Adolescent Group Facilitation

Adolescent group facilitation will excite you, fulfill you, exhaust you...

....And frustrate you like nothing else can.

Why?

Because teenagers are passionate, adorable, confused and impossible. You will either love them or hate them. They will dig deep into your heart and hook you like nothing else can.

More than any other group, they are desperate for safe spaces to explore themselves.

But, unlike other groups, they pretend they don't need you...

....so don't be fooled.

Look past the toughness. For once they trust you, they will climb a 1000 steps for you. And the so called 'problem teenagers' are the ones that adolescent group facilitation works for the most.

Get it right, and the students everyone gave up on will become stars. Often for the first time in their lives. And the shy ones will blossom. The fulfillment of breaking through with a troubled or insecure child is something you will never forget.

Some of what you need to know:

• The ABC of Facilitation,
• The psychology of teenagers and adolescent developmental problems,
• Adolescent behavior problems,
• Alcohol and drug use: What's out there? Addictions? Dangers?
• Teenagers living in poverty and child headed households,
• Sexuality and sexual experimentation,
• Sexual violence in boys and girls,
• Peer pressure related issues,
• Trends, fashion and culture,
• Dealing with teachers and parents,
• Dealing with gangs,
• Racism, sexism and other isms.
• Experiential methodologies,
• Teen self esteem,
• Teenage relationship problems,
• Teenage discipline problems.

An example of adolescent group facilitation results

I was requested to facilitate a process with one of the families in the area that he had stolen from.

During the course of the 6 month program, he went from being the school criminal, to heading the student committee of the program. He surprised not only his teachers and parents with his leadership abilities, but himself. His studies improved and he settled down to become one of their best students.

Never underestimate a student.

NO matter how bad the situation seems. Treat every child as if he or she is an A student. You'll be surprised at what love and respect can do for a child's self esteem.

It helps to understand adolescent psychology

1. Building trust.

2. Helping to break through teenage inhibition.

Do these two things and you'll have a winner.

For effective adolescent group facilitation you must gain their trust. Do not judge, preach or admonish.

Set up healthy boundaries. Parents and teachers often are inconsistent. They treat teenagers according to their moods. They will test you.

SO be consistent.

Adolescents go through enormous changes in their bodies and emotions. Their hormones are raging. The need for independence can create conflict with authority figures. And the need to belong among peers is greater than the need for parental approval.

Click here to learn more about the psychological effects of stress or how stress affects health.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention¹ and ClinicalChildPsychology.com, there is a high risk of suicide, sexual violence and substance abuse amongst youth. This makes the work that much more challenging and important.

There is so much power in experiential adolescent group facilitation

...stay away from presentations and lectures....

......Did I tell you to stay away from presentations and lectures...

Instead use experiential learning activities.

It is very important to plan workshops carefully. This age group is chaotic at best. If your facilitation process is unstructured it can result in damage. A structured process provides boundaries and safety for everyone. Within the structure and activities you will allow for spontaneity, creativity and chaos.

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Do you have support and follow up

Assume that 'stuff' is coming up for your group. Things are happening in their lives and the facilitation process may be opening up old wounds or tapping into current problems.

What's your plan

• Are you a counselor?
• Is there a trusted school or peer counselor present.

Ensure there is someone students can go to after the group meeting. I always give out my number to make sure than no matter what they have someone to talk to.

Follow Up

Do you have a follow up program in place?

You will want to follow up to evaluate results and check in that all your participants have support.

For more information Contact Us Return from Adolescent Group Facilitation to ABC of Facilitation!

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