Adolescence (13 - 17 years).

Emergence of Identity, Body Image, and Belonging…..

This is a time when so much is changing—physically, emotionally, and socially. Puberty brings on bodily changes like menstruation, which can affect how young females feel about themselves. There's often a strong desire for independence, but also a deep need to belong, especially among peers.

Teens start to explore who they are, not just in terms of values and goals, but also in areas like body image, sexuality, identity and relationships. Social media, school demands, and peer pressure can all add to this stress.

Therapy during this stage often focuses on helping her build self-worth, develop healthy coping skills, and helping her form a strong, resilient sense of identity. It’s really about supporting her as she learn to navigate who she is and who she wants to become.

Psychology support exclusively for girls (12+) and women on the Gold Coast

Common stressors and concerns we can help with:

  • Puberty, menstruation, and bodily changes

  • Increased emotional intensity and self-esteem issues

  • Exploring identity

  • Pressure from peer and social media (social comparison, FOMO, online harassment, bullying)

  • Academic and performance pressure

  • Family dynamics (parental conflict, high expectations, lack of autonomy)

  • Romantic relationships (first crushes, heartbreak or confusion about intimacy)

  • Future uncertainty, climate anxiety and global instability

  • Mental health concerns e.g. anxiety, depression, mood instability, OCD, Eating disorders, adjustment concerns, sleep difficulties.

  • Supporting neurodivergent identities (e.g. adjustment to diagnosis, Autistic and ADHD burnout management, sensory needs management, communication preferences and styles, executive function, self-advocacy skills, co-morbid health conditions i.e. Hypermobility spectrum disorders/Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome) * Of note: Therapy will align with the Neurodiversity Affirming Model to support self-determinism and development of positive sense of identity through a strength-based lens. We do not teach or reinforce neurotypical social skills. We avoid imposing neurotypical standards of communication, behavior, or lifestyle on our neurodivergent clients.