Making Youth Counseling Easy to Understand

Self-Disclosure

Self-disclosure means sharing personal experiences to help connect with others. Counselors can share small, thoughtful details about their own lives to build trust with teens. This helps create a bond and shows that the counselor is relatable. Teaching teens how to share about themselves in friendships is also an important skill they can use in everyday life.

Confidentiality

Teens may not open up because they’re shy, scared, or unsure about what happens to what they share. Counselors need to explain that what is shared stays private unless there’s a safety issue. This helps teens feel safe and understand they can trust the counselor. Knowing their thoughts are protected encourages them to share more openly.

Building Trust

Trust takes time. Teens need to feel that their counselor is nonjudgmental and respects their opinions. Building trust can include:

• Having casual conversations.

• Using humor.

• Reassuring teens there are no “wrong” answers.

When trust is strong, teens are more likely to open up and be honest.

Group Counseling

If a teen struggles to open up in one-on-one sessions, group counseling might help. In groups, teens can talk with others facing similar challenges, like school stress, career decisions, or loss. This peer connection often makes them feel less alone and more comfortable sharing their feelings.

Meeting Basic Needs

Before counseling begins, it’s important to check if the teen’s basic needs are met.

• Physical needs: Does the teen have enough food and a safe place to live?

• Safety needs: Is there violence or financial instability at home?

If these needs aren’t met, they should be addressed first to help the teen focus on their emotional growth.

Creative Expression

Some teens find it hard to talk about their feelings. Using creative activities like music or art during sessions can help them express themselves. Every teen is different, so counselors should be flexible and have a variety of strategies ready to meet their needs.

Helping teens feel safe, understood, and connected is key to effective counseling.

We understand that navigating resources and providing the best support for youth, teens, and adults is a delicate and meaningful process. Dr. Paul Grewe, with over 25 years of experience and a PhD in Theology and Counseling, has dedicated his career to helping individuals of all ages.

His work as a youth pastor and leader and his incredible ability to connect with children, teens, and adults have inspired countless lives.

Our goal is to ensure we release clear, accurate, and effective information and tips that reflect his passion and expertise, providing guidance and support for everyone. Thank you for your patience as we work toward offering the best resources possible