Description
Book SynopsisThis readable guide for therapists and therapists-in-training lays out the theoretical essence and practical essentials of doing child and adolescent psychotherapy, from the referral call to the last goodbye, capturing the intricacies and subtleties of children and their therapists in their biggest and smallest ways, and everywhere in between.
Trade Review"In this updated text, psychologist Richard Bromfield, Ph.D. opens a window into child therapy at its best. Highly recommended, this lively volume will be of great interest to professionals working in clinic or office practice, as well as to experienced clinicians who teach or supervise child psychotherapy." (
New England Psychologist, July 2009)
"…is a comprehensive yet coherent guide to counseling youth. He gives the social work student and current practitioner a realistic view of working with children." (Socialworker.com, 7/2008)
"Through an accessible and contemporary overview of psychodynamic work with adolescents, this book draws from the author's years of experience as a practitioner with children, adolescents, and families. This second volume is colorfully written, and full of rich clinical insights written in plain language." (Child & Adolescent Social Work Journal, June 2008)
"'Doing Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy' is excellent--engaging, fun, educational, and thought provoking. It would be a great addition to the library of both the novice and the experienced therapist."
—Abigail L. Donovan, M.D., Massachusetts General Hospital (JAACAP, June 2008)
Table of ContentsWhat’s New to the Second Edition ix
Preface to the First Edition xiii
Acknowledgments xv
To the Reader xvii
Part I The Essentials
1 Easy Does It: Beginning Therapy 3
2 Can I Help You? Evaluating the Child and Offering Treatment 15
3 The Not-So-Magic of Therapy: How Therapy Works 29
4 Do Fence Me In: The Bounds and Limits 47
5 Tell Me Where It Hurts: On Talking and Querying 63
Part II Techniques and Tools
6 The Lowdown on High Drama: Playing with Puppets and Action Figures 77
7 Shoot, Topple, and Roll: Using Games, Building Toys, and Guns 89
8 Drawing Out the Child: Artwork in Therapy 105
9 All Together Now: Balancing Play and Talk 125
10 Pushing the Envelope: On Giving, Telling, and Other Exceptions 141
Part III The Rest
11 Handle with Care: Working with Parents 161
12 Handle with Care, Part II: More Work with Parents 177
13 On Brotherly Love and Musical Chairs: Family Work 187
14 Talking Heads: Working with Schools and Other Agencies 199
15 Hard Times: Unwilling Patients and Therapeutic Crises 209
16 Getting to Know You, Getting to Know Me: aRace, Religion, and Culture 227
17 When Therapy Is Not Enough: Medication 239
18 I Can Name That Tune in Six Sessions: Managed Care and Evidence-Based Treatment 249
19 All’s Well That Ends Well: Closing Therapy 261
References 277
Index 283
About the Author 293
