Description
Book SynopsisMore than ever before, students need guidance and support from the adults in their lives. Here, author Jay D' Ambrosio suggests practical approaches for connecting with young people at the level of the heart through the utilization of myths, stories, movies, and songs. He contends that Story speaks to both students and adults on a spiritual dimension and will help adult readers better comprehend the condition of those challenges common to adolescence. Throughout each chapter, this book explores the wisdom necessary to face such trials that can be found in Homer's Odyssey and other great stories. Rethinking Adolescence includes: _
Trade ReviewJay D'Ambrosio has given us a birds-eye view of the trials and tribulations that face adolescents as they grow into adulthood. He has skillfully woven the use of myths, stories, movies, and song into practical approaches for adult role models to connect with 'young people at the level of the heart.' This book addresses the issue of low self-esteem [among] adolescents and offers viable solutions for parents, teachers, counselors, and coaches to help young people deal with this challenging issue. -- John H. Stephens, Ph.D., chairman of the Education Department, Grove City College, Grove City, Pa.
Without question, books, movies and myths tell the stories of our lives. Enter Jay D' Ambrosio... [who] helps us recognize the importance of using stories to reach out to adolescents, assisting them in identifying personal issues and problems through stories; he reminds adolescents to seek emotional guidance and support through the process of using stories as educational and healing tools. Jay's book is enchanting. He uses the idea of teaching adolescents to connect their thoughts to their hearts through the process of understanding, in the most meaningful sense, the importance of relating their own life stories to the words of authors from all over the world. You will quickly appreciate his intelligent insight and wisdom. -- Gary Solomon, MPH, M.S.W., Ph.D., and author of Cinemaparenting, The Motion Picture Prescription, Reel Therapy and A Psychiatric Diagnostic Primer
Finally, a mythic guide to the first great initiatory journey. Joseph Campbell showed us the pattern, now Jay D'Ambrosio applies it to adolescence. This book shows the challenges and opportunities of youth through exciting adventures from ancient myth. Rethinking Adolescence is a must-read for parents, teachers, and counselors who care about those going through the most difficult of all life-stage transitions. -- Jonathan Young, Ph.D., psychologist and founding curator of the Joseph Campbell Archives
Jay D' Ambrosio clearly understands the needs and challenges of adolescents. His innovative book is an invaluable resource for parents, teachers, and counselors to use the power of story in films and books to reach young people on a deep level. -- Birgit Wolz, Ph.D., author of Emotion Picture Magic: A Movie Lover's Guide to Healing and Transformation and www.cinematherapy.com
Table of ContentsPart 1 Introduction: Open Your Eyes Chapter 2 The Adventure Begins Chapter 3 Seeking One's Place in the World Chapter 4 Calypso's Snare Chapter 5 Numbing the Pain Chapter 6 Giants in the Land Chapter 7 The Siren's Song Chapter 8 Shadow of Death Chapter 9 Father's Time Chapter 10 Mother's Nature, by Stacy Gallagher Chapter 11 Passing through the Veil Part 12 Closer to the Heart
