aim is to recognise their individual needs as well as their strengths, support greater self-awareness, and develop practical skills that can enhance their everyday functioning and independence