Psychotherapy with adolescents focuses on helping young people manage the emotional, social, and psychological complexities inherent in adolescence. This developmental stage is marked by significant changes in the body, identity, relationships, and emotions, which can create challenges at emotional and behavioral levels.
How It Affects Adolescents:
Adolescents may face a variety of emotional and psychological difficulties, such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship problems with parents or friends, difficulties in school, and in some cases, risky behaviors (such as substance abuse or eating disorders). Additionally, it is a critical period for the development of personal identity and the integration of values and beliefs.
How to Work on Them?
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Establishing a Trusting Relationship:
It is essential for the adolescent to feel comfortable and trusting with the therapist. Adolescence is a stage where autonomy is sought and there may be reluctance to open up, so it is key to create a safe and respectful environment where the expression of thoughts and feelings is encouraged without judgment. -
Adolescent-Centered Approach:
Unlike child psychotherapy, which involves parents more actively, psychotherapy with adolescents should be more independent. The adolescent should feel that they have control over their therapeutic process, with space to express their needs and concerns. It is important to involve the family only when necessary, without invading the adolescent’s privacy. -
Use of Appropriate Techniques for the Stage:
Depending on the adolescent’s needs, different therapeutic approaches are used, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), problem-solving therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), or even Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) if there are more complex symptoms like behavioral or mood disorders. -
Managing Emotions and Behavior:
During this period, adolescents may experience intense emotions due to puberty, hormonal changes, and social pressures. Psychotherapy helps identify and manage these emotions, teaching them skills to regulate their feelings and behaviors. -
Fostering Self-Esteem and Self-Understanding:
During adolescence, personal identity is developing. Psychotherapy can help adolescents improve their self-esteem, resolve internal conflicts about their identity, and learn to make healthy and positive decisions for their lives. -
Managing Interpersonal Relationships:
Relationships with friends, partners, and family are particularly relevant during adolescence. Psychotherapy works on improving social skills, empathy, assertive communication, and conflict resolution so that adolescents can build healthier relationships.
Methods of Assistance
- Active and Non-Judgmental Listening: It is important to give them space to express themselves, validating their feelings without minimizing them. This helps the adolescent feel understood and accepted.
- Establishing Clear Goals: Working with the adolescent to set clear therapeutic objectives that are relevant to them, such as improving communication with the family, reducing episodes of anxiety, or learning to manage school stress.
- Intervention in Specific Problems: Specifically addressing the issues that most affect the adolescent, whether it’s anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, school difficulties, or family conflicts, using appropriate therapeutic strategies and tools.
- Support in Decision-Making: Adolescents are in a crucial developmental stage where they must make important decisions about their lives. Psychotherapy can provide a space to reflect on these decisions, helping them make more conscious and responsible choices.
- Involving the Family When Necessary: Although the therapy should focus on the adolescent, involving the family at certain times can be beneficial to understand the family context and offer tools for better coexistence.