Tuning in to Teens

A supportive six session group program that helps parents and caregivers of children aged 10-18 years to navigate the challenging teenage years.

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The teenage years can come with some pretty big emotions and new challenges for everyone in the family. Our Tuning in to Teens™ program is designed for parents and caregivers to feel more confident in supporting their teen. You’ll learn skills to help you better understand your teen, communicate more effectively, and navigate the emotional ups and downs. This program focuses on helping you learn to manage your own emotions, communicate more effectively, and manage conflict in a healthy way.

Who is this for?

This program is ideal for parents, and caregivers of children aged 10–18 years old who want to understand and support their teen’s emotional wellbeing. It is especially helpful if you’re looking for support and strategies to: 

  • Understand and manage your own and your teen’s emotions and behaviours
  • Strengthen your relationship
  • Stay calm and connected during challenging behaviours
  • Communicate more effectively
  • Handle challenging behaviours

What can I expect?

Before the program starts, you’ll have a one-on-one 50 minute phone call with one of our counsellors. This is a chance for us to make sure the program is the right fit for you and to answer any questions you have. We’ll ask you some questions about your current situation, which helps us ensure the program meets your needs.

Each session runs for two hours and sessions are generally held at the same time each week over six weeks. The program is held online. To get the most out of the sessions, you’ll need a laptop, computer, or tablet with a stable internet connection. It’s also important to have a private space where you won’t be interrupted by children or other adults.

How can we help?

Led by our highly experienced counsellors in a safe and respectful learning environment, you’ll explore:

  • How to communicate more effectively with your teen.
  • Ways to respond calmly and supportively to their big emotions.
  • Strategies to reduce conflict and manage challenging behaviour.
  • Tools to teach your teen how to handle peer pressure, setbacks, and strong feelings.
  • An understanding of emotional intelligence and how it supports mental health.

How to book

To join, you can either book online or call our team.  Once we have received your order, we will contact you to book your 50 minute intake appointment. If we assess that this group is not suited to your needs, we will discuss with you other alternative and suitable options.

Program fees

$250 per person ($200 for concession card holders) or $400 per couple.   

Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of the Tuning in to Teens™ Program?

This program is designed to support parents and caregivers of children aged 10-18 years to build a strong connection, increase emotional intelligence, manage difficult emotions, learn how to emotionally self-regulate, and prioritise self-care.

  • Health and Community Service Standards
  • Rainbow Tick Standards
  • National Standards for Mental Health Services
How long is the program?

This program takes place over six, two hour sessions, which are generally held at the same time each week.

How many participants are in each group?

Groups are capped at 12 participants.

What topics are covered?

In this program, you’ll learn how to tune into your teen’s emotions by using emotion coaching techniques. We’ll cover topics such as emotional regulation and self-care, understanding and responding to adolescent behaviour, understanding adolescent development, managing behavioural issues and de-escalating conflict, building positive parenting practices to strengthen emotional connections, and helping you to prevent and reduce challenging behaviours in your teens.

Who can attend?

This course is open to parents and caregivers of children aged 10-18 years seeking to improve their relationship with, and understanding of, their teen. We recommend that parents or caregivers have some contact with their children (including supervised contact) to practice skills.

Can I attend the sessions online?

We mostly offer this program online. You’ll need to have access to a device such as a laptop/computer or tablet, stable internet connection, headphones and be able to have privacy for the duration of the session (no children or other adults in the same room).

How do the sessions work?

The sessions are interactive and will be a combination of group discussions, presentations, videos, and skills practice. You’ll be encouraged to practice skills in between sessions.

Will I be expected to discuss personal issues?

You are expected to participate in group discussions and skills practice, but they only share what you feel comfortable with. We set group agreements at the start of the program to ensure you feel safe to open up and are given a confidential, non-judgmental and respectful space.

Do I get a certificate at the end?

If you attend all six sessions, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion. If a session is missed, you’ll receive a Certificate of Participation with the number of sessions attended.

Do you offer make-up sessions if I can’t make one?

No, we do not offer make-up sessions for this program.

Does Relationship Matters provide a report for the court at the end?

No. You may provide a copy of your Certificate, but we do not provide any other information on your participation.

Are your services inclusive?

Yes. We are proud to support parents and caregivers regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, culture or ability. Our organisation is accredited under:

  • Health and Community Service Standards
  • Rainbow Tick Standards
  • National Standards for Mental Health Services
Is this service confidential?

Yes. Protecting your privacy and wellbeing is central to how we work. The only exceptions are where there are concerns about safety or harm or where we are required to release your information as required by law.

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