A Practical Guide for Working Therapeutically with Teenagers and Young Adults

The lives of teenagers and young adults today are increasingly complex; in an ever-changing political, social, ethical and technological landscape, they are having to hold the multiple demands of the education system, finding work and building a career in an increasingly competitive environment, navigating social pressures, maintaining an online presence, negotiating complex family dynamics, and much more - all alongside the quest to establish their own identity as they move into adulthood. A Practical Guide for Working Therapeutically with Teenagers and Young Adults is exactly that: a comprehensive and engaging guide that seeks to inform and support professionals working therapeutically with this age group. As an experienced counsellor, Gifford knows of what she writes: she has worked extensively in this field, in a range of therapeutic roles. She draws on that experience to offer practical advice, techniques and tools that will enhance therapeutic interactions and promote the positive relationships that can foster the personal growth, resilience and wellbeing of teenagers and young adults. The many case study examples bring to life and enrich the reader's understanding and provide valuable insights from the author's firsthand experience. Written simply and succinctly, in short chapters and without use of complicated jargon, this book is designed to reach out to readers from a range of professional disciplines, backgrounds and levels of qualification and experience. Its main message is one of encouragement to professionals to stay open to continually learning from their young clients themselves in order to develop and enrich their therapeutic practice. The book is primarily aimed at professionals, including counsellors and therapists, mental health workers, social workers, pastoral staff, youth workers, and educational staff, who are either seeking to enhance their existing skills in working with young adults or are new to this field.

Table of Contents:
Introduction PART 1: THE FIRST MEETING 1 Creating the therapy space 2 Introductions 3 Teenagers hate silence 4 The floor is your friend 5 Building trust PART 2: TECHNIQUES AND TOOLS 6 Flexibility, flexibility, flexibility 7 Tools to get started 8 The family tree 9 Timelines 10 Worksheets 11 Psychoeducation 12 Fidget toys 13 Games 14 Creative interventions 15 Sand tray 16 Cards 17 Narratives 18 Guided imagery 19 Media 20 Group exercises PART 3: ADDRESSING SPECIFIC ISSUES 21 Working with different topics 22 Self-care 23 Identity 24 Identity within communities 25 Sex and relationships 26 Drugs and alcohol 4 27 Self-harm 28 Suicidal thoughts 29 Grief and loss 30 Language and communication 31 Body language 32 Communication in relationships 33 Attachment and family 34 Touch 35 Neurodiversity and neurodivergence 36 Boundaries 37 Social media and technology 38 Confidentiality and contracting 39 Assessments and outcomes 40 Disclosure and risk 41 Online and phone counselling 42 Behaviour and safety 43 Child protection and safeguarding 44 Between sessions 45 The world 46 Conflicts of interest and dual roles 47 Review meetings 48 Working with other professionals 49 School and education 50 Diagnoses 51 Referrals 52 Supervision 53 Endings 54 Learning from your clients

About the Author :
Helen Gifford is a counsellor and supervisor with nearly 20 years' experience of working therapeutically with young adults. Based in Newcastle Upon Tyne, she has a degree in psychology and further qualifications in counselling and supervision. Helen trained initially in cognitive behavioural therapy and has since developed her practice to incorporate creative, narrative and parts work. She defines her current approach as integrative. She has worked therapeutically in inner-city schools and young people's residential settings, and is now in full-time private practice, offering counselling to teenagers, young adults and adults, and clinical supervision to colleagues in the therapy professions. Helen's deep understanding of the challenges faced by young adults, combined with her passion for supporting other practitioners, inspired her to write this practical guide. The guide reflects Helen's commitment to bridging the gap between theory and practice and equipping fellow practitioners with the tools and confidence to support young adults in their mental health journeys.

Review :
'This delightful book offers a comprehensive and accessible overview of therapeutic work with young people. Broken down into four parts, it covers everything you would need to consider, ranging from 'being in the room', to specific issues such as sex and relationships; identity; self-harm etc., as well as general practice, including ethical considerations. A jargon-free guide, appropriate to all modalities, this nifty book is highly recommendable.' Caz Binstead is an integrative therapist working with young people and adults. She is also an author, supervisor, facilitator/visiting lecturer, and co-lead of #TherapistsConnect 'If you're preparing to work with teens, in any setting or capacity, think of this book as your 'to do' list, your 'to think about' list and your 'what to do when the sh*t hits the fan' list. Helen Gifford gets teenagers. She tells you all the things you'll need to know about working with this demographic - including quite a few I guarantee you'll have overlooked, and some you'll wish you could - all wrapped up in one contemporary and concise companion guide.' Jeanine Connor, psychotherapist, supervisor, author