Adolescent Counseling Techniques

Dealing with children during adolescence, which is a tumultuous and difficult time for most, can be a hassle. In most cases, young adults can benefit from additional therapy and counseling to help establish better communication skills and positive actions and thought. Adolescent counseling techniques such as providing an introspective approach, evaluation of self and positive affirmations can lead to rewarding results.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be used to treat adolescents with mental health disorders such as depression. CBT is characterized by therapy with a mental health counselor that focuses on inaccurate or negative thinking to address emotional challenges. CBT includes managing the symptoms of a mental illness with the option of medication as well as learning how to cope with stress and grief. The main purpose of CBT is to use an introspective approach to evaluate and overcome emotional trauma from within. CBT is also centered on improving relationships and establishing better ways to communicate with others.

Group Counseling

• Another technique that can be used when counseling adolescents is to use group counseling to address and solve issues. Groups can generally range in size from four to eight members in the same age range. Through group counseling, adolescent participants see that there are others that share their experiences and concerns. During counseling, adolescents are able to learn one another's personalities and build relationships that encourage healthy expression of issues. Group participants are introduced to constructive criticism and feedback from other members so that new habits of caring and relating to others are established.

Strength Bombardment

• Strength bombardment is another technique for counseling adolescents that focuses on self-evaluation versus what others think. During strength bombardment, the adolescent lists and discusses what he views as personal strengths. From there, other members in the group list additional strengths that were missed and help the adolescent create a future goal of what he can accomplish and achieve, thereby instilling self-esteem and confidence.