One thing parents or guardians need to understand about our children is that their minds don’t work the same way as adults, explained a senior counsellor at Empower Pacific, based at the Sigatoka Sub-Divisional Hospital.
According to a 2024 report by the World Health Organization, “children between the ages of 10 to 19 are considered adolescents, experiencing physical, emotional and social changes. During this time, exposure to factors like poverty, abuse, or violence can make this group particularly vulnerable to mental health issues.”
Seventeen-year-old John (not his real name) and his parents were referred to Empower Pacific by the Social Welfare Department for counselling. John had been losing focus on his studies due to relationship problems with his partner. His parents were concerned as he had fallen behind in his schoolwork, with his relationship becoming a significant distraction.
“When John and his parents came in for their first counselling session, his mother shared the situation and expressed her expectations for their son to focus mostly in his studies,” explained the counsellor.
“After a family facilitation with the child’s parents, where I psycho educated them on positive parenting skills and having realistic expectations from children, I then engaged John in a counselling session, providing him a safe and confidential space for self-reflection and emotional support.”
John was able to express his thoughts and emotions as he spoke openly and honestly about his struggles of balancing his studies, his relationship with his partner and the pressure from his parents.
The counsellor was able to work together with John in identifying his personal goals which motivated him positively.
Setting goals in counselling helps clients gain clarity, motivation and direction in their personal growth and problem-solving.
“He was enthusiastic about his goal to become a chef after finishing high school, and he expressed hope for his future,” said the counsellor.
The counsellor pointed out that many parents tend to misunderstand the emotional and social changes their children undergo as teenagers. These changes aren’t just physical; they affect every aspect of their development.
The counsellor provided psychoeducation to John’s mother on the importance of open and positive communication with him, particularly since adolescents like John are prone to making impulsive decisions.
Both John and his mother expressed deep gratitude for the guidance and support they received through the counselling sessions provided at Empower Pacific. With consistent follow-up counselling sessions and a focus on overcoming distractions, John is now more dedicated to his studies and has even enrolled for further education at one of the universities.
Empower Pacific partners with international developmental partners, government ministries and community agencies to promote the well-being of individuals and communities through a holistic model of professional health services.
The organisation offers various programs designed to enhance the mental and emotional health of clients, fostering opportunities for learning, growth, and personal development.
Empower Pacific’s Toll-free Counselling Helpline – (5626) receives daily calls from the public, with counsellors and social workers providing crucial mental health and psychosocial support.
Empower Pacific encourages the that if you’re facing challenges, you are not alone. You can reach out to our 24/7 Toll-Free Counselling Helpline – 5626 to speak with a professional counsellor or social worker who can provide emotional support and guidance. Your well-being is important, and we’re here to help you move forward.