How to Be a Better Child Therapist: An Integrative Model for Therapeutic Change

How to Be a Better Child Therapist is an innovative contribution to the theory & practice of child therapy. Drawing on several decades of experience, Kenneth Barish presents a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to therapeutic work with children & families, based on a contemporary understanding of children’s emotions & emotional needs.

This book offers a new theoretical integration, an in-depth discussion of the essential processes of child therapy, & a wealth of practical recommendations to help child therapists solve the varied problems presented to us in daily clinical work.

Part 1 provides a theoretical foundation. Barish demonstrates how emotional & behavioral problems of childhood are most often caused by vicious cycles of painful emotions & pathogenic family interactions. Successful therapy arrests this malignant development & sets in motion positive cycles of healthy emotional & interpersonal experiences—increased confidence and engagement in life & more affirming interactions between parents & children. Over time, children & adolescents develop a less critical inner voice & more positive expectations for their future—a new sense of what is possible in their lives.

Part 2 describes 10 principles that guide our efforts toward this overarching therapeutic goal. Barish offers advice on how we can improve all aspects of clinical work with children: How can we engage more children in treatment? Why is empathy essential to children’s emotional health and effective therapy? How do children learn to regulate their emotions? What is the role of play in contemporary child therapy? How can we combat a child’s discouragement & self-doubt? How can we overcome children’s resistance to talking about bad feelings? 

Part 3 presents a framework for therapeutic work with parents. Barish describes general principles for strengthening family relationships & solving common problems