ABSTRACT
It is not difficult to find young people during the adolescent phase of development who seem to ‘need’ psychotherapy or counselling. The need is usually defined by a concerned adult, but the young person may have different views! Perhaps less frequently a young person may themselves declare a wish for help but find that the relevant adults, whether they be parents, other carers or professionals, are either unsupportive or even actively against the idea. Therefore, the mutually agreed decision between all concerned that psychotherapy is ‘a good idea’ cannot be assumed, however obvious the ‘need’ appears to be.
