Teenagers struggle with a lot of issues as compared to adults and younger children. Teenage issues include; low self-esteem, identity struggles, peer pressure and trying to fit in with the wrong clique. They tend to be sad because they want independence yet they still have to rely on their parents for financial support and guidance. If not monitored, teens can make wrong decisions without caring about the consequences as a way of fighting their struggles. As such, therapist must understand teen issues and use the right teenage counseling technique based on individual problems for effective results. The three counseling techniques are;
- Group counselling
Group counseling is an effective counseling technique for teens who do not want to accept that they have a problem. It makes them realize that they are not alone in their issues and it encourages them to help each other change. Teenagers may not always respond to adults or heed to advice. However, they more willing to listen to and respond to their peers’ advice. As such, group counseling is effective when using drawing inspiration from other teens who have gone through similar problems and emerged victoriously.
- Using questions to repeat information
Teenagers struggling with issues are delicate and must be cross-examined carefully. A simple mistake or contradiction to their opinion can push them away and possibly worse still, intensify their problems.
So, instead of trying to combat their opinions, repeat the information that sounds unreasonable and irrational in the form of questions that will trigger them to rethink the statements they make. For instance, a teenager may say “I don’t care that they call me fat every day.” Instead of telling them “you should care because it bothers you,” respond by asking them “you mean it doesn’t bother you that your friends call you fat? How do you feel when they call you fat?” in this case, the teen will think about their previous statement and accept that being called fat makes them sad. With this teenage counseling technique, you avoid objecting what the teen may be thinking.
- Replacing negative self-talk
Teens struggling with anxiety, depression, and feelings of hopelessness usually engage in negative self-talk and thoughts. Instead of viewing a tough situation as a challenge, they believe they will fail even without trying. They become hopeless and pessimistic on life. Using this teenage counseling technique, you can help them change their negative thoughts and perception about life. Have your client write down their daily thoughts, discuss them together and assist them to change the negative thoughts by giving them hope.
Teenage years tend to be challenging for both teens and parents. Teens encounter new pressures and react out of desperation without thinking about the consequences. Parents, on the other hand, have trouble controlling unruly teens. As such, it may be advisable to go for teen counseling sessions together. Parents learn how to deal with their teens in a constructive and moderated setting.
