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Psychological consultation and psychotherapy for anxiety, withdrawal, difficulties in relationships, low self-esteem, school-related stress, risk behaviour and questions related to identity and growing up.
Adolescence is a period of intense changes – in the body, in relationships, in ways of thinking, in the sense of self and one's place among others. The desire for independence grows, while at the same time the young person still needs security, acceptance and support.
Difficulties during this period do not always appear as a clearly formulated psychological problem. They may manifest through withdrawal, irritability, conflicts, a decline in school performance, sleep disturbances, intense anxiety, changes in eating, risk behaviour, or a feeling that “no one understands me”.
Psychological work with adolescents seeks to create a space in which the young person can speak freely about themselves, without being judged or placed under pressure. At the same time, this age requires a careful balance between the confidentiality of the sessions and the parents' responsibility for the child's health and safety.
Psychological consultation for adolescents
What is it?
Psychological consultation is an opportunity for the young person to talk with a specialist about an issue or difficulty that is currently burdening them. The reason may be specific – a conflict, a break-up, a school problem, anxiety – but sometimes there is only a sense of confusion, tension or dissatisfaction.
Adolescents do not always have ready words for what they are experiencing. Sometimes the parent notices a change long before the young person states that they need help. In other cases, it is the adolescent who first seeks a space outside the family in which they can speak more freely.
The consultation is not an interrogation, and the psychologist's task is not to persuade the adolescent how they should act. The work is directed towards a better understanding of the experiences, relationships and the specific situation.
Led by: Prof. Orlin Todorov
Who is it suitable for?
For adolescents and young people going through emotional, family, school, social or personal difficulties.
When can it be helpful?
- with anxiety and prolonged tension;
- with a change in mood;
- with conflicts with parents or peers;
- with a feeling of loneliness;
- with difficulties at school;
- with a break-up or loss;
- with low self-esteem;
- with strong uncertainty about oneself;
- when the young person needs a space to talk outside the family.
What does the psychological work include?
Initially, the current difficulties, life context and expectations of the young person are clarified. Depending on the situation, the work may remain consultative, or longer-term psychotherapy or psychological assessment may be proposed.
How does the first session proceed?
For minors, the format is determined according to age and the reason for the consultation. A preliminary conversation with a parent may be held, followed by an individual session with the adolescent.
Format and frequency
Format
Individual, with the possibility of periodic parental or family sessions when necessary.
Duration and frequency
From one or a few consultations to longer-term work.
Who conducts the consultations?
Psychologists and psychotherapists with competence in working with adolescents and young people.
Important
The content of the individual sessions is kept within professional confidentiality. If there is a risk to the life or safety of the young person, the psychologist has a professional responsibility to take the necessary protective action.
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Psychotherapy for adolescents
What is it?
Psychotherapy offers a longer-term and regular space in which the adolescent can explore the way they experience themselves, others and the changes taking place.
In adolescence, the questions “Who am I?”, “How do others see me?”, “Where do I belong?” and “What do I want to become?” take on particular significance. They may be linked to tension, uncertainty, conflicting feelings and conflicts.
Psychotherapeutic work does not aim to make the young person more convenient for adults. It creates the opportunity to develop the ability to recognise one's feelings, understand one's relationships and gradually take on more responsibility for one's own choices.
For adolescents, it is particularly important that a clear framework of confidentiality exists, so that real trust can be built between the young person and the therapist.
Led by: Prof. Orlin Todorov
Who is it suitable for?
For adolescents with more prolonged emotional or interpersonal difficulties, or when short-term counselling is not sufficient.
When can it be helpful?
- with prolonged anxiety;
- with depressive experiences;
- with persistent difficulties in relationships;
- with low self-esteem;
- with strong emotional instability;
- after traumatic experiences;
- with recurring life crises;
- with difficulties concerning identity and growing up;
- when the young person wants a deeper understanding of themselves.
What does the psychological work include?
Regular individual sessions with the adolescent and, when necessary, periodic sessions with the parents, without breaching therapeutic confidentiality.
How does the first session proceed?
The first sessions serve to get acquainted, clarify the current difficulties and assess whether psychotherapy is the appropriate form of work.
Format and frequency
Format
Mainly individual work.
Duration and frequency
Psychotherapy requires regularity. The duration is determined individually.
Who conducts the psychotherapy?
Psychotherapists with qualifications and experience in working with adolescents.
Important
For minors, a balance is maintained between the right to a personal therapeutic space and the responsibility for their safety.
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Support for anxiety and panic experiences
What is it?
Anxiety is a common experience during adolescence, because the young person is simultaneously coping with bodily changes, social expectations, school pressure, relationships and the gradual separation from the family.
Sometimes anxiety becomes so intense that it begins to limit daily life. There may be constant worries, fear of making a mistake or failing, physical tension, insomnia, or a feeling that something bad is about to happen.
During a panic experience, palpitations, shortness of breath, trembling, dizziness and an intense fear of losing control may suddenly appear. After such an episode, the young person may begin to avoid places or situations for fear that it might happen again.
Psychological work is not limited to calming the symptom, but considers the anxiety in the context of the adolescent's life, relationships and development.
Led by: Prof. Orlin Todorov
Who is it suitable for?
For adolescents and young people with marked anxiety, panic attacks or fears that disrupt daily functioning.
When can it be helpful?
- with constant worries;
- with panic attacks;
- with strong anxiety before school or exams;
- with avoidance of social situations;
- with fear of another panic attack;
- with sleep disturbances;
- with physical symptoms of anxiety;
- when anxiety significantly limits daily life.
What does the psychological work include?
Assessment of the nature of the anxiety, the situations that trigger it, and the factors that maintain it, followed by psychological counselling or psychotherapy.
How does the first session proceed?
The onset of symptoms, the situations in which they appear, the impact on daily life, and the medical and psychological history are discussed.
Format and frequency
Format
Individual, with parental involvement when necessary.
Duration and frequency
Determined individually.
Who conducts the consultations?
A psychologist or psychotherapist with competence in working with adolescents.
Important
New or intense physical symptoms should not automatically be assumed to be anxiety. A medical assessment is recommended when necessary.
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Support for depressive mood and withdrawal
What is it?
Adolescence naturally involves changes in mood, but prolonged loss of interest, a feeling of emptiness, isolation and lack of energy may be a sign of more serious psychological distress.
A depressive state in adolescents does not always look like visible sadness. It may manifest through irritability, conflicts, refusal to communicate, a sharp decline in school performance, or changes in sleep.
The young person may gradually stop being interested in things that used to matter, and may begin to experience strong self-criticism, hopelessness, or a feeling that they have no place among others.
It is important that such changes are not dismissed as “just puberty” when they are prolonged and significantly disrupt functioning.
Who is it suitable for?
For adolescents and young people with prolonged low mood, lack of interest, withdrawal or other depressive experiences.
When can it be helpful?
- with loss of interest in friends and activities;
- with constant fatigue;
- with irritability or sadness;
- with a feeling of emptiness;
- with strong self-criticism;
- with sleep disturbances;
- with a sharp decline in school functioning;
- with statements about meaninglessness or hopelessness.
What does the psychological work include?
Clinical assessment of the condition and, depending on the results, psychological counselling or psychotherapy. When necessary, consultation with a child psychiatrist or psychiatrist according to age is recommended.
How does the first session proceed?
Mood, daily functioning, relationships, school, sleep, previous similar periods and safety-related issues are discussed.
Format and frequency
Format
Individual, with the necessary involvement of parents in the case of minors.
Duration and frequency
Determined according to the condition.
Who conducts the consultations?
A psychologist or psychotherapist with experience in working with adolescents.
Important
In the case of suicidal thoughts, a specific plan, immediate risk, or a severe acute mental state, immediate medical or psychiatric assessment is necessary.
← All topics in the “For adolescents and young people” section
Loneliness and difficulties in relationships
What is it?
Relationships with peers take on particular significance during adolescence. Belonging to a group, friendships and first intimate relationships play an active role in building the sense of self.
Difficulties in this area can be experienced very painfully. Rejection, a break-up or the loss of a friendship can have a considerably stronger psychological impact than adults sometimes assume.
The young person may feel alone even when they formally have many social contacts. Social media can also intensify the feeling that everyone else is more accepted, more successful or happier.
Psychological work does not aim to teach the adolescent how to become “more popular”, but to understand the way they build closeness, experience rejection and are present in relationships.
Who is it suitable for?
For adolescents and young people suffering from loneliness, isolation, rejection or recurring difficulties in relationships.
When can it be helpful?
When there is a lack of close friendships, conflicts, painful separations, fear of rejection, strong dependence on others’ approval, or difficulties in building and maintaining close relationships.
What does the psychological work include?
Exploration of relationships, self-esteem, expectations of others and the way the young person experiences closeness, conflict and rejection.
How does the first meeting proceed?
The specific relationships and situations currently causing the greatest distress are discussed.
Format and frequency
Format
Individual.
Duration and frequency
From short-term consultation to psychotherapeutic work.
Who conducts the consultations?
A psychologist or psychotherapist with competence in working with adolescents.
Important
Prolonged social isolation may be associated with anxiety, depressive or other psychological difficulties, and a broader assessment is carried out when necessary.
← All topics in the “For adolescents and young people” section
Support for low self-esteem
What is it?
During adolescence, the sense of self is still being formed and can be strongly influenced by the reactions of peers, parents, teachers and social media.
The young person may constantly compare themselves with others, experience mistakes as proof that they “are not good enough”, or depend heavily on external approval.
Low self-esteem may remain hidden behind perfectionism, excessive ambition or demonstratively confident behaviour. Sometimes it leads to avoidance of attempts – if a person does not start, there is no risk of experiencing failure.
The psychological work does not aim at mechanically repeating positive statements, but at understanding how the sense of self has been formed and how the young person can gradually develop a more realistic and stable attitude towards their own qualities and limitations.
Who is it suitable for?
For adolescents and young people with strong insecurity, self-criticism or dependence on others’ evaluation.
When can it be helpful?
- with constant comparison to others;
- with a strong fear of failure;
- with painful sensitivity to criticism;
- with a feeling of “not being good enough”;
- with perfectionism;
- with avoidance of new activities due to fear of failure;
- when self-esteem depends almost entirely on external approval.
What does the psychological work include?
Exploration of the way the young person has formed their sense of self, the relationships and experiences that influence it, and work with excessive self-criticism.
How does the first meeting proceed?
The situations in which the insecurity is strongest, and the way the young person thinks and speaks about themselves, are discussed.
Format and frequency
Format
Individual.
Duration and frequency
Depending on the nature and depth of the difficulty.
Who conducts the consultations?
A psychologist or psychotherapist from the team.
Important
Low self-esteem may be part of a broader anxiety, depressive or other psychological difficulty.
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Difficulties with body image
What is it?
Bodily changes are a central part of adolescence. The way the young person experiences their own body can be strongly influenced by comparisons with peers, social media, comments from those around them, and ideas about how one “should” look.
Dissatisfaction with the body can gradually become a constant source of shame and self-criticism. The young person may avoid photographs, certain clothes, sport, the beach or social situations.
The difficulty is not always related to an objective bodily feature. What matters more is how the person experiences their body and how large a part of their self-esteem starts to depend on their appearance.
Who is it suitable for?
For adolescents and young people for whom the attitude towards their body causes significant distress or restricts daily life.
When can it be helpful?
- with constant dissatisfaction with appearance;
- with strong comparison to others;
- with avoidance of photographs or social situations;
- with shame about the body;
- with constant checking of appearance;
- with excessive fixation on weight or a particular bodily feature;
- when body image significantly affects self-esteem.
What does the psychological work include?
Work with the attitude towards the body, self-esteem, social comparisons, identity and the emotional experiences related to appearance.
How does the first meeting proceed?
The young person decides for themselves what they are ready to discuss. No assessments or comments are made regarding whether their body “really” looks good or bad.
Format and frequency
Format
Individual.
Duration and frequency
Determined individually.
Who conducts the consultations?
A psychologist or psychotherapist with appropriate competence.
Important
In the case of significant changes in eating or weight, vomiting, excessive physical exertion or other signs of an eating disorder, a comprehensive assessment is required, including medical and, if necessary, psychiatric assessment.
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School stress and difficulties
What is it?
School is a significant part of an adolescent’s life and can be a source of both development and serious strain.
Pressure to succeed, examinations, family expectations, relationships with teachers and peers, and uncertainty about the future can lead to prolonged stress.
Sometimes the young person appears unmotivated, but behind this may lie a fear of failure. Other adolescents achieve very high results, but at the cost of constant tension, insomnia and a feeling that they are never good enough.
The aim is not for the psychologist to replace a teacher or career counsellor, but to help understand the psychological meaning of the school difficulty.
Who is it suitable for?
For adolescents with significant tension, anxiety or difficulties related to school and academic expectations.
When can it be helpful?
- with a strong fear of examinations;
- with perfectionism;
- with a sharp drop in results;
- with refusal to attend school;
- with difficulties with concentration;
- with conflicts with teachers;
- with overload;
- with anxiety about future education.
What does the psychological work include?
Assessment of the emotional and cognitive factors involved in the school difficulties, and subsequent psychological consultation or psychotherapy.
How does the first meeting proceed?
The specific school situations, the expectations placed on the young person, and the way the tension affects them are discussed.
Format and frequency
Format
Individual, with parental meetings when necessary.
Duration and frequency
Depending on the nature of the difficulty.
Who conducts the consultations?
A psychologist with experience in working with adolescents.
Important
In cases of persistent difficulties with attention, learning or cognitive functioning, a separate psychological assessment may be necessary.
← All topics in the “For adolescents and young people” section
Support in cases of bullying and violence
What is it?
Bullying and violence can have a significant psychological impact on the young person. They may be physical, verbal, sexual, emotional, or take place online.
The adolescent may not share what they have experienced out of fear, shame, guilt, or concern that adults will make the situation even more difficult.
The consequences may include anxiety, withdrawal, anger, insomnia, decline in school functioning, low self-esteem or a sense of helplessness.
Psychological support should not replace action to stop the violence. Safety is the first priority.
Who is it suitable for?
For adolescents who are experiencing or have experienced bullying, violence or serious humiliation.
When can it be helpful?
In cases of school or online bullying, physical or sexual violence, controlling relationships, threats, social exclusion, or psychological consequences following such experiences.
What does the psychological work include?
Assessment of safety, psychological support, and work with the consequences of the experience. Parents and competent institutions are involved when necessary.
How does the first meeting proceed?
Priority is given to assessing whether the risk continues and what actions are needed to protect the young person.
Format and frequency
Format
Individual, with the involvement of parents or other responsible adults when necessary.
Duration and frequency
Depending on the nature and consequences of the experience.
Who conducts the consultations?
A psychologist or psychotherapist with competence in working with adolescents and traumatic experiences.
Important
In cases of ongoing violence, psychological work alone is not sufficient. Action must be taken to ensure the safety and protection of the young person.
← All topics in the “For adolescents and young people” section
Support for risk behaviour
What is it?
Experimentation and the search for new experiences are part of adolescence. Sometimes, however, behaviour begins to create a real risk to health, safety or development.
This may include the use of psychoactive substances, dangerous driving, sexually risky behaviour, frequent running away, aggressive situations, or other actions with possible serious consequences.
Risk behaviour should not automatically be understood as a “bad character”. It may be an attempt at belonging, a search for intense sensations, an escape from psychological suffering, or a way for the young person to express something they find difficult to name.
At the same time, understanding the behaviour does not mean underestimating the danger. Safety remains a key priority.
Who is it suitable for?
For adolescents whose behaviour creates significant risk to themselves or to others.
When can it be helpful?
In cases of substance use, repeated dangerous situations, running away, impulsive sexual behaviour, serious conflicts, dangerous driving, or repeated breaches of personal safety.
What does the psychological work include?
Assessment of the nature and function of the risk behaviour, the emotional state, relationships and environment, and work with the young person and the family.
How does the first meeting proceed?
The specific risks, their frequency and the adolescent’s immediate safety are clarified.
Format and frequency
Format
Individual and parental meetings, and family work when necessary.
Duration and frequency
Determined according to the degree of risk and the needs involved.
Who conducts the consultations?
Specialists with competence in adolescent mental health.
Important
In cases of severe intoxication, dependence, immediate risk or another acute condition, medical or psychiatric help is required.
← All topics in the “For adolescents and young people” section
Support for self-harm
What is it?
Self-harm involves the deliberate infliction of physical injury on one’s own body. For some young people, it serves as an attempt to temporarily reduce unbearable tension, intense emotions, a sense of emptiness or inner chaos.
Self-harm should not be dismissed as “seeking attention”. Even when there is no suicidal intent, it indicates significant psychological suffering and requires professional assessment.
Important is to distinguish non-suicidal self-harm from suicidal thoughts and intentions. Both can exist at the same time, which is why risk assessment is a mandatory part of the initial work.
The reaction of adults is also very important. Panic, blame or punishment can increase shame and make the young person more likely to conceal what is happening.
Who is it suitable for?
For adolescents and young people who self-harm or have had similar episodes.
When can it be helpful?
A professional assessment is recommended in every established case of self-harm, even when the young person states that they have no intention of suicide.
What does the psychological work involve?
Assessment of suicide risk and the function of the self-harm, the psychological state and the factors preceding the behaviour. Depending on the situation, psychotherapeutic work is planned and, where necessary, a psychiatric consultation.
How does the first session proceed?
Safety is assessed as a priority – the presence of suicidal thoughts, plan or intention, the frequency and severity of the self-harm and the possibilities for support and monitoring.
Work then continues towards understanding the situations and feelings that precede the behaviour.
Format and frequency
Format
Individual work with the young person, with the necessary involvement of parents in the case of minors.
Duration and frequency
Determined according to the clinical condition and the risk.
Who conducts the consultations?
A psychologist or psychotherapist with appropriate clinical experience, where necessary in collaboration with a child psychiatrist or psychiatrist.
Important
In the case of an immediate risk of suicide, a specific plan, severe injury or the impossibility of guaranteeing the young person's safety, immediate emergency medical and psychiatric help is required.
← All topics in the “For adolescents and young people” section
Questions of identity and growing up
What is it?
Adolescence is a period in which a person gradually builds a more independent sense of who they are. This includes values, relationships, belonging, the body, sexuality, career plans and the way one wishes to live.
Uncertainty in this process is not an illness. Contradictions and experimenting with different roles are a normal part of growing up.
Sometimes, however, questions of identity are accompanied by strong anxiety, shame, conflict with the family or a sense that the person must immediately have all the answers.
The psychological space does not aim to direct the young person towards a particular identity or life choice. The task is for them to have the opportunity to safely explore their own experiences and relationships.
Who is it suitable for?
For adolescents and young people who have a need to talk about identity, belonging, sexuality, growing up, separation from the family or choices for the future.
When can it be helpful?
In cases of strong uncertainty about oneself, conflict between personal experiences and family expectations, difficulty in asserting oneself, shame or fear of rejection.
What does the psychological work involve?
Exploration of experiences, relationships, values and the way in which the young person builds a sense of self.
How does the first session proceed?
The young person determines the topics they are ready to talk about. There is no requirement to define oneself in a particular way in advance.
Format and frequency
Format
Individual.
Duration and frequency
From a few consultations to longer-term psychotherapy.
Who conducts the consultations?
A psychologist or psychotherapist with competence in adolescent development.
Important
Questions of identity and sexuality do not in themselves constitute a mental disorder and should not be treated as such.
← All topics in the “For adolescents and young people” section
Support in bereavement and serious illness in the family
What is it?
Adolescents already understand considerably more about illness and death than young children do, but this does not mean it is easier for them to cope with them.
When a parent or other close relative is seriously ill, the young person may experience fear, anger, guilt and helplessness. Sometimes they begin to take on excessive responsibilities or try not to show their own suffering, in order “not to burden” the family.
After a bereavement, the adolescent may withdraw, appear indifferent or spend more time with friends. This does not always mean an absence of grief. Young people can move between intense suffering and everyday activities much more quickly than adults.
Psychological support makes it possible for the experience to be shared without the young person needing to protect the other family members.
Who is it suitable for?
For adolescents and young people whose relatives are seriously ill or who have experienced a significant loss.
When can it be helpful?
- in the case of serious illness of a parent or other close relative;
- when the prognosis changes;
- after the death of a significant person;
- in the case of strong anxiety about the other family members;
- in the case of guilt or anger;
- in the case of withdrawal;
- in the case of disturbances in sleep and school functioning;
- when the young person takes on excessive care and responsibilities.
What does the psychological work involve?
Individual support for the adolescent and, where necessary, work with the family around the manner of communication, roles and the experience of the illness or loss.
How does the first session proceed?
Discussion covers what the young person knows about the situation, how they experience it and how it has changed their daily life and relationships.
Format and frequency
Format
Individual, with the possibility of parental or family sessions.
Duration and frequency
Determined individually, with no predetermined time limit set for adaptation or grieving.
Who conducts the consultations?
A psychologist or psychotherapist with competence in working with adolescents, serious illness, loss and grief.
Important
Grief is a natural reaction to loss. In the case of severe impairment of functioning, self-harm, suicidal thoughts or another significant risk, further clinical and, where necessary, psychiatric assessment is required.
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