Parenting a teenager can feel like walking a fine line — balancing guidance with independence, understanding with boundaries, and care with space. Adolescence is a time of transformation, where emotions run high, and mental health challenges can often emerge. At Mental Health Benoni, Laurika Lubbe, a compassionate and experienced counselling psychologist, offers Therapy for Teens in Linksfield, Johannesburg that not only supports teenagers but also empowers parents to play a meaningful role in their child’s emotional wellbeing.
Why Parental Support Matters in a Teen’s Mental Health Journey
When teens struggle emotionally, parents often feel helpless or unsure of what to say or do. Yet parental involvement can significantly influence a teen’s ability to recover, grow, and thrive. Understanding your teen’s needs — and responding with patience rather than frustration — creates a foundation of trust and safety.
Teens are more likely to open up when they feel:
- Heard and validated, not judged or dismissed
- Supported emotionally, even when their behaviour is challenging
- Accepted, as they navigate identity and self-discovery
- Guided, not controlled, in making important decisions
Through Therapy for Teens in Linksfield, Johannesburg, Laurika Lubbe helps parents learn how to engage with their teens in ways that encourage connection and emotional growth.
Recognising When Your Teen Needs Help
Adolescence naturally brings mood changes and independence-seeking behaviour. However, there are signs that may indicate deeper emotional struggles.
Look out for:
- Persistent sadness, irritability, or withdrawal
- Declining grades or loss of motivation
- Sudden changes in appetite, sleep, or energy
- Avoidance of friends or activities once enjoyed
- Expressions of hopelessness or low self-worth
If these symptoms persist, it might be time to seek professional guidance. Counselling can help your teen express what they’re feeling and develop healthier ways to cope.
How Therapy for Teens in Linksfield, Johannesburg Supports Families
At Mental Health Benoni, therapy isn’t just for the teenager — it’s a collaborative process that often involves family understanding and support. Laurika works closely with parents to build awareness of their teen’s emotional world and create practical strategies for better communication and trust.
In therapy, families learn to:
- Listen actively and respond with empathy
- Encourage expression of feelings without judgment
- Respect boundaries while staying available for support
- Recognise triggers and develop emotional awareness
- Foster a positive home environment that promotes healing
This approach ensures that progress made in therapy continues at home, strengthening the teen’s overall emotional resilience.
Common Challenges Between Parents and Teens
Parent-teen relationships often face tension due to miscommunication or differing expectations. While parents may see themselves as protective, teens might interpret this as controlling or dismissive.
Laurika helps bridge this gap by guiding families to:
- Communicate with honesty and respect
- Replace criticism with understanding
- Create balance between independence and support
- Approach conflict with calm and compassion
These simple yet powerful shifts can rebuild connection and improve family harmony.
The Role of Counselling Psychology in Teen Mental Health
Counselling psychology focuses on helping people manage everyday emotional struggles and develop healthier patterns of thinking and behaviour. In teen therapy, this means equipping adolescents with tools to handle stress, self-doubt, and pressure — while helping parents understand how to best support them.
Laurika Lubbe uses evidence-based approaches such as talk therapy, mindfulness, and emotional skills training to help teens and parents grow together, not apart.
A Message to Parents
It’s normal to feel unsure or even fearful when your teen is struggling. But seeking help is an act of care — not failure. Through professional guidance, your family can rediscover understanding, communication, and emotional stability.
At Mental Health Benoni, Therapy for Teens in Linksfield, Johannesburg provides both teens and parents with the support they need to build stronger relationships and lasting emotional wellbeing.
Take the First Step Toward Support
Your teenager doesn’t have to face their mental health challenges alone — and neither do you. With professional guidance, healing and understanding are possible for the whole family.
Reach out to Mental Health Benoni today to schedule an appointment with Laurika Lubbe and learn how Therapy for Teens in Linksfield, Johannesburg can help your teen grow with confidence and resilience.