NCJ Number
110779
Date Published
1988
Length
285 pages
Annotation
Following a discussion of the benefits of an eclectic therapeutic approach and a review of family systems theory, this text examines processes, techniques, and challenges in adolescent crisis intervention.
Abstract
The importance of the patient's context, child development the use of self, and the therapist role are discussed. The concept of system homeostasis is elucidated, and guidelines are provided for the evaluation of family process. Tasks of crisis intervention are described, including overcoming initial resistance, diagnosis, and goal-setting for short-term therapy. Difficulties in contracting with families in therapy are discussed, as are advantages of cotherapy. Active counseling techniques described include talking directly to each other, family drawing, family sculpture, doubling (a form of psychodrama), role reversal, the empty chair technique, and active fantasy. Discussion also focuses on facilitating the expression of feelings, therapeutic use of the counselor's personal and emotional life with reference to self-awareness and self disclosure, and dealing with family and counselor resistances. Finally, clinical case studies are provided to demonstrate typical problems, centering on power struggles, encountered in adolescent crisis intervention and appropriate techniques for their management. Suggested readings, 118 references, and index.