NCJ Number
166284
Date Published
1996
Length
32 pages
Annotation
The general principles presented in this chapter are useful in therapeutic approaches with generic clients, but optimize the creation of therapeutic trust with abused adolescent clients.
Abstract
One principle is for the therapist to take a nonjudgmental attitude/posture toward the adolescent. This involves supporting the intent of the problem behavior and reframing it as something potentially useful to the client; try to ascertain whether there are ways in which the behavior is a problem to the client. Another principle is to invite clients to say whatever they wish. This gives them a sense of control over what they say in therapy. Other principles are to be positive and not challenge initial statements made by adolescent clients. Another principle is to decode and support the intent of the symptom presented as the problem. This should be done without reinforcing negative ways of coping. The principle of doing indirect rather than direct work initially many be implemented through a videotape of adolescents talking about their lives; cutting out newspaper reports of events that have occurred in the lives of adolescents and discussing them; and creating a fictional client who has the same problems, worries, or fears of the actual client. Remaining principles are to discuss problems in generic fashion, use "as if" interventions, be respectful and maintain clear boundaries, avoid power struggles, be creative and dynamic, make use of nonverbal forms of therapy, and work in the context of the youth's "world." Some transcripts of therapy sessions are included to illustrate some of the principles in practice.