Positive Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy

Abstract

The process of development and the wellbeing of a child are influenced by many factors. If the family or environmental determinants, or intensive internal conflicts stand in the way of this development, it may be advisable to undergo either individual or family therapy. In this chapter, positive psychotherapy (PPT, after Peseschkian) of children and adolescents, broadened by systemic context, is described. Basic issues, including the proper clinical and pragmatic diagnosis, stage of child and their family development, and the efficacy of therapeutic actions are discussed. This chapter also includes basic information concerning the formulation of a therapeutic contract and therapeutic techniques adjusted to the child’s age, in addition to forms of psychotherapy and stages of the therapeutic process. The theory is illustrated with examples of therapeutic interventions and case descriptions.