TREATING CONDUCT-DISORDERED ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS BY WORKING WITH THE PARENTS

A method of therapy for families with an acting out adolescent or young adult is presented, as is a rationale for the method. The aim of the approach is to alter the underlying problem of immaturity that is hypothesized to exist in these families. Emphasis is placed on working with the parents in a systematic way over an extended period of time. As progress is made by the parents, an emotional crisis is created in the adolescent that can then be used by him as the basis for extensive change. The therapy of the parents proceeds in phases: 1) preparation for a long-term effort; 2) rethinking and objectively evaluating the nature of the relationship with the adolescent in specific areas; 3) translation of the newly gained perspective into action positions vis-à-vis the adolescent; and 4) non-child-focused therapy.