Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy

Individualizing therapy is critical to achieving effective results with children and adolescents because of their changing needs during different stages of treatment. This comprehensive reference provides a uniquely individualistic approach to child treatment that allows the integration of therapies in order to fit the needs of each particular child. It emphasizes the basic processes of change, relates diagnosis to treatment choice, shows clearly how the therapist goes about integrating treatments for children, and details how the therapist can use an appropriate form of treatment. It also shows the use of the heuristic approach to treatment as a means to bringing a child to question and wonder about their emotions, cognitions, and behaviors and become more open to change. The book focuses on the techniques that bring about this process whether through psychodynamic, cognitive, or behavioral forms of treatment. It's a pragmatic approach that shows what a therapist does or doesn't do to bring about change. The basic ideas needed for a solid understanding of therapy techniques are covered in detail. The process aspects of therapy are emphasized, and comprehensive coverage of such topics as the role of emotions, obstacles to change, therapist spontaneity, and the content of treatment are included. Other topics discussed include the therapist-child relationship, play, how to identify conflict areas, the effect of cognitive level on treatment, the sequence of treatment, and how to deal with special problems associated with initial sessions and termination.

This edited collection by David A. Crenshaw, with contributions from such notables as James Garbarino, Kenneth V. Hardy, and Andrew Fussner, addresses the multiple sources of wounding of children and teens in contemporary life. The book conveys a message of hope and optimism, even in work with children who might be viewed as "impossible cases," because the contributors share a passion for utilizing and building on the strengths of children and families. These authors go beyond treating psychiatric symptoms to address in a more comprehensive way the emotional suffering of youth. The unifying treatment framework for the book is relational therapy. The emotional injuries of children do not develop in a vacuum, but rather in a relational context, and healing must also be embedded in an empathic relationship between the child and the family. Building, repairing, and restoring connections within the family and the larger community, as well as within the therapeutic relationship, opens the door to growth, healing, and meaningful belonging. The stories of triumph over adversity by the courageous children and families in this book will inspire those who daily strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of hurting youth to renew their commitment to this worthy mission.