This episode of the MS Boost features Nicola Palfrey, a child clinical psychologist and head of clinical leadership at Headspace, focusing on how parents diagnosed with multiple sclerosis can effectively communicate with their teenagers about the diagnosis. 

Nicola shares her views on teens and how they often get a bad rap, and the complexities of adolescent development. Nicola chats about the importance of respecting teens' experiences and offers strategies for parents to engage in meaningful conversations, that teens may be more receptive to. 

Nicola also provides parents with tips about signs to look out for that may hint your teen isn’t coping and may need some additional support, and the importance of teens being part of the family conversation. 

With thanks to Nicola Palfrey.

Nicola Palfrey is a Clinical Psychologist and currently works as Head of Clinical Leadership at headspace National where she works to support the best possible delivery of care to young people experiencing mental health concerns. She also has a lived experience as a young carer to her mother who had MS. 

If you need more support, reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14 or online at, www.lifeline.org.au, or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or access free, confidential support online, www.beyondblue.org.au

You can read the episode transcript here.

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Views expressed on the MS Podcast, including any discussions or reference to medications or treatments by podcast guests, do not necessarily represent the views of MS Plus and should not be seen as either an endorsement or rejection of a treatment.  

MS Plus does not recommend any specific treatment for people living with MS. Decisions about any treatments, taking into consideration the potential benefits and side effects for each individual’s circumstances, should be made in careful consultation with the person’s neurologist or health care professional.