Young people can feel a huge pressure in modern day life. Bullying (including cyber bullying), sexual orientation and gender identity expression, exam stress, peer pressure, divorce or the burden of social media are all common problems. For many young people this can result in everyday low mood, worries, fears and panic. The more these symptoms are ignored or avoided, the worse it can get. Some young people may secretly struggle emotionally and find it difficult to share how they are feeling with anyone, often through embarrassment or fear of being judged. If a young person internalises their problems it can then result in them engaging in unhealthy behaviours.

Over time, these difficulties if left untreated, can impact upon their relationships with others, their education and home life as well as affecting confidence and self-esteem. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective treatment for young people who are struggling to cope with anxiety, low mood and a wide range of other psychological and emotional difficulties and is currently the most commonly recommended type of talk therapy for treating many disorders. When working with young people it is often helpful to ‘blend’ therapies. All this means is using a range of different approaches that works for each individual for example, Mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment.