Book Description

This unique volume presents clear steps for helping children and adolescents manage a range of social, emotional, or behavioral challenges by using a problem-solving approach. Highly practical and accessible, the book provides a versatile framework for collaborative brief intervention. It describes when and with whom to use problem solving and how to tailor it to different children's needs. Extensive clinical examples illustrate what the approach looks like in action with preschoolers through increasingly independent teens. With its focus on specific dilemmas, problem solving does not attempt to change broader patterns of thinking, feeling, or behaving. Yet it teaches valuable skills that can be generalized to help children deal with other problems--and can increase their confidence, independence, and resilience. The book shows how therapists of any orientation can use problem solving as a stand-alone intervention or in combination with other therapeutic techniques. Chapters demonstrate the nuts and bolts of five key steps: *Defining the problem.*Generating alternative solutions.*Evaluating alternatives and making a choice.*Trying a new solution.*Following up and evaluating outcomes. The sample therapist-client interactions are engaging and realistic, and feature children with a variety of diagnoses. Ways to involve parents in treatment are addressed, as are strategies for implementing the approach with groups. Tips for overcoming frequently encountered obstacles are highlighted throughout and are discussed in depth in the concluding chapter. Written in a concise, straight-talking style, this book is an indispensable go-to guide for all mental health professionals working with children and adolescents, including clinical psychologists, school psychologists, counselors, social workers, and psychiatrists.