Workshop for troubled teens
Modern teens are trying to cope based on a false sense of value acquired from the media, and need to be reminded of how truly special every human is.
Technology, fashion, architecture (and so much more) have changed over the past few decades, and therefore teens back then are very different from teens today.
“Teenagers today are competing with a false sense of values acquired through the media, which has brought us to the realisation that we need to be reminded of how truly special every human is,” said Janine Lotter, organiser of the Who am I workshop for troubled teens.
“When my teenager argues with me, telling me I’m old-fashioned and that things just don’t work the way they used to when I was young, I might have to agree,” she said.
This is why Yolanda Steyn, a registered equine therapist and Marlise Esterhuizen, a registered psychologist decided to develop a workshop to address the issues.
“Our workshop is a platform to help teens better their lives by giving them the necessary coping tools while learning about themselves. As important as it may be to be recognised, we must value ourselves first. That is not simple, especially when our ‘value system’ has been damaged in some way,” Yolanda said.
The workshop will consist of equine therapy, personality profiling, and a feedback session, providing the individuals with insight into the issues they are facing. They will also receive an evaluation of their behaviour, coping tools and follow-up opportunities.
According to Yolanda, teens face many challenges which affect their reasoning and approach to life.
“People have a basic need to be loved, respected, accepted and to belong. When we are neglected in one or a combination of these areas, our feeling of being valuable is compromised and we respond with anger or withdrawal and depression,” Yolanda explained.
She went on to explain that depending on the severity and length of the neglect/ abuse, the damage can get worse, which makes one respond in many ways in order to find value again. These responses are really damaging to oneself and others, and that’s when one gets labelled ‘rebellious’, ‘undisciplined’, ‘depressed’, ‘unhappy’ or ‘a problem teen’.
Yolanda and Marlise aim to assist, evaluate and better the lives of the teens who take part in the workshop, which will take place during the school holidays on 4, 11 and 18 July at Oppistal Equestrian Centre, 119 Malmani Road, Sterkfontein. If you are interested, feel free to contact Yolanda on 082 829 9003 or send an email to yolanda@healinghorses.co.za for more information.
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