Online sessionsworldwide, in Portuguese, English and Spanish
Online therapy for teenagers aged 12 and over
Your child has changed.
And you don’t know
how to help.
Is your child more anxious, withdrawn or irritable than usual?
Adolescence is an intense stage, full of pressure. Therapy can help your son or daughter feel lighter and safer at this point in their life, with the family close by.
Book a first conversationClinical psychologist · CRP 03/32829
What families may notice
Constant anxiety, emotional exhaustion and the feeling of always being on the edge…
If this describes how your child has been feeling, they may:
- Feel tired all the time, even without having done anything or after an easy day.
- Live with racing thoughts, excessive worry and a sense that something bad is about to happen.
- Struggle to concentrate on simple tasks, like studying or even watching a series.
- Feel disconnected from themselves, as if they were just going through the motions.
- Avoid new situations for fear of not coping with their emotions.
- Have sudden crying spells or want to withdraw without being able to explain why.
Warning signs
Signs that need attention now
Some signs suggest that the distress may have reached a point of risk. If you notice any of them, don’t wait for things to pass.
Talk with your son or daughter calmly and without judgement, don’t leave them alone if there is immediate risk, and seek professional help.
Immediate risk?In Brazil: SAMU 192 · CVV 188In Spain: 112 · 024Elsewhere: your local emergency number
- Talking about dying, “disappearing” or seeing no way out, including in messages and on social media.
- Unexplained injuries, long sleeves in hot weather, or sharp objects kept hidden.
- Searching for ways to hurt themselves or to die.
- Saying goodbye to people or giving away important belongings.
- A sudden change: complete withdrawal, or an unexpected calm after a period of great distress.
- Using alcohol or drugs, or risky behaviour that wasn’t there before.
About me
Hi, I’m Amanda Rodrigues!
Clinical psychologist · CRP 03/32829
Hi! I’m Amanda, a clinical psychologist. My mission is to help teenagers cope better with their emotional challenges and build a more balanced, fulfilling life, with their family by their side. I believe that, with the right support, every teenager can develop the tools they need to get through this stage. Here you’ll find a little more about my background, my approach and how I can help your son or daughter.
- Psychology degree from the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Brazil
- Postgraduate student in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapies
- Training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Mental health experience in Brazil’s public health system (SUS)
- Master’s student at the University of Salamanca (Spain)
- Experience with children and adolescents
- Online sessions worldwide
The approach
Evidence-based practice
My work follows evidence-based practice in psychology: every treatment decision brings together what research shows works, clinical expertise, and the characteristics, culture and preferences of the teenager and the family.
In practice, I use cognitive-behavioural therapies (CBTs), such as CBT and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), choosing the strategies each teenager needs.
Progress is followed throughout, and the plan is reviewed with the family whenever something isn’t helping.
The process
How my work unfolds
Each step is planned with care, respecting your son or daughter’s story and your family’s, and follows evidence-based practice.
First session with parents or guardians
The first session is with the parents or guardians, without the teenager. We talk about what you have noticed, your family’s story and how the process will work.
Assessment of the teenager
In the first sessions, I get to know the teenager and understand what they are going through; when needed, I use assessment tools to understand the situation better.
Treatment plan
Based on the assessment, we set clear goals, agreed with the teenager and the family, and choose the strategies with the best evidence for the case.
Building skills
In sessions, the teenager learns practical skills to handle intense emotions, difficult thoughts and situations that feel too hard right now.
Reviewing progress
We review results throughout the process and adjust the plan whenever something isn’t helping.
Parental guidance
Throughout the process, I offer guidance sessions for parents and guardians, so the family understands what the teenager is going through and knows how to support them at home.
How to start
From first message to first session
Send a message
On WhatsApp, tell me a little about your son or daughter and your family’s availability.
First session with parents or guardians
An online conversation with the parents or guardians only, to understand the situation and agree on the next steps.
Weekly sessions with the teenager
50 minutes, once a week, on the same day and time, via Google Meet. The link is sent on the day.
Parental guidance
Sessions with the parents or guardians throughout the process, so the family can follow and support the changes.
- Ages 12 and over
- First session with parents or guardians
- 50-minute sessions
- Weekly
- Google Meet
- Parental guidance
Frequently asked questions
How does online therapy for teenagers work?
It works like in-person therapy, but online. The first session is with the parents or guardians; after that, sessions are with the teenager on Google Meet, with the link sent on the day. It is important that they have a private, comfortable space at home and a good internet connection.
From what age do you work with teenagers?
I work with teenagers aged 12 and over. The first session is always with the parents or guardians.
Do parents take part in therapy?
Yes. The first session is with the parents or guardians, to understand the family’s story and concerns, and I offer parental guidance throughout the process. What the teenager shares in sessions is kept confidential, and parents or guardians receive the information they need to follow the process, as set out in the Brazilian Code of Ethics for Psychologists.
What if there is a risk of self-harm or suicide?
These issues are a priority: risk is assessed from the start, and we build a safety plan with the teenager and the family. Online therapy does not replace emergency care; if there is immediate risk, contact emergency services (SAMU 192 or CVV 188 in Brazil; 112 or 024 in Spain).
How are sessions scheduled?
Get in touch on WhatsApp and share your family’s availability. We will reply to schedule according to the best fit. The time slot is weekly, always on the same day and time, and reserved for your son or daughter, so cancellations and changes need 24 hours’ notice.
How often are sessions, and how long do they last?
Sessions last 50 minutes and take place once a week, on a fixed day and time. In specific cases they can be every two weeks, depending on need.
How long does treatment last?
It depends on each teenager and each case. There is no fixed length: it varies with engagement in therapy and the issues being worked on.
Evidence
What the research shows for teenagers
These are some of the approaches with the strongest evidence for the most common difficulties in adolescence. They guide treatment choices.
See what the research showsHide the evidence
Self-harm
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A) reduced how often teenagers self-harmed in a clinical trial, with the effect still present three years later. The UK’s NICE guideline recommends considering it for young people who self-harm frequently and have great difficulty regulating their emotions.
Mehlum et al., 2014 and 2019; NICE NG225, 2022
Suicidal behaviour
In a study of 173 teenagers who had already attempted suicide, DBT reduced attempts during the six months of treatment: 9.7% versus 21.5% in the comparison group. Guidelines also recommend a safety plan built with the teenager and the family.
McCauley et al., 2018; NICE NG225, 2022
Depression
For 12- to 18-year-olds with moderate or severe depression, individual CBT is the first-choice psychotherapy. Interpersonal psychotherapy for adolescents (IPT-A) and family therapy are evidence-based alternatives.
NICE NG134, 2019
Anxiety
CBT is a first-line treatment for anxiety in childhood and adolescence. In the CAMS study, 60% of young people treated with CBT alone improved within 12 weeks; combined with medication, 81% did.
Walkup et al., 2008; AACAP, 2020
Shall we talk?
Book an online session and give your son or daughter a space to be heard and to change.
Book a first conversation