http://www.iseek.org/sv/13000.jsp?pg=13000&id=100428

http://www.wcupa.edu/_ACADEMICS/sch_cas.psy/Career_Paths/Clinical/Career03.htm

Childhood and adolescence can be especially turbulent time periods in an individual’s life. Due to this, the American Psychological Association (APA) has a specific division devoted to helping this unique population. Children and adolescence are often difficult to work with. Most do not wish to be in therapy and may give the therapist a hard time. It is possible to get through this population, but it requires special techniques and a good deal of patience on the part of the therapist. Psychologists encounter other difficulties with the parents of the child or adolescent. The child or adolescent may be willing to change and perhaps making good progress; however, when placed back into the same environment which facilitated the problem, the child or adolescent often reverts to old behaviors. It is very important that the parents also be willing to make changes in their lives in order to fully bring about change in their children. Unfortunately, many parents are unable or unwilling to cooperate. Therefore, frustration among child and adolescent therapists can be unusually high times.

Children and adolescents have specific problems which are not issues for adult clients. Puberty, for example, is an extremely tough time for adolescents. Body changes occur, sexual desire sets in, and the need for independence becomes strong. Peer influence rises with adolescence and so does the need to fit in with peers. Along with this, weight becomes an issue, drugs and alcohol are more likely to be experimented with, and the possibility of teen pregnancy arises. Furthermore, getting along with parents is something that affects both children and adolescents; however, it is more difficult during adolescence. In lieu of all the issues facing children and adolescents, it is understandable how some develop serious psychological problems. Depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, along with others affect children and adolescence as well as adults. However, these young people require specialized therapy and treatment in order to become healthy adults.