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.”

“What Works with Teens is a gift to clinicians―simply 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.”

“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 characteristics―respect, authenticity, kindness, predictability, and acceptance―that 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.”

“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!”

“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.”

“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 into―and through―the 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. I’m also sure to reread it on days when I need to take a step back and remember why we do this work―and how fortunate we are to do it.”

“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.”

“Baron and Rathbone illustrate a profound understanding of one of our most misunderstood clinical populations―adolescents. 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!”

“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 doesn’t 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.”

“Rathbone and Baron have written an eminently readable and practical guide for working compassionately and mindfully with troubled teens. In this book, you will find a toolbox overflowing with wonderful, evidence-based strategies for establishing—and maintaining—an authentic and transformative connection with even the most challenging adolescents.”