Is There a Difference Between Working with Children and Teens Versus Adults?
The answer is yes—there is a significant difference between working with children, teens, and adults. This distinction is crucial to recognize when deciding to work with children or adolescents. It’s important to understand that, while we are working directly with children or teens, we are often working with the adults in their lives as well, such as parents or legal guardians. This dual involvement must be handled with care, openness, and honesty.
When working with children, there are unique challenges to consider. Children and teens may struggle to articulate their feelings or might be reluctant to open up due to fear or confusion. As professionals, we need to be trained to recognize behaviors that can signal emotional distress and use language that resonates with younger clients. Building a relationship of trust is just as important with children and teens as it is with adults. However, we should never assume that children will simply comply with our suggestions because we are the adults. Establishing a rapport with children often takes more time, and we must approach it with patience and understanding.
Respect is key. Children and teens should be encouraged to voice their opinions and share their feelings without fear of judgment. We need to provide a safe space where they feel comfortable expressing themselves. By asking open-ended questions—such as, “Are you happy?” or “How are you feeling?”—we can start to understand their emotional state and foster communication. It’s essential to remember that while there are tools available for working with children, these may not always be appropriate for teens. Adolescents may find certain tools patronizing, so it’s important to judge the situation and offer alternatives that they will find engaging and meaningful.
In therapy, it’s essential to listen and ensure the child knows they are being heard. For example, when recognizing certain behaviors, it’s important to ask questions to understand what may be driving those behaviors. We must also be aware of the legal and procedural requirements that come with working with children, including the need for parental or guardian consent and adherence to child protection guidelines.
A child may experience anxiety but be unable to explicitly label it as such. Instead, they might express their feelings through statements like “No one likes me” or “I have no friends.” As professionals, it’s our job to help the child explore these emotions and understand the underlying causes, including how these feelings might be influencing their behaviors. Children experiencing mental health issues may isolate themselves or act out in ways that are difficult to interpret. Recognizing these patterns and understanding that children often experience mental health struggles differently than adults is essential to effective intervention.
The causes of a child’s mental health struggles can vary widely. They may be experiencing bullying, abuse, or witnessing domestic violence—issues that may be hidden from others, especially when children are pressured to remain silent. Just like adults, children can face a wide range of mental health challenges, and their struggles are equally valid and important to address.
Given the sensitive nature of working with children and teens, it is critical to approach their situations with care, empathy, and a focus on creating a safe environment for them to open up. Through understanding and patience, we can help them identify the root causes of their distress and begin the journey toward healing.
The road to recovery for a child is a source of hope and reassurance for all involved. It’s not just about helping them manage symptoms, but supporting them in finding ways to cope, heal, and move forward.
