Adolescent Therapy
Adolescent therapy is a specialised form of counselling designed to support teenagers and young adults as they navigate the complex, and often difficult, transition to adulthood. At Armchair Psychology in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, we understand that as young people negotiate their increasing independence, significant challenges can arise at school, at home, or within their peer groups.
Our Approach to Teen Therapy
Therapy for teenagers looks different than therapy for adults. Our primary focus is on establishing an immediate, genuine connection and building absolute trust. This foundational work sets a safe scene, encouraging teenagers to open up, work through their underlying issues, and make empowered decisions that positively impact their lives. While we maintain the adolescent’s confidentiality, we often work in collaboration with parents and families to ensure holistic support.
Common Issues We Address
We offer practical, evidence-based therapy for a wide range of concerns impacting today’s youth, including:
Mental Health: Anxiety, depression, and self-esteem challenges.
School & Peers: HSC exam stress, learning difficulties, bullying, and relationship issues.
Behaviour & Safety: Self-harm, suicidal tendencies, and substance issues.
Home Life: Family conflict, grief, and navigating life transitions.
Here is a complete list of the topics addressed in our teenager therapy sessions:
- Anxiety and depression
- Anorexia & eating disorders
- Body image issues & eating disorders
- Exam stress and learning difficulties
- Family conflict
- Bullying
- Relationship and peer issues
- Self-esteem challenges
- Self-harm and suicidal tendencies
- Grief
- Substance issues
Specialised Treatment for Eating Disorders
One of the increasingly common challenges we treat at our Edgecliff clinic is the complex relationship teenagers have with food and body image, including Anorexia and Bulimia.
Important Medicare Update: Eating disorder sufferers are now eligible for up to 40 psychological sessions per year that are rebatable under Medicare. Our experienced psychologists are fully equipped to provide this critical, long-term support.
Have A Free Chat With One Of Our Psychologists
We’d love to get to know more about you. Fill in the form and one of our team will contact you as soon as possible.
Our Psychologists
Frequently Asked Questions About Eating Disorder Treatments
Do I need a referral from a doctor before booking?
You do not need a referral to book a private session at our clinic. However, because eating disorders severely impact physical health, we strongly recommend seeing a General Practitioner (GP) concurrently.
Additionally, to access the 40 Medicare-rebated sessions under an Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plan (EDP), you must be assessed and referred by your GP or a psychiatrist first.
Am I "sick enough" to need therapy?
A hallmark symptom of an eating disorder is the persistent, loud belief that you are not “sick enough” to deserve help. You do not need to be visibly underweight or meet the strict criteria for Anorexia to need treatment. If your thoughts about food, exercise, or body image are causing you distress, consuming your mental energy, or interfering with your daily life, you are absolutely deserving of support.
Do you treat severe cases, or will I need to go to a hospital?
Armchair Psychology provides outpatient therapy. This is highly effective for mild to moderate eating disorders, or as “step-down” support after a hospital stay. However, if your eating disorder has caused severe medical instability, or if outpatient therapy is not providing enough structure to interrupt dangerous behaviours, we will work closely with your medical team to help you transition into an intensive day program or inpatient facility to stabilize your physical health first.
What happens if I relapse during or after treatment?
Relapse is not a failure; it is a very common and entirely expected part of the recovery journey. Healing your relationship with food and your body is rarely a straight line. If you experience a setback, our psychologists do not judge you or make you start from square one. Instead, we treat the relapse as valuable data—it helps us identify hidden triggers and refine your coping strategies so your recovery becomes even more resilient.
How is treating an eating disorder different from regular therapy?
Standard “talk therapy” is often not enough to treat an eating disorder. Eating disorder treatment is highly specialized and action-oriented. We use targeted frameworks like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E) to actively interrupt restrictive, bingeing, or purging behaviours. It also requires a multidisciplinary approach, meaning we will regularly collaborate with your GP and a specialised dietitian to ensure both your mind and body are healing.
Can parents or partners be involved in the sessions?
Yes. For adolescents, family involvement is often a mandatory and critical component of recovery (utilising approaches like Family-Based Treatment). For adults, having an educated, supportive partner or family network can significantly improve your chances of long-term recovery. We will discuss the safest and most effective level of family involvement during your initial assessment.
General FAQs
Why should I see a psychologist?
If you want to find out how to move your life forward, and achieve happiness – you should see a psychologist.
By being empathic but independent, the psychologists at Armchair Psychology can give you a crucial understanding of how to achieve your personal and emotional goals.
How many sessions will I need?
After our first few sessions together, we should be able to evaluate how much time you will need. However, there is no hard and fast rule, and this is a process that is a part of your journey.
Life’s important journeys can take time – it’s important to remember that.
How often will I have sessions?
However, sometimes more frequent sessions, or spacing them further apart, makes more sense in terms of your growth. That is something which can be discussed during your sessions with your psychologist.
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