Adolescent
Counselling
Dr. Gauri Dhaygude on Adolescent Counseling
Adolescent counseling is a vital therapeutic approach aimed at helping young individuals navigate their emotions, behaviors, and thoughts. According to Dr. Gauri Dhaygude, a renowned expert in adolescent care, this type of counseling often incorporates innovative techniques such as art therapy, alongside traditional methods like talk therapy, to engage teens effectively. The primary goal is to support adolescents in understanding themselves better and successfully transitioning into adulthood.
Understanding Adolescence
Dr. Dhaygude explains that adolescence is the transformative stage between childhood and adulthood, typically spanning ages 10 to 19. This period is marked by profound mental and physical changes.
On the physical front, adolescents experience puberty, which brings significant bodily transformations. These changes are driven by hormonal shifts that can influence their mood, thoughts, and behaviors, often leaving them feeling confused or overwhelmed.
Why Adolescent Counseling is Crucial
During adolescence, teens can become particularly sensitive and may experience mood swings and fluctuating confidence levels. Without proper guidance, they might rely on their limited judgment, which can sometimes lead them astray.
Dr. Dhaygude emphasizes that the absence of appropriate support can make adolescents vulnerable to negative influences, including peer pressure, substance abuse, and risky behaviors. Counseling provides a safe and supportive space for adolescents to explore their emotions, gain clarity about their thoughts, and develop the skills needed to make sound decisions.
Benefits of Adolescent Counseling
- Emotional Clarity: Helps teens understand and manage their emotions.
- Self-Discovery: Encourages adolescents to explore their identity and build self-confidence.
- Guidance: Provides tools to resist negative influences and make informed decisions.
- Skill Development: Teaches coping mechanisms and resilience for life’s challenges.
FAQS
Adolescent counseling is a therapeutic process designed to help teens understand and manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors during their transition to adulthood.
Common issues include anxiety, depression, academic stress, family conflicts, identity struggles, and risky behaviors like substance abuse.
Techniques may include talk therapy, art therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness exercises, depending on the teen’s needs.
