How to communicate with adolescents

COMMUNICATING WITH ADOLESCENTS

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

  • Affirm your child’s feelings
  • Don’t use the slang your child uses
  • Share your own experiences
  • Don’t just do, listen
  • Give your child ownership of what she does
  • Remember to accept silence
  • Don’t make fun of them
  • Have an ally

QUESTIONING

  • Use open ended questions – allows you the ability to gain information
  • Use the response given as a lead for further questions
  • Information seeking questions – used to find out general information
  • Circular questions – less threatening, easier to answer
  • Choice questions – enables your daughter to feel that her opinion is being considered

ACTIVE LISTENING

  • Listen to your child – avoid interpretation
  • Reflect the content and feeling – shows that you have heard your child
  • Summarise – shows that you have heard and understood what has been said
  • Memory – be able to recall what has been said
  • Be patient – allow time for your child to reflect on what has been discussed

FAQ about seeing a psychologist

If you are experiencing difficulties within your relationships or you are finding it hard to manage your emotions, thoughts and behaviours you may benefit from receiving help from a psychologist. A psychologist can also assist you with proactive mental health – they can help you better understand what contributes to your emotions, thoughts and behaviours thus allowing you to choose how to respond to these parts of your life

The number of sessions required will depend on the presentation, and the severity of the symptoms which are being experienced. Other factors such as age, past experience and psychological well-being will also influence the number of sessions required.

A referral is not required to see a psychologist. If a psychiatrist or a GP does refer you a rebate from medicare is available. If you do not have a referral your private health insurance may entitle you to a rebate.

Between 50 – 55 minutes.