66th Annual Conference

Friday, February 20

Early Bird Open Sessions

7:15 A.M. – 8:15 A.M.

Session 214

Treatment of High-Risk Adolescents in Closed Setting Probation Schools

Chair:                

Walter N. Stone, M.D., CGP, DFAGPA, Emeritus Professor, University of Cincinnati, Mill Valley, California

Presenters:           

Judith S Gable, Clinical Program Director, Cleo Eulau Center, Mountain View, California

Beth Walton MFT, Site Clinical Supervisor, Cleo Eulau Center, Redwood City, California

This session will present treatment of culturally diverse high-risk adolescents in closed setting probation schools. We will address the task of creating a therapeutic environment where systems considerations i.e., school administrative considerations, gang loyalty and acting out are anti-group norms; Clinical examples from the group therapy  will illustrate some of the tasks and achievements of this endeavor.

Learning Objectives:

The attendee will be able to:

1. Identify systems based issues that facilitate or interfere with development of group treatment in a semi-closed setting.

2. Describe important boundary considerations in treatment of this population.

3. Identify particular resistances related to gang culture.

4. Assess relationship elements contributing to therapeutic change.

Course References:

1. Fairall C. & Gleeson A. (2007) Daring to Engage: Psychoanalysis for Young Offenders in a Unit-based Therapy Programme.  Group Analysis  40: 43-58

2. Gleeson a., & Faairall, C. (2007)  Delinquency in the Mind of an Organization.  Group Analysis  40 538-550.

3. Ruble, N.M. & Turner, W.L. (2000). A Systemic Analysis of the Dynamics and Organization of Urban Street Gangs.  The American Journal of Family Therapy, 28, 117-132.

4. Raubolt R.R. (1989).  The Clinical Practice of Group Psychotherapy with Delinquents.  In F.J. Azima Cramer & L.H. Richmond (eds) Adolescent Group Psychotherapy.  Meridian CT: International Universities Press (pp 143-162).