More About Adolescent Therapy

ESTABLISHING RAPPORT & TRUST

Effectively counseling or treating adolescents requires a therapist who is genuinely non-judgmental, open minded, and most importantly the therapist must be effective in building rapport and earning the trust of an adolescent or young adult during the first counseling session. 

ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT

Adolescents and young adults are experiencing a critical stage in both body and brain development - an adolescent's brain continues to develop into their twenties. Emotional problems and substance abuse have the potential to cause significant impediments in those developmental areas - even the experimental use of alcohol and other drugs can cause an early onset of emotional, cognitive, and behavioral problems.  

PAST NEGATIVE EXPERIENCES

An adolescent client may have had past negative experiences and associations with adult figures in their lives. They may have come from an environment in which trusted adult figures were neglectful or verbally, physically, or sexually abusive. Establishing trust and safety during the first session is crucial.

OTHER SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

There are also special considerations when it comes to issues such as self-esteem, peer pressure, eating disorders, depression, self-harm and other psychological issues that have significant impacts on adolescents, especially females.  

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT & SUPPORT

In general, adolescents may lack the resources when it comes to building recovery networks that they can turn to for support.  Family engagement is a critical piece in what makes adolescent vs adult care different. Adolescents and young adults are largely dependent on their parents or caregivers for financial and emotional support, transportation, and other basic needs. 

MULTIDISCIPLINARY CARE

While a multidisciplinary approach is an important component of both adolescent and adult care, there are more considerations for adolescent populations.  There is not only focus on the psychological and medical aspects, there is an increased emphasis on academics as well as recreational aspects.