Child-Friendly Therapy: Biopsychosocial Innovations for Children and Families

Marcia Stern

Praise for Child Friendly Therapy

"Dr. Stern empowers children, families, teachers, and clinicians to come together in a unified effort to combat psychiatric disorders using a combination of proven clinical methods and the latest advancements in research. In clear, user-friendly language, Dr. Stern destigmatizes childhood psychiatric illness and equips therapists with the necessary tools to relate to our misunderstood children. Promoting self-efficacy, coping mechanisms, problem-solving skills, and relationship-building strategies, Child-Friendly Therapy is a fresh approach, replete with ingenious techniques."
— Harold Koplewicz, MD, Founder and Director, NYU Child Study Center

"This book achieves a masterful integration of science and creativity rarely found in one single text. Dr. Stern provides substance and technique congruent with her belief that therapist and client can utilize left and right hemispheres of the brain to produce powerful therapeutic changes. This book is truly informative and stimulating."
— Eliana Gil, PhD, Director of Clinical Services, Childhelp Children’s Center of Virginia

Overview

A treasure trove of creative tools and strategies to engage children in therapy.

Finding a therapy that “fits” kids-one that cuts through their continuous state of overstimulation and aversion to traditional language-based methods- is not easy. Now in paperback, this books offers clinicians an array of inventive, multifaceted therapy techniques, from brain-based tips to family-oriented exercises.

Contents

Foreword by Harold S. Koplewicz, MD

Introduction to the Paperback Edition

Part I: Words Are Not Enough: A Biopsychosocial Approach
1. Child-Friendly Therapy: An Overview
2. Principles and Practices: General Anchors and Guides
3. Principles and Practices: Strategically Organized Sessions

Part II: Assessment
4. Keeping the Brain in Mind: A Brain Primer
5. Zoom Out: Focusing on the Family and School
6. Zoom In: Focusing on the Child and Individual Factors

Part III: Treatment in Action: Sending Therapy Home
7. Child and Family Work
8. A Group Intervention for Children with Learning Disabilities and Their Families
9. Partings and Parting Thoughts

Appendix

About the Author

Marcia Stern, PsyD, is a psychologist, family therapist, and international workshop leader. She is on the faculties at the NYU School of Medicine and the Ackerman Institute for the Family, where she is Director and Developer of Competent Kids, Caring Classrooms, a teacher-led intervention program.

ISBN 978-0-393-70564-5
ISBN 10-0-393-70564-1
2008 / 384 pages / paperback