Features of psychological support for adolescents: communication, motivation for further assistance, prevention of recurrent crises

"112" number receives daily calls from minor applicants, as well as from concerned parents. Specialists of the psychological support department note that teenagers are among the most vulnerable categories and at the same time demonstrate low motivation to accept help. A teenager in a state of crisis is in a situation of acute emotional stress. And help provokes a defensive reaction: isolation, aggression, or a complete refusal to interact.

Forming trusting relationships and creating a psychologically safe environment on the line is a prerequisite for reducing these defenses. When a teenager is not afraid of condemnation, punishment, or devaluation of his experiences, his nervous system receives a signal that there is no threat. This helps to reduce the level of anxiety and partially restore the ability to have a meaningful dialogue. Thus, the creation of a safe environment is a basic professional stage in the work of the psychologist of "Service-112" with minor applicants.

The key task after the acute condition is relieved is to motivate the minor to receive full-time psychological help. Teenagers often refuse such interaction, fearing stigmatization or loss of control over the situation.

Given that a minor in crisis is not capable of long-term planning, a short-term contract is used: "Agree to accept help now. If it gets worse in 15 minutes, you have the right to change your mind." Additionally, the psychologist identifies values that are significant to the teenager and through them demonstrates the temporary nature of the crisis, which reduces the feeling of hopelessness.

Together with the teenager, the specialist builds an individual safety route: resource supports for a crisis situation are determined, specific actions are specified in case of repetition of severe experiences. If necessary, contacts of relevant specialists are provided for face-to-face treatment. Support is considered completed only after the formation of stable self-regulation skills in minors and a clear understanding of the algorithm of actions in case of deterioration.