Checkmate Plus Books

Treating the Tough Adolescent
A Family-Based, Step-by-Step Guide

Scott P. Sells
Forewords by Jay Haley and Neil Schiff

This book illuminates the causes of severe adolescent behavioral problems and presents a research-based 15-step model for helping families bring about real, lasting change. Incorporating structural and strategic principles, the author's cohesive approach focuses on setting clear rules and consequences; changing the mood and direction of confrontations; neutralizing such problem behaviors as disrespect, truancy, running away, violence, and threats of suicide; and restoring positive, nurturing relationships among family members. Special treatment issues covered include working with single-parent families, outside systems (peers, school, probation officers), divorce and stepfamily problems, and substance misuse. A wealth of real-life case examples and concrete troubleshooting tips, along with handy reproducible materials, facilitate the program's implementation in a range of clinical settings.

Contents

I. A Family-Based Model for Difficult Adolescents
1. Introduction
2. Point of Entry: Why Difficult Teenagers Have Problems
3. A Model for Change
II. Specific Principles and Guidelines
4. Setting Clear Rules and Consequences: The Basic Work of Therapy
5. Changing the Timing and Process of Confrontations
6. Neutralizing the Adolescent's "Five Aces"
7. Restoring Nurturance and Tenderness
III. Special Treatment Issues and Circumstances
8. Working with Outsiders
9. Single-Parent Families: Sharing Parental Responsibility
10. Divorce and Stepfamily Problems
11. Alcohol and Drug Use: "I Don't Have a Problem"
IV. Research Findings and Future Implications
12. Process Outcome Research and the Family-Based Model: Refining and Operationalizing Key Theoretical Concepts

Reviews

"This book is a gem. Sells provides front-line clinicians with a step-by-step road map for doing effective family therapy with difficult adolescents. If you wish to know what an advanced structural-strategic family therapy model looks like, read this book."
-Matthew D. Selekman, MSW, Response Center, Skokie, IL