Counselling young people

Differences in Counselling Youth vs. Adults.

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Counselling young people is different from counselling adults for several reasons. Young people's brains are still developing, and they are susceptible to external influences such as what their friends think. Therefore, being transparent, clear, and patient are essential when working with vulnerable young people. Additionally, child development is crucial when working with young people, as the session's pace, language, and level of understanding need to be tailored to the individual's needs. It's important to have updated knowledge of young people's language, the influence of social media, and the issues facing them to provide context to counselling.

The benefits of using creative ways of communicating

Creating a Safe Therapeutic Environment.

Counselling young people is different from counselling adults for several reasons. Young people's brains are still developing, and they are susceptible to external influences such as what their friends think. Therefore, being transparent, clear, and patient are essential when working with vulnerable young people. Additionally, child development is crucial when working with young people, as the session's pace, language, and level of understanding need to be tailored to the individual's needs. It's important to have updated knowledge of young people's language, the influence of social media, and the issues facing them to provide context to counselling.

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The importance of safeguarding young people

Establishing work parameters: confidentiality and action.

Safeguarding is an integral part of counseling young people. Young people have the right to live free from abuse and warrants protection from adults and maybe services to achieve this. It is important to set out the parameters of the work, what will be kept confidential, and what will not be so that there is a shared understanding and trust.

 

When young people disclose certain information, they trust you enough to do so, and they expect you to take action and act in a way that places their best interests first. Being a professional with a duty of care towards each client means that action will have to be taken should it need to be.

If you want to learn more, click on the Youth Counselling Plymouth blog post.

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