Introduction
Self introduction – knowing each other beyond the form!
And briefly answer the following questions:
Have you been to counseling before and how easy is it for one to go in for
psychotherapy or counseling?
Is there a difference between guidance and counseling?
What is your expectation of this program?
Has been defined differently by different individuals
A process, organized in a series of steps, which aims to help people cope better with
situations they are facing
An approach for assisting people to reduce initial distress resulting from a difficult situation,
and to encourage short and long-term adaptive functioning (positive coping)
An occasional process that occurs when need for solving life problems arises
Counselling is when some talk to a trained person (a counsellor/therapist) about his or her
problems, feelings, or thoughts, and they help individual understand things better and find
ways to cope or move forward. Helping a child express his or her feelings, solve problems,
and build resilience.
It’s like having a safe, private space to talk without being judged — someone listens to you,
supports you, and helps you work through whatever is troubling you.
Note
Counseling is often confused with other services
Many people take counseling for what is not – why?
Counseling is:
Not giving advice
Not preaching
Not solution giving
Not fault-finding
Not interrogation
Not a business
Not patronizing
Aims of Counselling
1. To assist clients in exploring their issues and guide them to solutions
2. To have clients become aware of the consequences of the experiences and
situations they have been/are going through
3. To reduce worry, anxiety or any other negative emotions
4. To guide clients in their recovery from, and adaptation to, difficult circumstances
5. Etc.
Building Connection – Basic Counselling Skills for Engaging Teenagers
Audience: Facilitators and Parents
Objective:
• To equip facilitators/parents with foundational counselling skills adapted to the
developmental needs of teenagers (14–19 years).
• To develop effective communication and counselling skills to connect with teenagers
and support their emotional well-being.
Session Modules:
1. Understanding the Teenage Development
Focus Areas:
• Emotional, cognitive, and social changes during adolescence
• Identity formation and autonomy: Teen perspectives on independence, privacy, and
trust
• Peer influence and risk-taking behavior
• Why teens “act out” – understanding behavior as communication
Interactive Activity: what are the common challenges faced by
teenagers in your context.
2. Essential Counselling Skills for Everyday Interaction
Core Counselling Skills:
• Active listening (eye contact, nodding, no interruptions)
• Empathy vs. sympathy
• Asking open-ended questions
• Paraphrasing and summarizing
• Reflecting feelings (e.g., “It sounds like you’re feeling...?”)
• Avoiding common blocks: advising too soon, minimizing feelings
Role-play Exercise in Pairs: Parent and facilitator take turns practising a 20-minute listening
session with a “teen actor”.
3. Building Trust and Rapport: Creating a Safe and Supportive Space
Establishing safe, non-judgmental environments:Creating emotionally safe
environments at home or in youth spaces
Confidentiality and its limits
Culturally appropriate approaches
How to be approachable and trustworthy
Group Discussion Prompt: How do we build trust when teens are reluctant to talk?
4. Boundaries and Ethics
Key points:
Role clarity as a mentor, not a therapist
Referral systems and knowing when to escalate
Handling disclosures (e.g., abuse, self-harm)
Case Study: Responding ethically to a teenager disclosing suicidal thoughts
Presentation 2:
Practical Counselling Skills for Real-Life Teen Issues: Supporting Teenagers Through
Challenges
Objective: To provide mentors with hands-on counselling strategies for real issues faced by
teens.
Session Modules:
1. Communication Styles and Barriers
Key points:
Non-verbal communication
Avoiding judgmental or directive language
Common barriers (e.g., fear of being misunderstood, generational gap)
Peer pressure and identity crisis
Anxiety, low self-esteem, academic stress
Technology, social media, and relationships
Activity: Group discussion: “What makes teens shut down?”
2. Handling Emotional Conversations
Key points:
Staying calm and grounded when teens are emotional
Validating emotions without reinforcing negative behaviour
Helping teens name and regulate feelings
• Activity: Practice “emotional labeling” and reflective responses
3. Problem-Solving and Goal Setting with Teens
• Key points:
Using solution-focused questioning
Collaborative problem-solving (not rescuing)
Helping teens define their own goals
Helping teens own their decisions and learn from mistakes
GROW model: Goal, Reality, Options, Way forward
Practice: Work in small groups to apply GROW to a case study (e.g., teen struggling with
grades or peer conflict).
4. Responding to Emotional Distress
Topics:
• Recognizing signs of emotional overload
• De-escalation strategies
• When to listen, when to refer
Case Study Exercise: A teen confides about being bullied online or in school. What is the
appropriate response as a facilitator? As a parent?
5. Working Together: Parents and Facilitators as a Support System
Focus:
• Aligning communication strategies
• Respecting boundaries while staying involved
• Knowing when to bring in professional help
• Activity: Collaborative plan: design a “Teen Support Toolkit” that includes
communication tips, stress-relief ideas, and when/where to seek help.
