Explains India’s Top Adolescent Counsellor Shivani Sadhoo
Developing trust with teenagers can often be a challenging task, as they navigate their way through the complexities of adolescence. Trust creates the foundation of healthy relationships, and fostering trust is essential for parents, educators, and mentors who interact with teenagers.
By understanding their unique requirements and employing effective strategies, one can create meaningful connections that encourage open communication, mutual respect, and positive growth. In this article, India’s top family and adolescent counsellor Shivani Misri Sadhoo shares some valuable tips to build trust with teenagers and strengthen these crucial relationships.
Active Listening
One of the most basic ways to build trust with teenagers is by actively listening to them. It means giving them your undivided attention, maintaining eye contact, and showing genuine interest in what they have to say. Avoid interrupting or dismissing their thoughts and feelings. By giving them a safe space for them to express themselves, you create an atmosphere of trust and validation.
Respect Their Autonomy
Teenagers crave independence and autonomy. Show respect for their opinions, choices, and boundaries. Avoid being excessively controlling or dismissive of their ideas. Acknowledge their growing maturity and involve them in decision-making processes. Providing them with a sense of agency fosters trust and encourages responsible behavior.
Be Consistent and Reliable
Consistency and reliability are important components in building trust. Establish clear boundaries, rules, and expectations, and follow through with them consistently. When teenagers see that you are reliable and true to your word, they feel secure and are more likely to trust you. Avoid making any empty promises or changing the rules without explanation, as this can erode trust.
Be Open and Non-judgmental
Teenagers are mostly faced with challenging situations and tough decisions. Make an environment where they feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics without fear of judgment or punishment. Practice empathy and understanding, even when you disagree with their choices. By being open-minded and non-judgmental, you encourage open communication and form a foundation of trust.
Foster Mutual Respect
Respect is two-way traffic. Treat teenagers with respect and expect the same in return. Avoid belittling or dismissing their opinions, and be mindful of your tone and body language. Engage in constructive conversations, where differing viewpoints are explored without any hostility. By modeling respect, you inspire trust and teach them how to treat others with dignity.
Support Their Passions and Interests
Show a keen interest in their hobbies, passions, and aspirations. Take the time to understand their world, whether it is sports, art, music, or any other area of interest. Attend their events, ask questions, and offer them support. This showcases that you value their individuality and fosters a sense of trust and connection.
Apologize and Learn from Mistakes
Nobody is perfect, and it is important to acknowledge when you make a mistake. Apologize sincerely and take accountability for your actions. Showcasing humility and a willingness to learn from your mistakes sets a positive example for teenagers. It shows them that you value honesty and integrity, which strengthens trust in the relationship.
Developing trust with teenagers needs patience, understanding, and consistent effort. By actively listening, respecting their autonomy, being reliable, non-judgmental, and fostering mutual respect, one can create a safe and trusting environment for them to thrive. Remember that forming a trust is an ongoing process, and it needs constant communication and support. By following these tips, you can establish meaningful connections that empower teenagers and contribute to their personal growth and well-being.
Shivani Misri Sadhoo is an internationally recommended relationship Counsellor by world’s biggest and most trusted study and research-based foundation for couples therapy – Gottman Institute. She is trained on specialised key relationship counselling Skills from AIIMS, VIMHANS and various other reputed institutions. Counselor Shivani Misri Sadhoo, is also Certified for Emotionally Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.
Counsellor Shivani Misri Sadhoo is also a Certified Neuro Linguistic Practitioner with specialised training and experience in the field of affairs/betrayals, trust issues, difficulty communicating, conflicting values, bereavement, grief and loss (affairs, separation, divorce, childhood) and emotional health issue (anxiety, social anxiety, fear, depression, low mood).
Currently, Shivani Misri Sadhoo is one of the top counsellors with the HIGHEST Success Rate with over 17,000 happy couples and individuals (based in India and abroad), who has benefited from her therapy. Psychologist and Counselor Shivani Misri Sadhoo not only practice independently from her clinic in Greater Kailash, Delhi, India but also listed on the panel of eminent hospitals like IBS Hospital – Institute of Brain & Spine, Express Clinic, Fortis (formerly) based in Delhi.
