Counselling for Teenagers in Banbury
A safe, supportive space for teenagers to talk openly, reflect on their thoughts and feelings, and feel genuinely heard and understood — without fear of judgment or pressure. Our therapy sessions give young people the freedom to express themselves in their own way and at their own pace, helping them build self-awareness, resilience, and emotional confidence during a time of significant change.
Helping Teenagers Navigate Life’s Challenges
Adolescence can be a time of huge growth, change, and emotional intensity. It’s also a time when young people often struggle to make sense of their feelings, relationships, identity, and place in the world. Whether your teenager is feeling anxious, withdrawn, overwhelmed, angry, or just not like themselves, therapy can help them explore what’s going on — without pressure or judgement.
At Banbury & North Oxfordshire Therapy Practice, we provide specialist counselling for teenagers aged 11+. Our therapists offer a calm, confidential space where young people can talk about what matters to them, build emotional resilience, and develop healthier ways of coping.
Who We Support
We work with teens from all backgrounds and walks of life. Some come to therapy following a specific life event or crisis. Others need help navigating general stress, social pressure, or family conflict. Whether your teenager is struggling with something clearly defined or just feeling overwhelmed and stuck, counselling provides a space for them to be heard and supported.
We also work with parents and carers to ensure support continues beyond the therapy room. While sessions remain confidential, we keep communication open and collaborative.
Meet The Team
Our team of experienced teenager therapists, based in Banbury, is dedicated to providing compassionate and tailored support for individuals, couples, and families. With diverse expertise and a shared commitment to your well-being, we’re here to help you navigate life’s challenges and achieve personal growth. Explore our profiles below to find the right therapist for you.
Debbie
With two decades of diverse experience, I'm a BACP Accredited Counsellor and supervisor proficient in supporting individuals aged 6-18 in private practice and as a dedicated school counsellor.
Lesley
Deciding to talk about difficult issues can be complex. As a BACP registered counsellor with HR and Education experience, I provide a safe, non-judgemental space to begin healing and find a path forward.
Why Teenagers Might Benefit from Therapy
Support through the emotional ups and downs of adolescence — when things feel overwhelming, confusing, or hard to talk about.
The teenage years can be filled with change, pressure, and uncertainty. From school stress and friendship struggles to low self-esteem, anxiety, or questions about identity, many young people face challenges that feel too big to manage alone. Therapy offers a space where teenagers can talk openly, explore their feelings, and develop tools to cope — all with the support of a trained therapist who understands their world. Whether the issue is clear or harder to define, counselling can help teenagers feel more heard, more in control, and less alone.
- Anxiety and panic
- Depression and low mood
- Self-harm and suicidal thoughts
- Friendship and social difficulties
- Feeling isolated, angry, or emotionally overwhelmed
- Low self-esteem or body image concerns
- School refusal, bullying, or academic pressure
- Family breakdown, conflict, or divorce
- Grief, trauma, or past experiences
- Identity and self-discovery (including gender and sexuality)
Building Confidence, Resilience, and Emotional Awareness
Therapy isn’t just about managing problems — it’s also a space for personal growth. For many teenagers, counselling helps them develop greater self-awareness, emotional vocabulary, and the confidence to face life’s challenges more effectively. As they begin to understand themselves better, they often feel more grounded in who they are and more equipped to navigate relationships, school pressures, and the transition into adulthood. This kind of early support can have a lasting, positive impact well into later life.
Why Choose Us?
- Experienced therapists: Our team includes counsellors trained specifically to work with young people.
- Trauma-informed and neurodivergence-aware: We work sensitively with teenagers who are neurodivergent, have experienced trauma, or identify as LGBTQIA+.
- Parent collaboration: We work with parents or carers alongside the therapeutic process where appropriate.
- Accessible location: Our practice is based in North Bar House, a beautiful Grade II listed Georgian building near Banbury town centre.
- A calm and confidential setting: Therapy rooms are welcoming, private, and age-appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teen Counselling
Answers for parents, carers, and young people considering therapy in Banbury.
If you’re a parent or carer considering therapy for your teenager, it’s natural to have questions. Adolescence is a complex stage of life — full of emotional highs and lows, shifting relationships, and identity exploration. Sometimes, it’s difficult to tell whether a young person is simply adjusting to these changes or if they’re struggling in ways that might benefit from additional support.
What is teen counselling and how is it different from adult therapy?
Teen counselling is tailored specifically for the needs of adolescents — typically aged 11 to 18. While it shares many elements with adult therapy, teen counselling takes into account the unique developmental, emotional, and social challenges that arise during this stage of life. At our Banbury practice, sessions may involve talking therapy, creative techniques, or more indirect forms of expression, depending on your teenager’s age and preferences.
The therapist’s role is not to lecture or instruct, but to listen, guide, and support the young person as they explore their emotions and develop greater self-awareness. The relationship is built on trust, respect, and confidentiality — key factors that help teens feel safe to open up.
How do I know if my teenager needs therapy?
All teenagers have ups and downs, but if your child is showing consistent changes in mood, behaviour, or energy levels, it could be a sign they’re struggling. You might notice increased irritability, withdrawal from friends or family, low self-esteem, school avoidance, anxiety, or signs of self-harm. Sometimes the changes are subtle — like a drop in motivation or emotional shutdown.
If your teen says they feel overwhelmed, anxious, or just “not themselves,” it’s worth listening closely. At our Banbury practice, we also hear from parents who feel unsure — and that’s okay. You don’t need a formal diagnosis to start therapy. If something feels off, or if your teenager wants to talk to someone outside the family, we’re here to help.
What happens in a teen counselling session?
Each session is shaped by the young person’s needs, preferences, and comfort level. Some teens talk openly right away; others prefer to ease in gradually. Sessions may involve conversation, drawing, metaphor, journaling, or other creative ways of exploring thoughts and feelings. The most important part is that your teenager feels safe, heard, and never pressured to share more than they’re ready to.
Sessions last around 50 minutes and usually take place weekly at our Banbury therapy rooms, though online options are available. The first few sessions are about building rapport — it’s a chance for the therapist and teen to get to know each other and develop a trusting connection. Therapy progresses at the young person’s pace, not ours.
Will I (the parent/carer) be involved?
Yes, but in a supportive, non-intrusive way. For teenagers under 16, we usually begin with a joint session or parent consultation to understand the background and current concerns. After that, the main sessions are held one-to-one with the young person to give them a confidential space of their own.
That said, communication with parents or carers remains important. Our Banbury therapists will regularly check in — with your teen’s permission — to discuss general progress and offer guidance. If there are safeguarding concerns, we’ll always involve you appropriately and transparently. Our goal is to support the whole family, while also respecting the teenager’s right to privacy and trust in the therapeutic process.
What if my teenager doesn’t want to come to therapy?
It’s very common for teens to feel unsure or resistant at first. They might worry that therapy means something is “wrong” with them or feel nervous about opening up to a stranger. We recommend having an open, calm conversation that frames therapy as support — not punishment.
You could say something like, “Talking to someone outside the family might help,” or, “You don’t have to have a big problem to go — it’s a place to talk things through.” If they’re still unsure, we can arrange an initial, no-pressure meeting at our Banbury practice, simply to introduce the space and answer questions.
Do you offer online sessions for teenagers?
Yes. We offer secure, online therapy sessions for older teens who prefer to speak from home, as long as it’s appropriate and safe. Some teens find online therapy more accessible and less intimidating, especially at first. Others prefer the privacy and consistency of face-to-face sessions in our Banbury therapy rooms. We’ll discuss options during the initial consultation and help you decide what’s best for your teenager.
Where are sessions held?
All in-person sessions take place at our practice in North Bar House, a Grade II listed Georgian building near Banbury town centre. The therapy rooms are calm, quiet, and thoughtfully designed to help teenagers feel at ease. We’re easy to reach by public transport and have nearby parking. If your teen prefers remote sessions, we also offer online counselling via secure video link.
Our Banbury Location
Address
North Bar House
43-44 North Bar Street
Banbury
Oxfordshire
OX16 0TH
Directions on How to Find Us
By Car
North Bar House is conveniently located on North Bar Street, just off Banbury town centre. If driving, you can reach us via the M40 motorway (Junction 11), following signs for Banbury town centre. Once in town, North Bar Street is easily accessible from the main routes.
Parking
There is limited on-street parking available near North Bar House (time restrictions may apply). For longer stays, the nearest public car park is North Bar West Car Park, a short 3-minute walk away. Additional parking options include Bolton Road Car Park and NCP Car Park Banbury, both within a 10-minute walk.
By Train
Banbury Railway Station is well connected by major rail routes, including direct services from London Marylebone, Birmingham, and Oxford. North Bar House is approximately a 15-minute walk from the station. Alternatively, taxis are readily available outside the station for a short ride to the location.
By Bus
Banbury is served by several bus routes connecting the surrounding areas. The nearest bus stops to North Bar House are on North Bar Street and Southam Road, just a few minutes’ walk away.