Counseling for adolescents and children at risk in Italy

The aim of the present article is to describe the difficulties experienced by some Italian children and adolescent& We distinguish, however, between overt forms of maladjustment, such as juvenile delinquency, drug addiction, depression, and suicidal behavior, and less severe forms of maladjustment, which are generally associated with poor decision-making skills, social difficulties, and unproductive coping strategies. This presentation is then followed by a description of the current counseling situation in Italy. Also presented is a specific counseling program for at-risk young adolescents and children, conducted with a small group of individuals as part of a broader prevention project aimed at preventing bullying.