By Rich Simon It seems astonishing that even just two or three decades ago, parents not only pretty much knew what was expected of them to turn their offspring into civilized adults, but they could actually count on society to back them up. Even more astounding, kids seemed to understand this, too. Even if they rebelled against, yelled about, or sullenly resented how “unfair” adults were, they seemed to acknowledge adult authority and realize that they would just have to wait until they turned 18 to get for themselves the keys to the kingdom of grown-up independence. 
CE Credits: 2 • Price: $29Each article probes the issue of what can be learned from cases that refuse to go according to plan. Mary Pipher describes what she calls, "my most spectacular failure." Frank Pittman shares the ordeal of treating a suicidal client. David Treadway explores the boundary between being a professional helper and a savior. Martha Straus describes a long-term work with a very difficult child client. Lascelles Black ponders the distinction between friendship and therapeutic responsibility. Cloe Madanes shows the clinical value of being more obstinate than your client.
Course Readings
My Most Spectacular Failure: Voluntary Simplicity Meets Shop till You Drop by Mary Pipher
How Involved Is Too Involved?” Twenty-two Years and Still Wondering by David Treadway
A Matter of Life and Death: When the Therapist Becomes the Survivor by Frank Pittman
Small Winnings: Learning from a Therapist's Nightmare by Martha Straus
The Godfather Strategy: Finding the Offer a Client Can't Refuse by Cloe Madanes
Therapist, Colleague, or Friend: Stretching the Boundaries of the Therapeutic Relationship by Lascelles Black
Learning Objectives
1. Explain possible negative impact of differing values in therapist and client
2. Discuss ways to overcome difficulties due to differing values
3. Discuss measure therapists can take when they get stuck with clients
4. List warning signs of being overinvolved with clients
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