Youth Counseling: Definition, History, and Characteristics
Counseling is a process of providing assistance to individuals with psychological, social, and emotional issues. Youth counseling is a type of counseling specifically geared towards adolescents and young adults. It is designed to help young people develop the skills and knowledge to cope with the challenges of growing up. This article will discuss the definition, history, and characteristics of youth counseling.
Definition
Youth counseling is defined as a therapeutic process that involves helping young people identify and understand their feelings, develop effective strategies for dealing with their problems, and build the skills and abilities necessary to achieve their goals. Youth counseling typically includes the use of cognitive-behavioral and interpersonal strategies to help young people understand their thoughts and feelings, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and develop the skills necessary to make positive changes in their lives.
History
The history of youth counseling can be traced back to the early 20th century. At the time, the focus was on providing guidance and support to youth who were struggling with behavior issues. As the years progressed, the focus shifted to helping young people develop the skills and knowledge to manage their emotions, build relationships, and make informed decisions. In the 1950s, the field of counseling began to expand and the focus shifted to helping young people build self-esteem, develop healthy coping skills, and gain insight into their thoughts and feelings.
Characteristics
Youth counseling typically involves a variety of techniques and strategies to help young people manage their feelings, build positive relationships, and make informed decisions. Common characteristics of youth counseling include:
• A focus on developing the skills and areas of knowledge needed to make positive changes
• An emphasis on helping young people understand their thoughts and feelings
• A focus on providing support and guidance to help young people make healthy decisions
• An emphasis on building relationships and communication skills
• An emphasis on helping young people manage their emotions
• An emphasis on helping young people develop self-esteem and self-efficacy
Conclusion
Youth counseling is a form of counseling specifically designed to help adolescents and young adults develop the skills and knowledge to manage their emotions, build positive relationships, and make informed decisions. It typically involves the use of cognitive-behavioral and interpersonal strategies to help young people understand their thoughts and feelings, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and develop the skills necessary to make positive changes in their lives.
References
Baker, T. B., & McDaniel, S. H. (2011). Handbook of adolescent counseling. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
McGee, R. G., & Noam, G. G. (2018). Adolescent counseling: A practitioner’s guide. New York, NY: Springer.
Rosenberg, M. S., & Rosenberg, M. (2015). Helping adolescents and adults to build self-esteem: A photohandbook of strategies and activities. New York, NY: Routledge.
Rutter, M. (2019). Adolescent development: Challenges and opportunities. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.
Sanders, M. R., & McDaniel, S. H. (2016). Counseling adolescents: Connecting theory, development, and diversity. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.