My Blog

Parenting a teenager can be overwhelming. You might see mood swings, withdrawal, or emotional shutdown and wonder: is this normal, or does my child need help?

Being a teenager can feel like a rollercoaster. Emotions are intense, friendships are complicated, and it’s easy to feel like no one understands.

In traditional therapy, the focus is often on “What’s wrong with you?” A trauma-informed approach asks instead. What happened to you? What’s your story? What did you do to survive? How has power operated in your life?

Have you ever reacted in a way that surprised even you—or wondered why your child suddenly explodes or shuts down? The ability to reflect on what might be going on emotionally—both in ourselves and in others—is called mentalisation, and it’s one of the most helpful tools in parenting and therapy.

Children don’t always have the words to explain how they’re feeling. That’s why I use arts and play-based therapy—to help children express their emotions, explore their inner world, and work through difficult experiences.

The Power of Self-Compassion in Therapy: Healing Begins Within By Clair Lewoski | Cambridge Therapies Many of us are far kinder to others...