At Somethings, we understand the importance of nurturing healthy and supportive friendships for teenagers. We provide our mentors with the necessary training to address various challenges that can arise in friendships. Here's how we equip our mentors to support teenagers in navigating friendship issues:

Identifying Red Flags

Our mentors are trained to help teenagers recognize signs of unhealthy friendships, such as jealousy, possessiveness, and control issues. They assist teens in understanding when a friendship may be causing distress or hindering their well-being.

Open Communication

We emphasize the value of open and honest communication within friendships. Our mentors guide teenagers in expressing their concerns and discussing problematic dynamics with their friends. They encourage teens to initiate conversations about the issues they are experiencing.

Active Listening and Empathy

Our mentors are trained in active listening techniques to effectively understand and empathize with teenagers' experiences in their friendships. They create a safe space where teens can openly share their feelings and concerns without judgment.

Self-Reflection and Boundaries

We teach our mentors to help teenagers reflect on their own needs, boundaries, and values within friendships. Our mentors guide teens in recognizing when they may have outgrown a friendship or when certain behaviors are not aligned with their personal growth.

Supporting Emotional Well-being

Our mentors provide emotional support to teenagers who may experience grief or depression due to the loss of a friendship. They help teens process their emotions, navigate through the challenges, and build resilience in forming new connections.

Encouraging Growth and Change

We emphasize that as teenagers grow and change, their interests and choices of friends may also evolve. Our mentors empower teens to embrace personal growth and explore new friendships that align with their evolving identities.

Authority Figures

At Somethings, we recognize the vital role authority figures play in teenagers' lives and the trust placed in them. Our mentors are trained to address issues related to authority figures and guide teenagers in seeking appropriate support. Here's how we equip our mentors to assist teens in navigating relationships with authority figures:

Awareness of Boundaries

Our mentors help teenagers understand the importance of healthy boundaries in relationships with authority figures. They guide teens in recognizing when those boundaries are crossed and when it is necessary to seek help.

Recognizing Abuse

We provide our mentors with training on identifying emotional or physical abuse perpetrated by authority figures. They assist teenagers in understanding that abusive behavior is not acceptable and encourage them to confide in someone they trust.

Reporting and Seeking Help

Our mentors empower teenagers to report instances of abuse or exploitation by authority figures. They provide guidance on who to reach out to, such as trusted adults, counselors, or helpline services, to ensure their safety and well-being.

Validation and Support

Our mentors offer emotional support to teenagers who may be navigating challenging relationships with authority figures. They help teens process their feelings, validate their experiences, and explore strategies for self-advocacy.

Dating

At Somethings, we understand the importance of healthy and respectful dating experiences for teenagers. Our mentors are trained to address common issues that can arise in romantic relationships. Here's how we equip our mentors to support teens in navigating the complexities of dating:

Mutual Respect

Our mentors emphasize the significance of mutual respect as the foundation of a healthy relationship. They guide teenagers in recognizing the importance of shared interests, open communication, and consent within their dating experiences.

Addressing Relationship Challenges

Our mentors assist teenagers in identifying and addressing potential challenges in relationships, such as jealousy, possessiveness, anger, or power imbalances. They provide guidance on healthy communication, conflict resolution, and seeking external support when needed.

Recognizing Warning Signs

We train our mentors to help teenagers identify warning signs of abusive relationships. They educate teens about the red flags, including verbal, emotional, or physical abuse, and empower them to seek help and protect their well-being.

Promoting Self-Care

Our mentors encourage teenagers to prioritize their own well-being in relationships. They guide teens in setting boundaries, practicing self-care, and understanding that a healthy relationship should enhance their individual growth and happiness.

Codependency

At Somethings, we aim to raise awareness about codependency and provide support to teenagers who may be affected by it. Here's how our mentors address codependency and offer guidance to teens:

Understanding Codependency

Our mentors educate teenagers about codependency, which involves an excessive focus on others' well-being at the expense of their own. They help teens recognize the signs and effects of codependent relationships.

Encouraging Self-Awareness

Our mentors guide teenagers in developing self-awareness and understanding their own needs and boundaries. They empower teens to prioritize their well-being while maintaining healthy relationships.

Establishing Boundaries

We emphasize the importance of setting and enforcing boundaries in relationships. Our mentors assist teens in recognizing when their boundaries are being violated and provide guidance on assertiveness and self-advocacy.

Seeking Support

Our mentors encourage teenagers to seek professional help or join support groups, such as ALATEEN or CODA, for assistance with codependency issues. They provide resources and referrals to appropriate counseling services.

Promoting Self-Care

Our mentors emphasize the importance of self-care for codependent individuals. They guide teenagers in practicing self-compassion, engaging in activities they enjoy, and cultivating a healthy balance between caring for others and themselves.

If you or someone you know is experiencing codependency, seeking help from a trusted adult or professional can be an important step in fostering personal growth and well-being.