Ruth Paris
        Coaching Support and Help for Teenagers

Being a teenager can be really tough. Parenting through the teenage years can seem even harder. Many families find their way through the 'black tunnel' of the teenage stage with a combination of exasperation, affection, turmoil and humour.

For some, however, this process can be deeply challenging, bringing real unhappiness, conflict and stresses that can feel overwhelming.

As a specialist in helping and coaching teenagers, I have worked with a wide variety of young people for over thirteen years. While each individual of course has their own unique experience, I would identify these as the major recurring issues I work with time and again:

• Feeling of not being understood

• Lack of motivation

• Low self-esteem or lack of confidence

• Attitude and behavioural problems

• Conflict with parents or teachers

• Bullying or peer-group pressure

• Unhappiness in important relationships

• Falling behind with work and not knowing how to get back on track

• Fear of the future – 'I don't know what I want'

If you are a teenager or the parent of a teenager struggling with any of these or associated issues, you may be feeling out of your depth and not sure where to turn. Friends, family and teachers, however well-meaning, offer sympathy and advice, but are often either too close to the situation or lack the specific expertise to facilitate genuine change.

Coaching conversations offer a safe, confidential and unthreatening opportunity to explore what is really going on and work towards achieving a more harmonious and fulfilling way of living with the challenges of the teenage years.

This site is intended to offer a helpful response to some of your questions, hopes and concerns. If you need help with a health related teenager issue such as smoking, bullying or STDs, it may help to look at the resource organisations that I have listed here for your information. Please also have a look at the rest of this site for more information about coaching as a powerful tool for change.

I genuinely hope you find what you are looking for.

With best wishes

Ruth.