Therapists trying too hard to appeal to un-cooperative adolescent clients risk losing cases before they are even under way. This text presents a way of relating to clients by focusing on establishing relationships that are genuine to bring about conversation. Case studies illustrate key points.

Focusing on establishing relationships between therapist and adolescent that are genuine and unaffected, and on bringing about conversation that is candid, forthright, and emotionally moving, this text offers therapists a different way to help disengaged or un-cooperative young clients and their family members find dignified, face-saving ways out of their problems. It teaches that holding adolescents accountable for their actions and choices is just as important as providing compassion for their plights, but underscores how essential it is that the therapist refrains from imposing injunctions in order to best facilitate change. Case examples and stories from the author's practice are used throughout the book to illustrate how therapists can successfully navigate difficult therapeutic encounters and avert the power struggles and "going-nowhere" dialogues that thwart and bore their young clients.