reproductive health services for adolescents - Pathfinder International

Module 16/Unit 4
CONTENT
Knowledge/Attitudes/Skills
Training/Learning Methods
(Time Required)
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If the adolescent cannot or will not
talk, the counselor should propose
another meeting.
• Crying: Try to evaluate what
provoked the tears and assess if it
makes sense in the given situation.
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If the client is crying to relieve
tension, the counselor can give
the adolescent permission to
express her/his feelings by
saying, “It’s okay to cry since it’s
the normal thing to do when
you’re sad.”
If the client is using crying as
manipulation, the counselor can
say, “Although I’m sorry you feel
sad, it’s good to express your
feelings.”
If the crying is consistent with the
situation, the counselor should
allow her/him to freely express
emotions and not try to stop the
feeling or belittle its importance.
• Threat of suicide: All suicide threats
or attempts must be taken seriously.
It is essential to determine if attempts
were made in the past, if s/he is really
considering suicide, and the reasons
for doing so⎯or if it is something said
without thinking.
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It is best to refer the adolescent to
a psychiatrist or psychologist and
accompany her/him to the
appointment.
• Refusal of help: The counselor
should discreetly try to find out why
the adolescent feels this way.
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Adolescent Curriculum