Impact North West - Insights

Whilst working with adolescents I often get asked to explain what's happening in the teenage brain. I share this really great video by Dan Siegel. https://youtu.be/0O1u5OEc5eY If you or your adolescent think you may benefit from some Counselling or Psychotherapy, or Coaching, please get in touch at www.impactnorthwest.co.uk Emma Appleby is the Clinical Director of Impact North West, providing:- Counselling, Psychotherapy and Coaching to Adults and Adolescents.

When working with Adolescents who are experiencing Anxiety, parents always ask how they can best  help their teenager, I offer the following ideas and like referencing, Dan Siegel's work on how the Adolescent brain works, it's fascinating.  Modelling our own emotional  regulation can really help adolescents. Keep body language open and clear, and state what you’re feeling. Facial expression and body language can be misinterpreted by adolescents and can lead to heightened emotions like anxiety. Listening without jumping in to fix, is a great way to enable your teenager to be able to think independently.  When they are sharing something difficult with you, it’s great to ask,” How can I help?  Do you want advice, or me  to listen,” this is a great way to validate and promote emotional regulation and problem solving.  It helps to say, “So what you’re saying is------,” adolescents need to feel heard. Acknowledge what your adolescent feels- say, “So you’re feeling-----”, this validat