Working with Challenging Youth

Working with Challenging Youth, Second Edition is a practical, reader-friendly guide through the pitfalls and problems that arise when working with at-risk youth. As in the first edition, the new Working with Challenging Youth builds on a solid theoretical base in reality therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, systems theory, and humanistic philosophy to answer the question "What distinguishes the really effective professionals from the rest?" This second edition includes new sections on specialized, evidence-based approaches such as dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness, collaborative problem-solving, motivational interviewing, and multisystemic therapy. This book also offers 7 guiding principles and 50 specific lessons to help bridge the gap between helping professionals and youth.

Yes, this book is chock full of clear methods, unique strategies, worthy goals, and tender anecdotes, but what won my mind and heart is Richardson’s persona—experienced and savvy, compassionate and humble. He invites the reader to share his compelling faith in humanity. Richardson champions challenged youth while mentoring all those seeking diverse, lasting ways to serve them. Everyone wins.—Marietta McCarty, is the author of Little Big Minds: Sharing Philosophy with Kids and How Philosophy Can Save Your Life: 10 Ideas That Matter MostDr. Brent Richardson is a fabulous storyteller. In this book, Richardson is at his best, telling short and powerful stories that articulate and illustrate deep principles underlying effective counseling and psychotherapy with youth. This is a must-read for everyone who works with or wants to work with challenging youth. Reading Richardson’s stories and therapeutic principles will inform, affirm, and inspire all of us to become better counselors.—John Sommers-Flanagan, PhD, is a professor of counselor education at the University of Montana and author of Tough Kids, Cool Counseling, as well as seven other books.With proven ideas and techniques based on widespread and continuous experience, Dr. Brent Richardson presents down to earth principles and techniques immediately applicable to difficult behaviors. His work is based on solid theory, current research and recent advances in the helping professions. Students and practitioners are hungry for ways to reach an increasing number of troubled youth. He has shown us how to intervene with empathy and confidence in ways that both parents and professionals can implement immediately.—Dr. Robert E. Wubbolding, is the author of Reality Therapy for the 21st Century Dr. Brent Richardson has created an important resource for clinicians, educators, and anyone who is invested in the lives of young people in distress. This well-crafted book includes evidenced-based modalities including mindfulness and multisystemic therapy. Clearly written, and reflective in tone, this book provides a refreshing avenue to help readers become observant, introspective, and current in their approach to working with–an making a difference in the lives of–challenging youth.—Kendra A. Surmitis, PhD, is an assistant clinical professor at Northern Arizona University

Brent Richardson, EdD, is a licensed professional clinical counselor and chair of the counseling department at Xavier University.