Counseling Minors: A Case Study

When counseling an individual under the age of 18, we are faced with conflicting issues that must be addressed in order to carry on a proper professional relationship. The scenario I will examine here is that of a high school guidance counselor. It is imperative not to interfere with parenting while providing support to the child. I will discuss the pros and cons of counseling minors and how to deal with problematic situations that may arise. Counseling minors can be a positive experience if handled correctly. Children of all ages need guidance and sometimes they are not able to fully obtain this in their home environment. However, a school guidance counselor will encounter teenagers seeking help on a daily basis. Troubled teenagers who
are enrolled in counseling are able to curb destructive behavior and have a better outlook on life. Today’s teenagers are dealing with complex issues, ranging from divorced parents to sexual abuse. Even typical teenage issues such as changes in friendship, dating, moving to a new home, and school related anxiety may cause a need for counseling. By undergoing counseling, teens are able to develop better coping skills, stronger social skills, and higher levels of confidence. Studies also suggest that early intervention can prevent teens from participating in illegal activities, such as drug use in the later years. ("Finding the Right Treatment," n.d.). While counseling has a positive impact on today’s troubled youth, there are some cons to counseling minors.
The most common obstacle in the counseling of teens is the limitation of the confidentiality agreement. Since we are essentially dealing with children instead of adults, we are required to work with parents in keeping them safe. This means that if the minor presents signs of being in danger, such as harming themselves, having dangerous thoughts, or being abused by another individual, then the counselor must release this information to parents so they may handle the situation. This may even require other entities, such as law enforcement or mental health facilities to get involved, for the best interest of the minor in question. (Glosoff, 2002). Due to the fact that children under the age of 18 are deemed minors, still under the care of parents or guardians, they cannot legally consent to a counseling contract without a parent or caretaker. Simply put, the rights of minors actually belong to their parents. (Glosoff,
2002). While counseling a minor may present some challenges, there are methods to prevent conflict.
As a counselor, you will need to realize that parents are an intrinsic part of their child’s treatment and will need to be briefed. Without giving away private details, you should keep them aware of their child’s progress and also to any danger their child may be in. Another point I have previously addressed is that confidentiality can be pushed aside if the minor is in a situation that puts him or her at risk. For instance, if April comes to you and tells you that her boyfriend is beating her, you should seek help for her, even if she is reluctant to tell anyone else. When the child is in danger, confidentiality takes a backseat to safety. And finally, the most important thing to remember when counseling youth is to keep an open mind. Teenagers have a difficult time trusting adults in their life due to the peril that adolescence comes with so it is up to you to provide an environment that encourages trust and open conversation. He or she should be able to come to you expecting no judgment, only support. The job of the counselor is to help the individual identify issues, correct them, and learn to cope with trauma. The Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the Ethical Standards for School Counselors of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) help to ensure that confidentiality policies are followed and regulated.
Guidelines using these codes can help counselors to determine the appropriate action. ("School Counseling," 2014) Counseling of minors presents both benefits and challenges, but with the right attitude and procedures, it’s a relationship that can be successful. The issues that come up the most are confidentiality, trust, and parental involvement. By working with parents, counselors can achieve success with minor patients, and ensure that a minimal amount of harm occurs.