Adolescence is a transitional period with rapid physical, mental and social-emotional changes that last from the ages of 11-12 until the beginning of the 20s. This is a period in which the person's perspective on life becomes clear and his physical and spiritual development progresses rapidly. This period is divided into three sub-stages.
1-First Period: The average age is 11-13 for girls and 13-15 for boys. It is the period when physiological changes are most rapid and obvious. During this period, height grows rapidly and gender characteristics begin to become evident (breasts begin to become evident in girls, deepening of the voice tone and hair growth around the face in boys)
2- Middle Period (15-17 years): They are intensely shy, magnify small flaws and get angry at themselves. They are self-centered and their need to gain the approval of the environment comes to the fore. Friends are more important than family. They have admiration and passion (Role Model). During this period, they often feel anxiety and despair. They get angry easily and may exhibit aggressive behavior.
3- Last Period (17-20 years): In this period, the contradictions and inconsistencies in their behavior decrease over time and they begin to establish more stable relationships. They produce more realistic and purposeful solutions to deal with problems. Conflicts regarding their appearance and clothes disappear.
Since adolescence is a rapidly developing transition period, emotions that seem contradictory are experienced together during this period. Adolescence is a period of happiness and sadness at the same time. That's why there is instability in the emotions of teenagers. Accordingly, adolescence may bring with it many psychological and behavioral problems.
Main Problems and Treatments;
Families are generally the guiding parties in adolescent therapies. Accordingly, during the therapy process, interviews are held with the children and their family members. But one of the most difficult parts of adolescence is explaining this process to the family. Sometimes family meetings are held only as parents rather than the child. In such cases, the aim is to inform families about adolescence and share the process between both parties. The first step in the therapy process is to ensure that children adapt to the adolescence process. In order to achieve this, we first need to establish strong communications by making them feel that they are individuals. One of the most effective ways is to be a good role model for them on the path to becoming an individual. The young age of the therapist provides an advantage in modeling.
- Test Anxiety (EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Relaxation Exercises)
- Depression
- Family disputes
- Social Phobia
- Self-Confidence Problem
- Suicide
- Violence and Aggression
- Decline in school success
- Substance use (cigarettes, alcohol, etc.)
- Eating disorders (Anorexia nervosa, Bulimia)
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