NCJ Number
102478
Date Published
Unknown
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Group counseling is the treatment of choice for troubled adolescents, because it takes advantage of the adolescent's propensity to identify with peers and to respond to their influences.
Abstract
Adolescents need food, clothing, shelter, love, recognition, and a dynamic balance between dependence and independence. Parents and other adults who fail to provide an environment meeting these needs find themselves in conflict with youths, who feel an increasing allegiance to their peer group. Group counseling helps youths with problems learn how to positively adjust to society. The crucial components of group counseling are an appropriate environment, certain specific characteristics of the counselor, and the motivation and capacities of the group members. The group should meet regularly for a predetermined period. Members must agree on the group's purpose. The group should have three to eight members and make decisions by majority. Group counseling experiences should be evaluated. Evaluations in New York have revealed lower recidivism rates for youths receiving group counseling than for other delinquents.