Psychokemp: How to lead a development programme with a group of adolescents

Mgr. KRISTÝNA BAUMOVÁ

about workshop

Psychologist William G. Nicoll sees adolescents as "adults in training."

Adolescents advocate a difficult position in society. They are so-called "misplaced", in other words, they are neither children nor adults. The role of adults is to help adolescents through this period and to support their competences that are important for life. For this purpose, Adlerians have a useful concept of life tasks that we can put to good use when working with adolescents. Teens, like adults, need to learn to function in three areas of life: love, friendship, and work. They need to know how to create and fulfill healthy intimacy, they need to learn how to live and get along with other people, and they need to develop skills that enable self-sufficiency and responsibility. Paul Rasmussen built on this theory and linked it to four competencies that we need to develop to function healthily within these life tasks. He referred to these competencies as the four mental muscles, and it is these that the teens will be strengthening at the Psychokemp.

Kristýna, who was at the birth of the Psychokemp, will guide you through parts of its programme and give you her experience of how to work with a group of teenagers. In this workshop, you will get inspiration and tips for working with a group of adolescents, experience different methods and techniques, for which methodology and worksheets will be prepared. These materials can be later used in your work with adolescents.

Together you will learn how to: 

  • use an individual psychology approach when working with a group of adolescents,
  • foster a sense of belonging in a group of adolescents, showing them ways in which they themselves can experience a sense of belonging and how they can enable others to experience this sense of belonging with them,
  • teaching adolescents to cooperate and get along with other people,
    to convey to adolescents the theme of respect for themselves and others,
  • develop a sense of responsibility,
  • giving adolescents the courage to face challenges and persevere in the face of defeat and disappointment,
  • to spark teenagers' creativity and support them on their journey.

And since there will be a parallel Psychokemp for the 15-20 age group, you will have the opportunity to connect with them from time to time and find out how they experience the programme and, most importantly, share their insights and ideas on the spot. And perhaps even learn something from them. What an adventure this will be! 

abOut KRISTÝNa

After graduating from high school, she completed a Master's degree in Psychology at the University of Olomouc. Two major events played a big role in determining her direction. Firstly, it was active scouting, which from an early age strongly guided her towards a more social direction. As a leader of a children's scout troop, she often thought about the motives and mentality of others, something she has never stopped enjoying. Secondly, during her school years, she experienced the quality work of a psychologist with her own class, which she also considers to be a substantial boost. 

She worked as a school counsellor and a crisis interventionist on the adult helpline. For the last three years she has been a part of the professional management of Magdaléna, CIC, where she started as a lecturer in primary prevention of risky behaviour and a lecturer in teacher training.

She is delighted with her newly established collaboration with Mansio (and so are we!). During her previous jobs, she completed all of our long-term training in the Adlerian approach, which she thoroughly enjoyed. In addition, she has completed a number of other professional and experiential courses.

And what does she say about her work?

It gets to the point quite quickly, where we can see ourselves and each other without all the shells, husks, or make-up. That's the moment when mutual trust reaches its upper limit, which I consider a very special experience. It is a great honour to be present at such moments.

What brings her joy lately is when something she has planned actually ends up happening. It may sound simple, but in the end she usually just stares in disbelief and gratitude. 🙂 Her personal energy sources come from movement, especially dance and yoga, and hanging out with friends, especially when they sit around guitars and sing together.