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The First Ten Minutes: Clinicians' Perspectives on Engaging Adolescents in Therapy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 February 2012

Vanessa Keating
Affiliation:
North West Primary Mental Health Team, Coburg, Victoria, Australia.
Elizabeth Cosgrave*
Affiliation:
University of Melbourne, Australia and ORYGEN Research Centre, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. e.cosgrave@unimelb.edu.au
*
*Address for Correspondence: Dr Elizabeth Cosgrave, ORYGEN Research Centre, Locked Bag 10, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia.
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Abstract

The objective of this article is to outline factors for consideration in the successful engagement of adolescents in therapy. Adolescents face a number of barriers that can affect their ability to successfully engage with mental health clinicians (Booth, et al., 2004). Those working with this population should have a keen awareness of these barriers and their impact. As a first step, preparation for the initial interview with an adolescent is vital. Careful thought should be given to those involved in the assessment process and the manner of their involvement, giving the adolescent as much input as possible. The importance of an honest and respectful attitude should not be underestimated.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2006

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