Every young person has their own story, questions, and challenges. Sometimes, all it takes to move forward is for someone to help clarify their thoughts and identify possible solutions. The youth counselors at the Tartu Youth Work Center support young people in precisely these moments, offering them the opportunity to talk about both everyday worries and more complex issues.
Let's meet Oksana Knjaz, the youth counselor who works at our Anne House.
Who are you, and how did you end up working as a youth counselor?
I am a youth counselor and a psychologist by training. I came to work here because I wanted to use my prior knowledge and experience to ensure that young people have someone to turn to when needed, someone they can talk to and work with to find solutions.
What appeals to you most about this job?
I like that every young person and every conversation is different. Sometimes it’s about being there to find a solution together; other times, it’s just about listening and being there.
In the simplest terms, what does a youth counselor do?
Simply put, my job is to listen, help young people talk about what’s important or difficult for them, and work with them to figure out how to move forward.
What kinds of issues can people come to you about?
You can come to me with all kinds of different topics. For example, if something is worrying you or you just want to talk things over with someone. It could be about school, friends, family, relationships, how you’re feeling, difficult choices, or anything else that feels important. If it turns out you need a different kind of help, we can figure out together where to get it most effectively.
Does there have to be a major problem for someone to reach out to you?
It’s often hard to decide whether something is “a big enough concern.” If something is important to a young person, is bothering them, or makes them feel like they want to talk to someone, that’s reason enough to reach out to me.
What happens when a young person comes to you but can't quite describe what the problem is?
That’s perfectly fine. You don’t have to come to me with a ready-made explanation or a precisely defined problem. We can talk calmly and try together to figure out what’s on your mind or bothering you the most right now. Sometimes it’s only during the conversation that we discover what might help.
Where and when can people usually find you?
You can usually find me in my office at the Anne Youth Center or in the youth rooms. If you're not sure whether I'm there, you can always ask the youth center staff.
Can people just drop by, or do they need to make an appointment?
Either option is fine. If I’m available, you can just drop by. If it’s more convenient for the young person to know in advance when we’ll meet, we can set a time. If necessary, we can also schedule several meetings. For some, this gives them a chance to gather their thoughts calmly before the meeting.
Is it okay to write?
Yes, you can email me at Oksana.Knjaz@tartu.ee.
Will this conversation remain private?
Yes, our conversation is confidential. This means that I will not share the contents of our conversation with anyone else. The exception is when there is serious concern for the safety of the young person or someone else, or when something has happened that I am required by law to report to someone. In those cases, it may be necessary to involve other people to ensure that the necessary help is available. If that happens, I’ll discuss it with the young person beforehand whenever possible.
What was one concern you had in your youth that you would have liked to talk to someone about?
Sometimes I've wanted to talk about how not to worry too much about what others think of me or what's expected of me.
What do you do to clear your head after a long day?
A cup of tea and a few quiet moments spent looking out the window.
If you could give your 15-year-old self one piece of advice, what would it be?
You don't have to handle everything on your own.
