Adolescent Psychology

With the general acceptance among most of the Developmental Psychologists; “Adolescence is an in-between period beginning with the achievement of physiological maturity and ending with the assumption of social maturity- that is with the assumption of social, sexual, economic and legal rights and duties of the adult.” (Buhler,1954).This developmental period which individuals experience rapid physical changes, along with the sudden mood swings related to an effort for finding a true identity and belonging to a group could turn into a chaotic time with the difficulties that come with maturation, such as adopting the new roles and responsibilities of Adulthood, putting these into practice successfully and planning the future according to these new features. Due to external influences like new trends, technology and social media, Nowadays adolescents may not develop the coping skills that they needed in this sensitive period. To support young people in this situation, therapies which are aware of the natural development of the Adolescents and non-judgmental manner, also which focus on emphasizing the personal and social skills of an individual in terms of developing the self-expression and interpersonal skills, reconstructing of self-confidence or identifying the strengths and weaknesses, could be used in Adolescent Psychology. Although following the same principles as Individual Counselling, counselling and therapies for Adolescent Psychology is based on Developmental Psychology.

Who could request an adolescent counselling?

Individuals in the middle of sensitive period between Child and Adulthood could request a counselling directly or their families could make a referral for their children. According to the nature of developmental stage and individuals’ situations, a lot of different topics could be discussed in the therapies such as depression, grief, physical-emotional abuse and violence, separation of parents, academic difficulties, peer pressure, social shyness, nervousness, low self-esteem and self-confidence.

How long do the therapies take for adolescent psychology?

Although, Individual counselling for Adolescents can vary depending on the subject requested an assistance and according to therapy models applied during the counselling, typically 6 weeks short-term and 12 weeks Long-term therapy sessions are conducted for an effective counselling. The number of sessions can be increased according to individual demand. Sessions take about 50 minutes, are made once a week.

Adolescence is a new birth, for the higher and more completely human traits are now born.

G. Stanley Hall