Britt H. Rathborne - What Works with Teens

Rathbone and Baron are exceedingly talented clinicians who really get teens, and who are well grounded in current thinking about the adolescent brain and teen development. This outstanding book artfully presents their knowledge and clinical wisdom to professionals who work with adolescents. The strong emphasis the authors place on trust, authenticity, acceptance, and respect in dealing with teens is equally relevant to teachers, therapists, counselors, and physicians, all of whose work with young people will be elevated if they study this book.

William R. Stixrud, PhD, director of The Stixrud Group, and assistant professor of psychiatry, behavioral sciences, and pediatrics at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences

What Works with Teens is a gift to clinicianssimply a must-read! Offering tremendous insight into the world of the adolescent and adolescent brain, it invites clinicians to thoughtfully approach their work with teens and, in particular, how to facilitate a meaningful and effective relationship. Based on science and the authors clear mastery of treating teens, this book provides a comprehensive and sophisticated understanding of what is needed for successful work with teenagers. Presented in a clear and engaging manner, What Works with Teens will leave the clinician prepared and inspired.

Bonnie Zucker, PhD, psychologist, author of Anxiety-Free Kids and Take Control of OCD, and coauthor of Resilience Builder Program for Children and Adolescents

Britt Rathbone and Julie Baron have written an amazing guide to developing relationships with teens that will eventually foster positive and lasting life changes. In What Works with Teens, they do, with clarity and precision, what might have seemed impossible: behaviorally defining what are usually the hard-to-explain interpersonal skills and characteristicsrespect, authenticity, kindness, predictability, and acceptancethat enhance relationships between teens and the adults who work with them. Written with respect and sensitivity for adults whose jobs involve helping teens, this book is a call to action that will motivate adults to interact more effectively with the teens with whom they work. What Works with Teens is a must-read for any adult who strives to connect with teens.

Pat Harvey, LCSW-C, clinical social worker; dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) parent coach, trainer, and consultant; and coauthor of Dialectical Behavior Therapy for At-Risk Adolescents

I have read many books that attempt to describe the athletic challenges, peer pressure, and stress that teens endure on a daily basis. What Works with Teens is the only book that truly connects not only to teens but to the parents, teachers, and coaches. After reading this book, I finally felt that sense of understanding with how I work, and why we do the things we do!

Kaitlin Mills, former division one student-athlete, North Carolina State University

What Works with Teens is a must-read for most any adult working with adolescents in the course of his or her day. Supported by both recent research literature and a variety of real-life examples, the essential ingredients and necessary frame of mind required to work successfully with adolescents is clearly laid out. Although I have been in clinical practice for nearly thirty years, I relearned important lessons and gained new perspective on my work with teens when reading this book. I will keep my copy close at hand, as it will remain a valuable reference for years to come.

Lance D. Clawson, MD, child and adolescent psychiatrist and distinguished fellow of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

In their wonderful new book, What Works with Teens, Britt Rathbone and Julie Baron write, Working with adolescents is a calling. If we are going to make a difference in the lives of youth, we need to roll up our sleeves and be ready to dig in with our whole selves. In this era of neurobiology and competing therapies, Rathbone and Baron remind us to pick up our heads out of the evidence-based manual, look at ourselves in the mirror, then look intoand throughthe eyes of our young patients. This book represents a rallying cry and a detailed road map. Rathbone and Baron discuss why and how to reestablish the relationship at the center of our work with adolescents. As they write so convincingly and practically, we can only help adolescents change and grow through relationships based upon respect, authenticity, kindness, predictability, and acceptance. This book is realistic, wise, and inspiring. I will recommend it to young professionals-in-training and experienced colleagues. Im also sure to reread it on days when I need to take a step back and remember why we do this workand how fortunate we are to do it.

Dan Shapiro, MD, developmental-behavioral pediatrician, Rockville, MD

This book provides an invaluable resource for professionals working with adolescents today. As a longtime middle school educator, I applaud its practical applications and strong foundational information. The insights of these two authors are a tremendous contribution to the educational community working with students during these complicated and confusing years.

Caroline MacNichol, director of the middle school at Dana Hall School in Wellesley, MA

Baron and Rathbone illustrate a profound understanding of one of our most misunderstood clinical populationsadolescents. What Works with Teens provides the field of youth service workers with poignant insights into the transforming physical, neurological, social, and cognitive world of teens, providing us a firm foundation and effective tools with which to build our support given our unique roles. The authors candid, realistic engagement strategies will empower all of us to feel the inspiration and passion to join adolescents along this tumultuous and exciting journey of self-exploration and identity development. When in doubt, pull this book from your shelf, and stay engaged!

Debbie B. Riley LCMFT, CEO, Center for Adoption Support and Education, and coauthor of Beneath the Mask: Understanding Adopted Teens

In What Works with Teens, Rathbone and Baron have pulled back the curtain on relating successfully with teenagers, and ably demonstrate the understated yet incontrovertible power of thoughtfulness, graciousness, and courtesy in influencing behavior change among youth. These authors understand what teenagers have always known but have been unable to articulate: that what really makes us credible and trustworthy as mentors, helpers, and sources of inspiration doesnt derive from our pointed explanations or advice, but rather from our ability to make a young person feel validated and respected in our presence. This is a terrific book, deserving of attention from therapists, counselors, parents, coaches, and the people teaching our next generation of mental health providers. I know of no other book like it and consider it a very valuable addition to the literature on counseling, parenting, teaching, and simply caring for adolescents.

Janet Sasson Edgette, PsyD, child and adolescent psychologist, author of Stop Negotiating with Your Teen, and coauthor of The Last Boys Picked

Publishers Note

This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering psychological, financial, legal, or other professional services. If expert assistance or counseling is needed, the services of a competent professional should be sought.