Introduction
Working with adolescents can be complex due to the peculiarities of their psyche and the crises they face. As for the Anthony case, a 16-year-old boy moves through a severe crisis because of his parents’ divorce. For this reason, it is critical to select interventions that account for his current state and the stressors he experiences.
Handling an Adolescent with Divorcing Parents
First, it is essential to understand that it is uncommon for teens and their families to seek psychological support, even when they need it (Cottone-Cook et al., 2019). That is why the boy should be provided with the necessary support. Feelings of confusion and helplessness are natural for Anthony because of the divorce (Cottone-Cook et al., 2019). Additionally, adolescents may exhibit cognitive distortions or exaggerated beliefs about themselves and their roles in various situations (Hink et al., 2022). It means he might blame himself for the troubles in his parents’ relations and acquire suicidal thoughts.
In this regard, to help the boy, it is essential to assess suicidal risk. This sort of screening does not enhance this risk in youth; on the contrary, it might reduce distress (Pettit et al., 2018). That is why Anthony should be asked about self-harm behaviors or suicidal thoughts that might emerge as a result of the crisis.
This evaluation is critical to control a boy’s state and help him. However, it is essential to consider ethical and legal issues, as talking about the theme might be awkward. First, parents should allow a specialist to work with the client, as he is not of full legal age. Additionally, Anthony should give his permission to talk about these themes (Pettit et al., 2018). Otherwise, it is necessary to identify the reasons for not being ready to discuss it and to talk to parents (Cottone-Cook et al., 2019).
Conclusion
Altogether, working with adolescents in challenging cases can be complex. It requires close attention to changes in behavior and family relations, as adolescents are particularly vulnerable to them. For Anthony, it is vital to perform a suicide risk assessment and offer interventions based on its results.
References
Cottone-Cook, C. P., Anderson, L. M. & Cane, L. S. (2019) The elements of counseling children and adolescents. Springer Publishing Company.
Hink, A. B., Killings, X., Bhatt, A., Ridings, L. E., & Andrews, A. L. (2022). Adolescent suicide-Understanding unique risks and opportunities for trauma centers to recognize, intervene, and prevent a leading cause of death. Current Trauma Reports, 8(2), 41–53.
Pettit, J., Buitron, V., & Green, K. (2018). Assessment and management of suicide risk children and adolescents. Cognitive Behavioral Psychology, 25(4), 460-472.