PSYCHOTHERAPY FOR ADOLESCENTS

Adolescence is the transition from childhood to adulthood, a stage in which multiple changes occur at all levels:

• The physical level, changes in the whole body that often lead to the need for boys and girls to adapt and build a new personal image.
• On a psychological level, there is great emotional instability and multiple insecurities normally surface, plus a new personality begins to take shape.
• Intellectually, their capacity for reasoning and understanding increases, although their convictions also tend to become more passionate and therefore more radical.
• On a social level, there is a great need to feel accepted by others and to establish more intimate relationships.

All these changes are not easy at all and sometimes young people have difficulty adapting to all of them. As parents we must accompany them in this process, although the task can be complex.

THE MAIN PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS THAT ARE SOLVED THROUGH PSYCHOTHERAPY

1. ANXIETY IN ADOLESCENTS

The psychologist/psychotherapist helps young people to be able to manage their level of anxiety, understanding its origins and looking for alternatives to control it. Anxiety at these ages can manifest itself through fears and phobias, obsessions or nervous tics.

2. ADOLESCENT DEPRESSION

Although low mood can occur during adolescence and preadolescence, when it persists over time and feelings of sadness and loneliness are intense, psychological help should be sought. With personalized and individualized help, young people regain their vitality and energy.

3. SELF-ESTEEM OF YOUNG PEOPLE

Adolescence, being a time of so many changes, including physical ones, makes it difficult for many young people to accept their new body, which is constantly changing. Through therapy, young people reach their maximum personal potential.

4. DIFFICULTIES IN SCHOOL PERFORMANCE

There are several causes for poor school performance at these ages. To improve school performance, the therapist will work with the adolescent to learn effective study techniques, improve their attention and concentration, or increase school motivation. Also, issues related to rejection and bullying will be addressed in therapy.

5. AGGRESSIVENESS AND VIOLENT BEHAVIOR OF ADOLESCENTS

Many young people have great difficulty managing their emotions, especially those related to anger and frustration, which often end up manifesting violently. The psychologist/psychotherapist helps young people to be able to correctly identify their emotions and have appropriate strategies for expressing them.

6. RELATIONSHIP PROBLEMS IN ADOLESCENTS

Social relationships are a key point in adolescence, moreover, they represent a basic human need. Many teenagers have problems in relationships, either because of shyness, insecurity or a lack of relationship skills. The therapist's mission is to build trust and provide communication and relationship tools so that they can be successful in these situations.

7. EATING DISORDERS IN ADOLESCENTS

Currently, the incidence of eating disorders is increasing among younger people. Some disorders such as anorexia or bulimia have nutritional, biological, psychological and social consequences that can be very serious in boys and girls.

8. ADOLESCENT ADDICTIONS

Nowadays, in addition to addictions to substances such as alcohol and drugs, there is a trend towards addiction to technology, such as the use of mobile phones or certain video games. This type of addiction generates major problems in all areas of life, psychological intervention being essential in these cases.