Endorsements

Janet Sasson Edgette, PsyD

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.

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

Bonnie Zucker, PhD

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.

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

Dan Shapiro, MD

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.

Dan Shapiro, MD, is a developmental-behavioral pediatrician in Rockville, MD