A Different Kind of Support
for the Adolescent Years

My name is Michael Kaplan, and I have been working with teenagers and young men for more than twelve years. Much of that work has been under the guidance of my mentor, clinical and forensic psychologist Bernard Altman.

My journey began in 2012 through a Cape Town organisation called Boys to Men, where I first participated in mentorship and rites-of-passage work designed to support teenage boys through difficult periods of growth and transition.

Over time, I was gradually trained into leadership and facilitation roles myself, working with teenagers from a wide range of backgrounds, including both affluent communities and some of the most at-risk areas in Cape Town.

Across all of these environments, I found that the deeper needs of teenage boys remain remarkably consistent. Young men need guidance without humiliation, challenge without rejection, and spaces where they can speak honestly without immediately being judged, corrected, or dismissed.

My teenage years were some of the most difficult and formative years of my life.

Looking back, much of what helped me navigate that period came through the guidance, reflection, and community created by mentors who knew how to work constructively with young people.

Those experiences taught me how important it is for teenagers to have relationships where they can think honestly, reflect openly, and gradually develop a stronger sense of themselves without being shamed for where they currently are.

In many ways, the work I do now is an extension of that journey. Much of my adult life has been spent trying to better understand the emotional, psychological, and developmental challenges young people face, and learning how to support them responsibly and practically.

I am registered with the ASCHP as a Wellness Counsellor.

My approach combines reflective counselling, developmental mentorship, emotional awareness, and practical life-oriented guidance.

The aim is not to impose a philosophy or tell young people who they should become. Rather, the work is grounded in careful listening, honest reflection, appropriate challenge, and the development of greater self-awareness and emotional responsibility.

My experience has shown me that teenagers sometimes need strong boundaries and direct conversations. But more importantly, they need relationships built on respect, trust, and genuine care.

While this work can involve serious reflection, I also believe humour, warmth, and a sense of ease are important parts of helping young people feel comfortable enough to engage honestly.

Over recent years, I have spent significant time studying and practising meditation, breathwork, and contemplative practices in India under experienced teachers.

Where appropriate, some of these tools may be introduced in simple and practical ways to help teenagers better manage stress, emotional overwhelm, attention, and self-regulation.

For many teenagers, learning to regain some control over their own internal state offers real relief at this stage of life. These tools are well-supported by current research, and can provide long term support and benefit.

These approaches are never treated as spiritual ideology or imposed beliefs. They are integrated carefully, practically, and only where genuinely appropriate for the individual.

I also provide reflective exercises and written material for some clients between sessions. These often include prompts for journalling, self-reflection, or practical observation of patterns in daily life.

The intention is not to create pressure or homework, but to help young people develop greater self-awareness and agency in understanding their own experience.

This work is developmental and relational in nature. It is not a substitute for psychiatric care, crisis intervention, addiction treatment, or specialist clinical services where those are required.

Where appropriate, referrals or collaborative support with parents, psychologists, psychiatrists, schools, or other professionals may be recommended.

Maintaining clear professional boundaries and honesty about scope is an important part of how I work.