Let’s turn the anxious generation into the grounded generation 🌊
About me 🎈
Hi, I’m Bistra Slavkova—a Children and Young People Psychotherapeutic Counsellor practicing online in West London, across the UK, and worldwide. I offer private therapy for children and young people facing challenges like anxiety, OCD, and other mental health concerns.
My approach is integrative and strengths-based, combining therapies such as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT). I also incorporate art and play interventions, providing creative outlets for children to express themselves and process emotions safely.
Whether it’s school stress, friendship dynamics, or identity exploration, I work closely with both your child and your family to ensure a collaborative and holistic approach to healing. Together, we can help your child regain control, find peace, and build the skills for a fulfilling life.
Who Is Gen Z—and Why Are They Called the Anxious Generation?
Gen Z – those born roughly between 1997 and 2012—are the first generation to grow up entirely in the digital world. They’ve never known a life without smartphones, social media, or instant access to global news. This makes them incredibly connected, socially aware, and creative—but it also means they’re constantly exposed to pressure, comparison, and uncertainty from a very young age.
They’re navigating a world that moves fast: academic performance, climate anxiety, economic instability, social justice, identity exploration, and the pressure to always be “on.” Even moments of rest can feel like they need to be productive or performative.
It’s no surprise that Gen Z is often called “the anxious generation.” According to UK research, more than 1 in 4 young people aged 17–19 are now living with a probable mental health disorder—most commonly anxiety and related difficulties like low self-esteem, overthinking, or panic. And for many, these feelings start showing up much earlier, often as young as 9 or 10.
But here’s the powerful flip side: Gen Z is also one of the most open and emotionally aware generations when it comes to mental health. They’re more likely to talk about their feelings, seek help, and challenge stigma. They want to understand themselves—and they’re not afraid to do the work.
As a therapist, I meet Gen Z with respect, empathy, and tools that actually work. Therapy can help teens and young adults feel less overwhelmed, understand what’s going on in their minds and bodies, and build the skills they need to feel grounded, brave, and values-led—even when life feels chaotic.
How Therapy Can Help 🍀
Anxiety doesn’t mean something is wrong with you—it means your system is overwhelmed. Through a blend of evidence-based therapies like CBT, ACT, and CFT, therapy can help you:
- Understand and manage anxiety
- Build emotional regulation skills
- Unhook from spirals of overthinking
- Explore personal values and what truly matters
- Grow confidence and self-trust
- Learn to be kinder to yourself
You don’t have to face anxiety alone—and you don’t have to be “fixed” to feel better.
For Teens: This is your space. We go at your pace, talk honestly, and find tools that work for you—not just textbook advice.
For Parents: You want to help but might not know how. I’ll help you understand what your child is going through and how to support them with empathy, not overwhelm.
Let’s see if we’re the right fit. No pressure—just a conversation.
