The First Session With Teenagers: A Step-By-Step Guide [Hardcover]

Jeanne Albronda Heaton (Author), Neil G. Ribner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 15, 2000 | ISBN-10: 0787949825 | ISBN-13: 978-0787949822 | Edition: 1

The First Session with Teenagers is a practical, accessible guide that reveals how mental health care professionals can conduct a successful initial interview with reluctant and uncooperative adolescent clients. Written by Neil G. Ribner, a recognized expert in the field of family therapy and the treatment of teenagers, this important resource shows how to use the first therapeutic session to establish trust, engage the adolescent, and determine an effective plan of action that sets the tone for the entire course of treatment. In clear, jargon-free language, the author offers clinicians at all levels of expertise (from the novice to the seasoned professional) a step-by-step process for working with adolescents during the pivotal first session.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Practical and comprehensive . . . an excellent resource for beginning therapists, as well as for those wanting to expand their skills with adolescents." (Holly Stejskal, Youth and Family Counselor, SAY, San Diego, Inc.)

"Neil Ribner doesn't talk in generalities, rely on clinical jargon, or underestimate the complex issues involved in working with adolescents. Using a large number of clinical vignettes from his vast experience, he shows how the therapist's ability to align him or herself with the adolescent client is what typically spells the difference between being helpful or getting blown off. In culturally sensitive, down to earth language, Ribner describes how to empathically connect with the fears, anxieties, and resentments of troubled teenagers and their families in ways that promote change." (Fred Weiner, psychologist, Counseling and Psychological Services Center, Ohio University)

"In the most readable prose, Dr. Ribner outlines everything you want to know about initiating treatment with the adolescent client. Psychotherapists in training in all disciplines should read this manageable and straightforward book; their supervisors and other experienced clinicians could also benefit from this compact yet comprehensive reminder." (Donald J. Viglione, professor and director, Clinical Doctor of Psychology Program, California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego)

"Refreshing and direct . . . this book will benefit those who work with adolescents in a variety of settings." (oanne E. Callan, professor, California School of Professional Psychology)

From the Inside Flap

Problems of identity, sexual development, peer-group relationships, family dynamics-the teenage years can be tough on even the most well adjusted adolescent. In fact, it's not just teenagers displaying dysfunctional behavior who find themselves in therapy anymore. And as most therapists know, the last thing these young men and women want to do-regardless of the severity of the presenting problem-is form an intimate therapeutic relationship with a health care professional. This complicated circumstance can make the first session with a teen one of the most challenging a therapist can face.The First Session with Teenagers is a practical, accessible guide that reveals how mental health care professionals can conduct a successful initial interview with reluctant and uncooperative adolescent clients. Written by Neil G. Ribner, a recognized expert in the field of family therapy and the treatment of teenagers, this important resource shows how to use the first therapeutic session to establish trust, engage the adolescent, and determine an effective plan of action that sets the tone for the entire course of treatment.In clear, jargon-free language, the author offers clinicians at all levels of expertise (from the novice to the seasoned professional) a step-by-step process for working with adolescents during the pivotal first session. The book includes specific guidelines for interview techniques and a wealth of assessment strategies.The flexible guidelines and suggestions outlined in this invaluable resource can be used when working with teenagers for the first time in a one-on-one therapy setting, family therapy, a school environment, or a criminal justice diversion program.the tools you need to work with teens to establish trust, uncover hidden issues, and create an effective plan of action. . . all within the first sessionNeil G. Ribner, a noted expert in the field of family therapy and the treatment of adolescents, offers clinicians a hands-on guide

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 184 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (February 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0787949825
• ISBN-13: 978-0787949822
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,223,791 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars First session with the teenager, June 20, 2000

By 

Joav Merrick - See all my reviews

This review is from: The First Session With Teenagers: A Step-By-Step Guide (Hardcover)

First impressions have importance for future opinions in many situations of life, also when you meet a therapist for the first time. Neil G Ribner, a director of Child Custody and Family Services at the California School of professional Psychology in San diego, has written this book on the very important topic of the first therapeutic session with adolescents. This is an easy book to read with many examples of teenagers with normal development problems, substance abuse, eating disorders, delinquency, depression and violence. The book is recommended for therapists in the hospital, ambulatory, private practice or juvenile social work or court system.

Professor Joav Merrick, MD, DMSc Medical Director, Division for the Mentally Retarded, Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, Box 1260, IL-91012 Jerusalem, Israel; Email: [e-mail]

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The first but hopefully not the last!, November 29, 2001

By 

paul (san diego) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The First Session With Teenagers: A Step-By-Step Guide (Hardcover)

A very touching, eye-opening and informative take on the process. A sensitive powerful approach to taking teenage life with all its complexities and helping provide a clarity.

Neil..Heaton...."Tell me more!"