Adolescent Psychology

• Cognitive Development: Adolescents experience significant cognitive growth and development this will continue until the age of 28 years of age. In this time, Adolescents develop more advanced reasoning skills, abstract thinking abilities, and the capacity for critical thinking. They become capable of considering multiple perspectives, solving complex problems, and engaging in hypothetical reasoning.
• Emotional Development: Emotional changes during adolescence are characterised by heightened self-awareness and self-consciousness. Adolescents often experience intense emotions and mood swings. They also begin to develop a more mature understanding of their own emotions and the emotions of others.
• Social Development: Adolescents strive for independence and autonomy, which leads to changes in their social relationships. They seek to establish their identity and form close relationships with peers. Peer influence becomes more prominent, and adolescents often explore identity and experiment.
• Identity Formation: Adolescents undergo a process of identity formation, where they develop a sense of self and explore different roles, values, and beliefs. They may experience identity confusion and engage in identity experimentation before establishing a stable identity.
• Risk-taking and Decision-making: Adolescents are more likely to engage in risky behaviours due to their increased sensation-seeking tendencies and the brain’s reward system development. They may experiment with drugs, engage in unsafe sexual behaviours, sexting, or exhibit impulsive decision-making.
• Parent-Child Relationships: Parental relationships undergo changes during adolescence. There is often a shift towards more equal and independent relationships, where adolescents seek greater autonomy while still relying on their parents for support and guidance. 
• Physical Development: Adolescence is marked by rapid physical changes, including growth spurts, sexual maturation, and changes in body composition.   Hormonal and physical changes to the brain and body can affect mental health.
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At Centre Psychology, we use a combination of the following to support adolescent mental health, these include; 

• Individual Counseling:  To address specific concerns and challenges faced by adolescents. We create a safe and confidential environment where individuals can openly discuss their thoughts, emotions, and personal experiences. Through evidence-based therapeutic techniques, Centre Psychology helps adolescents develop coping strategies, improve self-esteem, manage stress, and enhance overall well-being.
• Psychoeducation and Skill-Building: We support young adults in gaining knowledge about common mental health issues, symptoms, and available treatments. We also teach practical skills and techniques to manage stress, regulate emotions, improve communication, build resilience, and make healthy lifestyle choices. This empowers young adults to develop essential life skills and make informed decisions.
• Referrals and Collaboration: At centre psychology we collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as psychiatrists, social workers, schools, training institutions/universities and medical doctors, to ensure comprehensive care for young adults.  We can provide referrals to specialised services or recommend additional interventions when necessary. 
• Assessment and Diagnosis:  We can provide assessments and diagnostic evaluations to understand the psychological, emotional, and cognitive functioning of individuals.
• Special Examination Arrangements (VACC) for VCE we can support adolescents in applications to VACC and social for additional support if needed. 

For more information on adolescent development, please visit Beyondblue

https://beyou.edu.au/fact-sheets/development/adolescent-development

Parent resources

For parenting support visit  https://parentline.com.au/ or call the confidential support line on ph 13 22 89