Do you feel you are going round in circles in your conversations within the family and it is time to get outside help?
Have you been trying to solve the problem already, possibly with other professionals, but don’t seem to be getting anywhere?
Been waiting for help from university counselling services or the NHS for too long?
For face-to-face support in the Bristol area or Wells, Somerset, or online support from anywhere, you have come to the right place.
Ready to book your free initial consultation to discuss your child’s / your specific needs and how I can help ? Click below.
Want to find out more about Sam and the Teenage Whisperer method? Read on…
Some take to it like a duck to water but very many find themselves struggling emotionally and their anxiety can quickly progress from a manageable amount to something more overwhelming and can result in depression.
Some find having to organise their own lives, their time, and their studies overwhelming. This may be due to underlying neurodivergency (ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia etc) or may be because they have moved from a very structured school and/or home environment where they have not needed to develop the organisational skills that they now need at university. They might just need some life skills coaching that takes into account their learning styles and any particular issues they have..
Some may be wondering whether they have made a terrible university or subject choice and just need to talk it through with someone with experience of helping students constructively think through these issues and make a reasoned plan of action going forward.
Some are struggling with the social side of things. Particularly for those who are more introverted, the loudness and busyness of university life can be overwhelming and they can feel they lack the social skills to successfully navigate tutorials, seminars and/or their relationships in their hall, house or flat.
Whether you are the parent seeking help, or the student, we are here to help. You do not need to carry on struggling alone and with expert help things can get better.
With sessions from the convenience of your home (or wherever you feel most comfortable), at times that fit round your schedule, at a frequency to suit your budget.
Why work with Sam?
I have over 20 years experience working with, studying and writing about adolescent emotional and behavioural problems, predominantly within education and youth justice settings and in private practice.
Although known as the ‘Teenage Whisperer’, I also have extensive experience working with young people into their early twenties as they make the transition from their late teens.
My award winning Teenage Whisperer blog and books, ‘Anger Is My Friend: Rethinking teen anger management’ , and ‘What I Need From You: The essential guide to reaching troubled teens’, have helped thousands of parents, carers and professionals engage and assist young people and particularly those struggling with the most challenging issues and/or behaviours.
I have a massive heart for working with young people who are struggling and helping them lead the happy, motivated lives they deserve to. Both this and my experience of what actually works to help young people overcome their issues has motivated me to develop the Teenage Whisperer intervention method, which works no matter the age of the client, whether 12, 16 or 22.
What is so special about the Teenage Whisperer method?
Solutions are led by the young person.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution and that is why a lot of conventional therapies don’t work. Each young person is different, so I listen to them first, help them to understand their issue and empower them to make the decisions and set goals to change their own lives.
My intervention toolkit is very large.
As each young person is different, different approaches work better with some than others, and often a mixture of approaches produces the best results. Within my toolkit you can find cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), positive psychology approaches, dialetical behaviour therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing and life coaching techniques, creative therapies and mindfulness techniques. I am constantly adding to this toolkit because you can never be too well equipped!
They do as well as talk.
Unlike many other services, talking is not the only method I use. Young people are great do-ers and sometimes the quickest way to resolution of their issue is through talking AND practical activities- playing a sport, yoga, volunteering, writing, artwork, engaging in a new hobby, making new friends. I actively support young people to engage in activities that will ensure their progress. The talking helps them to look inwards and reflect, often assisted by art and writing-based activities, and other activities encourage them to look outwards – a healthy balance that everyone needs to be happy.
For those wishing to meet face-to-face in Bristol or Wells, Somerset, sessions are often held while on the move, walking around the local area. This is an incredibly effective way to engage the most anxious, closed-down, therapy-resistant young people.
A strengths-based approach.
Focusing on the positives in their lives and their strengths and building on them plays a central role in boosting self-esteem and their belief that they can make successful changes in their lives. Again, this is where practical activities can be more powerful than words.
Working collaboratively, ensuring wrap-around support.
Unlike many other services I actively seek to liaise with all the key professionals in the young person’s life (where appropriate and with their permission) for example at university or in the health services to ensure that they are receiving consistent support in all areas and to ensure we are all “singing from the same song sheet”. Where appropriate I will seek to engage other services in the support of them.
As part of the intake process, every student away from home will draw up a support plan with Sam (and where appropriate and with consent, with parents/carers) so that if they should end up in crisis there are people in their locality who can be called upon for timely support.
Parental/carer support.
Knowing that your child is unhappy and the problems that can come with their emotions and behaviour is incredibly stressful. When you are not close-by, the stress can be even more intense, particularly as you may be struggling to cope with the gap in your own life of them being away from home. I offer support to you as well as your child (only with their express consent so as not to break client confidentiality), to ensure that you can be as supportive of them as possible.
Sessions can be offered to fit around your teens schedule, at a frequency to suit your budget.
Click below to book your FREE initial consultation so we can discuss your child’s, or your (if you are the student) specific needs and so I can answer any questions you may have.
Together we can achieve change.
If you have any questions in advance of booking an initial consultation, please send a message here.
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