Interpersonal skills

Abstract

Adolescent period beginning from the age of 10 years till 18 years is one of the most tumultuous phases of development in an individual’s life. Changes at all fronts—physical, hormonal, emotional, moral and cognitive—impact the relationships that the adolescent develops. Friction at home with parents is salient and so is building of intimacy in peer relations. These developmental tasks can be source of psychological problems if not managed adequately. Skills training to enhance quality of relationships, resolve conflicts in relationships, manage one’s emotions such as love and anger in relationships and balance other developmental tasks like academics with peer and romantic relationships are found to be helpful for the adolescent to go through this developmental period. Cognitive behaviour therapy sessions beginning with adequate and comprehensive assessment of the problem areas and leading to 10–12 sessions of behaviour change with thought modification and skills training for building effective communication and assertiveness, resolving conflicts and managing one’s anger are discussed in the present chapter. Adolescent population is a challenging one to work with. Common barriers to therapy are also mentioned which the therapist could be watchful of and resolve in a timely and practical manner to aid successful therapy.