The teenage years bring significant change and unique pressures. Our adolescent therapists understand the teen experience and provide a confidential, non-judgmental space where young people can talk openly and develop healthy coping strategies.
Teens come to counselling for reasons ranging from academic pressure and friendship changes to broader identity questions, often at a time when they are reluctant to talk to parents or teachers directly.
Sessions offer a confidential space to work through what is happening, at a pace that respects their independence.
This may be right for you if...
- Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities they used to care about
- A noticeable drop in grades, motivation, or interest in school
- Mood swings that feel bigger or longer-lasting than typical teenage ups and downs
- Struggling with self-esteem, identity, or fitting in
- Stress around exams or social pressure that is not easing off
What teen counselling can help with
Teen counselling at Safe Expanse is for young people aged 13 to 18 who are finding adolescence harder than it needs to be, and for the parents trying to support them. The teenage years are a time of working out who you are and who you want to be, while juggling exams, friendships, family expectations and a phone that never sleeps. Teenagers in Singapore come to us about:
- Exam and academic stress, perfectionism and burnout
- Anxiety, panic or persistent low mood
- Self-esteem, body image and identity questions
- Friendship problems, bullying, social media pressure and loneliness
- Conflict with parents, or a family going through separation or illness
- Self-harm, or thoughts that worry you or the people around you
- Gaming or screen use that has crowded out everything else
- Anger, outbursts or a sudden change in behaviour no one can explain
How sessions work for teenagers
Most teenagers do not want another adult telling them what to do. Sessions are built around that. The therapist's first job is to earn your teen's trust: listening without judging, taking their view seriously and letting them set much of the agenda. Talking is the core of it, but our therapists also use art, creative media and practical exercises when words run out, and draw on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), person-centred and solution-focused approaches, Choice Theory and trauma-focused work where it fits.
Sessions are 60 minutes, in person at 37 Beach Road or at Minmed Sanctuary in Novena, or online. Our therapists who work with adolescents bring experience from schools, youth work and child protection services, and understand the specific pressures of growing up in Singapore.
For parents: what to expect
For anyone under 21 we ask for a parent or guardian's consent before starting, and we like to meet you early on to hear your concerns. After that, your teenager needs to know the room is theirs. The therapist will not report back what your teen says session by session, but will always tell you if there is a risk to their safety, and will keep you updated on general themes and how you can help at home. Separate parent sessions are available if you want support with the relationship or with responding to difficult behaviour.
If your teen is reluctant, that is normal. Framing it as "one session to see what it is like, and then you decide" often works better than insisting. Many teenagers who arrive sceptical choose to continue once they realise the therapist is on their side.
What to expect
- An initial session to understand your needs and goals
- A personalised treatment plan
- Regular sessions at a frequency that suits you
- Ongoing review and adjustment as you progress
- A confidential, non-judgmental therapeutic relationship
Therapists who offer this
Frequently asked questions
My teenager refuses to go. What can I do? +
Try proposing a single session with no commitment beyond that, and let them know they can choose the therapist and whether to continue. You are also welcome to book a parent session on your own first; sometimes changes in how a parent responds shift things at home before a teen is ready to come.
Will you tell me what my teen says in sessions? +
Not in detail. Teenagers only open up when they trust that the space is theirs. Your therapist will keep you informed about general progress and how to support your teen, and will always tell you about anything that affects their safety.
What age counts as a teen for counselling? +
Our teen counselling service is for young people aged 13 to 18. Younger children are seen under our children's counselling service, which uses play-based approaches.
My teen is self-harming. Is counselling the right step? +
Yes, and please do not wait. Self-harm is usually a way of coping with feelings that are too much, and counselling gives your teen a safer way to understand and manage them. If there is immediate danger, call 995 first; otherwise contact us and we will prioritise an appointment.
How do I bring up counselling with my teenager? +
Pick a calm moment, describe what you have noticed without blame, and present counselling as support rather than punishment or a sign something is wrong with them. Offering choice over the therapist and format, and the option of an online session, can make it feel less daunting.
Can my teen have sessions online? +
Yes. Online sessions suit many teenagers, especially those who find a new place intimidating or have packed schedules. In-person sessions are available at 37 Beach Road and at Minmed Sanctuary in Novena.
Can you work with my teen's school? +
This is at the discretion of your teen's therapist. Where they judge it would help, for example around exam arrangements or support in class, they may speak with a school counsellor or teacher, but only with your and your teen's consent. Session content is never shared without agreement.
Further reading
Ready to get started?
Contact us to enquire about teen counselling or to book an appointment.
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