Book description
In this book, Peter Blake articulates his clinical practice of child
and adolescent psychotherapy. A clear conceptual framework and
historical context is provided for the work. The book is then structured
to follow the therapeutic process, from assessment (referral and initial
interview, individual assessment, developmental considerations,
assessment for therapy, working with parents) to therapy (physical and
mental settings, interpretation, the role and challenges of play,
transference and countertransference, termination). Drawing on the
Winnicottian tradition, in which fun and humour have a place in child
and adolescent work, Blake demonstrates how a therapist can be playful
and less directly interpretative. How psychodynamic thinking can be
applied in an effective yet time-limited manner is also demonstrated.
The text is enlivened by many case studies and clinical anecdotes. For
therapists who are new to child and adolescent psychotherapy, and who
wish to take a psychodynamic approach, the book will provide a valuable
introduction. For professionals who refer to or work with child and
adolescent therapists, the book will provide insight into the field,
dissipating much of the mystique and misunderstanding that surrounds
this work. Experienced child and adolescent therapists will find of
interest how Blake integrates a Kleinian, Object-Relations approach with
more Interpersonal (now, Relational) thinking.
