This fine book uses a sophisticated systems framework to weave the many issues associated with working with adolescents into an intricate tapestry. It has special features that set it above the rest: it examines theorists and strands of development; integrates gender, cultural, and peer influences; considers both protective and risk factors; and places suggestions about practice in an ecological context. Realistic cases provide effective illustrations. The book is well written and makes effective use of summaries and tables. It concludes with an inspiring section devoted to the true joys of working with adolescents. Highly recommended!--Steven R. Rose, PhD, College of Health & Human Services, George Mason University
Laser and Nicotera's ecological perspective goes above and beyond the risk and protective factors that are typically discussed in books on working with teenagers. In great detail, they provide an approach that addresses family relationships, neighborhood influences, mental health issues, and school crises. Designed for the practitioner, the book provides the tools necessary to be successful in helping struggling adolescents. Case studies and reflection questions allow readers to gain an understanding of effective practice and to consider how to apply these strategies in their own work. This text would work well in our graduate-level course on clinical and diagnostic skills.--Kelly McGraw, PhD, School Psychology Program, Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Clinical models for working with children and adolescents seldom pay enough attention to research on normative development, which can help clinicians understand what to expect and what to aim for. Laser and Nicotera have bridged this gap by thoroughly examining adolescent development and its implications for clinical practice. This is an exceptional text for seasoned providers looking for fresh knowledge and new ideas, as well as clinicians-in-training.--Guy S. Diamond, PhD, Director, Center for Family Intervention Science, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and Associate Professor, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
This comprehensive text discusses adolescent development through a multisystemic, ecological perspective that addresses the many contexts in which adolescents live. It contains thought-provoking discussions of risk and protective factors, with attention to diversity issues throughout. Solutions to complex problems are illustrated in numerous case examples. This is an excellent text for master's-level courses, including human behavior, practice classes focused on families or adolescents, school social work, and field practica. Questions for self-reflective practice make this book a great resource for beginning practitioners.--Linda Openshaw, DSW, LCSW, Director, Master of Social Work Program, Texas A&M University-Commerce - Does a wonderful job of providing overviews of its chapters, case examples, and reflective questions for practitioners to answer at the end of each chapter. It is relevant to those who are working as clinicians in private practice, school social workers, and those working with adolescents in general....This book is an important addition to the library of all social workers who work with adolescents. It takes a refreshing look at these youths at multisystem levels. Social workers can use this book as a reference, as a guide to providing clinical assessments as well as family and individual therapy when working in the school setting. The book does an excellent job in offering opportunities for practitioners to expand their clinical skills and to learn up-to-date approaches that address current issues that adolescents are facing. --School Social Work Journal, 11/18/2010ff_x000D_One of its strengths is its ecological approach to working with adolescents and its consideration of the wide array of forces at play in an adolescent's life including issues of diversity and gender. It provides current research and theory on adolescent development that can guide both assessment and interventions with youth and their families....It is a terrific introductory textbook which would be a good addition to any student's library....This book can serve as an effective reference book, providing a strong ecological overview of important issues of clinical work with adolescents and offering sources from which to gain more information. The book is a solid starting point from which a beginning practitioner can seek out more depth for their work with adolescent clients and their families.--Clinical Social Work Journal, 12/30/2014
