Working with Challenging Youth: Lessons Learned along the Way » (1st Edition)

Richardson, Brent, EdD (Xavier Univ)

Stressing the importance of self-awareness, genuineness, and empathy in effective counselors, this book will be a practical, reader-friendly guide through the pitfalls and problems that arise when working with challenging populations. Building on a solid theoretical base in Reality Therapy, Humanistic Philosophy, Solution-Focused therapy, MRI Brief Problem-focused therapy, and Systems theory, the book identifies specific considerations and strategies for counselors.

Counseling Today

[A]n understandable, coherent approach to counseling those youth who 'share an inability to manage their emotions ... and an inability to responsibly meet their needs.' This reviewer recommends the book to both neophyte and experienced practitioners.

Preface. An Introduction. Lessons Learned: Promoting Self-Awareness to Enhance Therapeutic Relationships. Lessons Learned: Meeting Youth Where They Are - Individually, Developmentally, and Culturally. Lessons Learned: Finding a Healthy Balance Between Support and Challenge. Lessons Learned: Framing Problems and Solutions in More Creative, Constructive, and Caring. Revisiting the Principles. References.