Big Talk's Book Talk

I return to this book every time I start work with a new family. It’s a quick read, the writing is clear and not too theory jargon and the case conceptualizations helpful to understand what the work actually looks and sounds like when using this theory. It also has helpful worksheets and exercises to use with parents. I learned in grad school that ‘engaging with the family’ proves really impactful, but within our individualist and culture of differentiation I had no idea how to apply this when working with adolescents. This book has research to back up the nervous system regulation benefits of teaching parents skills to attune more regularly to their kids. And honestly, I still ask all the teens I work with if they’re open to me meeting with their parents to provide feedback, and about 85% of my clients are EXCITED for their parents to get help too. Teens love privacy, but they love the relationship with their parents more!!