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.